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When did we become so Attached to our Tech Toys?

By
Real Estate Agent with Pilkerton Realtors

When did we become so Attached to our Tech Toys?

This morning I woke up to find my Cell phone dark. Turned off, I thought. I tried to technologyturn it on and a funny looking screen appeared. It wouldn't do anything. Nothing. Nada. So I tried to turn it off to try turning it on again. Now it won't turn off either.

Oh well, I'll deal with it later, I thought. I had an 8am run with Team Rio. We're training for the half marathon. It's Saturday, I have nothing planned but lunch with my husband. We run 8 miles, meet back at the running store to shop (10% of all sales today went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN - that's who Team Rio supports).

As I was leaving, close to 10:30, I bumped into a client who I hadn't seen in several years. Do you see where this is going? It was almost noon before I used my husband's phone to check my messages!

Yikes! 3 Messages.

technology


I have a home with a "Coming Soon" sign on it. It's not in the MLS. An agent called at 8:30 to show it at 10am.

Even if my phone was working, it would have been in my car. I don't carry it when I run. I was apologetic, when I returner her call. But then I thought Hmmmm.


The house isn't on the market. It's not like they're supposed to be ready at all times. The sellers are probably not quite ready to show it. So an hour an a half notice? Really?

Just a little Rant.

I hate being so dependent on my cell phone. I'll get a new one tomorrow.

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Connie Harveyis a local agent with Pilkerton Realtors, serving home buyers and sellers in Nashville, TN, Brentwood TN, and Franklin TN. Let her help you realize your Real Estate goals. She can be reached at 615-371-2474.


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Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

I kind of go into a cold sweat if my phone starts acting funny, lol :)!  I lost internet in my home for a night and I swear I was like some kind of drug addict without their fix!  I rely waay too much on that stuff, but..it's a sign of the  times for sure.

Jan 28, 2012 11:55 AM
Ralph Janisch ABR CRS Broker
Janisch & Co. - Conroe, TX
Selling Northwest Houston to good people like you!

I don't go anywhere without my cellphone.  Feels naked without it.  Maybe I really need to get rid of it and cut the additction.

Jan 28, 2012 01:53 PM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

I received an email last night from clients wanting to list their home with me soon.  Two minutes later I replied--and this was Friday night at 8pm--yes, I'm addicted to my iPhone...

Jan 28, 2012 01:56 PM
Fred Carver Real Estate Consulant
Retired BC Realtor - Victoria, BC
Accredited Real Estate Consultant

Hi Connie....Oh Dear, no phone what's a Girl Realtor to do...ha. Not really funny, Since I switched to an iPhone I never see any more problems, other that a low battery and my car charger charges my phone quickly.

How did the other Realtor find your Coming Soon, are you posting this somewhere...you're brave. I only announce mine when I have all my ducks in a row, so I'm ready..

Running 8 miles Good on you

Good luck with your showing.

Jan 28, 2012 03:13 PM
Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

Connie, You're right -- we certainly become attached to our tech toys.  Last summer, I took a couple of trips into wilderness areas with no connections to anything and it was difficult at first even though I knew that I had everything covered.

Jan 28, 2012 03:17 PM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

I thought I was going to have to be stationary 24 hours with no iPhone or iPad. You can imagine the relief when I learned I could have them. No surprise I ran low on juice.

Jan 28, 2012 03:35 PM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Rebecca - It drives me nuts when my girlfriends answer the phone while we're walking or jogging. Just doesn't make sense.

Gretchen - We forget that not that many years ago most of us didn't have cell phones and lived just fine!

Jan 29, 2012 12:14 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Brenda - It's terrible that we've become this way!

Jeanne and Ralph - Last year at New Years I was without internet for 3 days. The first day was terrible and after that I just spent time with my husband. Hmmmm :)

Jan 29, 2012 12:17 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Norma - I've been resisting the smart phone but I imagine that today's the day.

Fred - What did we do before cell phones? Everything just didn't happen instantly. People had to plan ahead.The Coming Soon sign is in the front yard. The Seller insisted upon having it to get people interested. The 3 of us are in the same book but NOT on the same page.

Jan 29, 2012 01:38 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Gary - Once you get used to it, it's a beautiful thing. That's what I call a true vacation!

Cheryl - I already feel too attached to things. I'm afraid with the IPad or Smartphone, whichever I choose, I'll be even more attached. Not sure I'm ready for that.

Jan 29, 2012 01:40 AM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

Connie, I don't know how many I have dumped into various lakes.  So, I definitely "get" this.  Have a great week.

Jan 29, 2012 01:54 AM
Emily Medvec
eXp Realty LLC - Santa Fe, NM
Broker | Realtor | Serving Santa Fe & Northern NM

Connie, I confess...addicted. Our new "tools" are everywhere and unfortunately now a necessity for doing business. At the time time, I set limits when I respond because I can not be everywhere at once. At times, I turn the phone over to the four on the floors and they sit on it for awhile...

Jan 29, 2012 02:20 AM
Michelle Francis
Tim Francis Realty LLC - Atlanta, GA
Realtor, Buckhead Atlanta Homes for Sale & Lease

Connie, 

My cell phone is showing signs of going to it's end.  Am trying to plan for replacement soon.

Glad you got a good run in for a great cause.  There will always be agents hoping to see homes - especially now with reduced inventories.  I would guess they probably just drove by and got excited and called.  Not really trying to challenge you, but haven't seen what they wanted yet.

All the best, Michelle

Jan 29, 2012 03:47 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Don - I promise my next phone is going to have insurane on it!

Emily - OMGosh I love that! The four on the floors! Priceless!

Michelle - The funny thing with this agent is that they drove by it early in the week and she told me that she'd probably like to show it over the weekend. So it was just a planning snafu. Usually you know on Friday what you're showing on Saturday morning.

Jan 29, 2012 04:13 AM
Linda Holloway
Keller Williams Realty Tampa Central - Tampa, FL
REALTORĀ®, Your Next Home in Tampa Bay Starts Here!

Hi Connie, We certainly have become attached to our tech toys.  I had to smile at Brenda's comment above.  I arrived home this week and my service was out which includes home telephone, internet, and television.  Of course, it was the internet I missed the most but talk about stir crazy!  Team Rio supports a great cause!

Jan 29, 2012 04:36 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

LInda - Well I just got back from the store and I'm the proud owner of a smart phone. It's certainly way smarter than me! LOL

Jan 29, 2012 07:35 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Hey Connie, I hear that. 

i had occasions where I would think I'm off the clock and allow my self time to just relax but, that phone seems to not allow it.  I wish people could understand that everyone needs breaks and that they respect the times they call and email you.  10pm at night phone calls, I'm most likely on my way to bed after a long day, and it's just a bit rude.  If it's family or friends, that is a bit different.   11pm emails, saying contact me now....not really :) By than I'm already asleep.  everyone needs to take a break :)

 

Jan 29, 2012 09:09 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Laura - I go to bed even earlier than that! Don't call me after 7pm unless we're negotiating an offer!

Jan 29, 2012 09:43 AM
Regina P. Brown
MBA Broker Consultants - Carlsbad, CA
M.B.A., Broker, Instructor

Connie, our cell phone are instant communication and that's great but it means that we're always expected to work 24/7!

Jan 29, 2012 02:07 PM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Regina - Thankfully I added a docking station in my closet so I can't even hear the phone if it rings once I set it to charge.

Jan 30, 2012 04:27 AM