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Is your Phone a Smart Phone?

By
Real Estate Agent with Bruce Taylor Inc, Realty

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to speak in front of a group of fellow Realtors regarding this simple but difficult subject.

And why is it so difficult? Because we Realtors are bombarded daily to spend money on this or that. We constantly are trying to make decisions that can help our business but not bust our wallets. So I gave my opinions and did a little show and tell - I happen to have a Treo 650, a Blackberry Curve, a Centro, a wireless card for my laptop ( the greatest help beside a phone) and Magicjack. And it was actually Magicjack that caused this discussion. A fellow Realtor sent out an email extolling the great benefits of making a call anywhere, anytime using your PC and Magicjack. This hyperbole was such she bought three of them. It all sounded terrific, until I pointed out you needed a telephone or some such device hooked up to it and you must be connected to a network with a pretty high speed for Magicjack to work really well. It was not wireless. Now it has a purpose on saving money on long distance calls and at basically 20 bucks a year it sounds like a great deal.

We used to run a tech Expo in our area that was called Realtors Teaching Realtors. This has always been the purpose behind anything I "teach". I don't care about firms because the dialogue I like to present is more about what will make us better at our jobs and it won't bust our wallets. And what we discovered is just how many Realtors are starving for this information. What computer should I buy? Do I need a tablet PC? How to use MS Office to market yourself well and at a great price? Simple ideas that meet the needs of us the Realtor.

I believe strongly as our mentor keeps telling us that the deal is not about us but it is all about getting the deal done right for our clients. So if I can help in some small way to help a Realtor get a deal done for their client and they pass it on then maybe we will all win in these tough times.

But I think most in the room liked what they heard because it came from one of them. A Realtor.

And our conclusion regarding smart phones. There is really no smart phone unless it helps us Realtors do business and can open up lockboxes!!.

Everybody, Have a great day, week, month and year.

Comments(5)

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Chad Yates
A2S Smart Choice - Florence, SC
Realtor CEO, Assist2Sell Smart Choice Realty

I haven't used the Magic Jack, but I have used all of the above mentioned phones and by far I like the Crackberry the best. I currently have a curve and am awaiting the release of the Bold.

Oct 27, 2008 02:38 AM
Stephen Kappre
KW Hometown - Mantua, NJ
Helping You Home

David - thanks for sharing.  I often speak to realtors as a group too.  This is a good topic. I think realtors should at least be able to sync their phone for their contacts, maybe even email.  Personally I utilize the 2 gig miniSD card in my phone to keep really important stuff, which was a GODSEND when my laptop was stolen a few months back. 

Oct 27, 2008 02:39 AM
David Kimpton
Bruce Taylor Inc, Realty - Safety Harbor, FL

Thanks for taking the time to comment back to me.

As far as my Curve. I like it a lot but until it can open lockboxes which we expect by the end of the year I have to keep one of my TREO's alive.

As far as Blackberry I am really liking the look of the Storm. A touch screen!

Oct 27, 2008 03:03 AM
Patricia Aulson
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH
Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
I like having options/choices are very nice, but sometimes I feel we have toooooooo many choices . It takes time to research everything and even when we do sometimes we are disappointed. Hampton NH Real Estate Patricia Aulson/Realtor
Oct 27, 2008 03:03 AM
David Kimpton
Bruce Taylor Inc, Realty - Safety Harbor, FL

Patricia:

You are the reason why I believe so strongly in Realtors teaching Realtors.

Why not be able to talk to another Realtor who is actually using technology or ideas to help them do business. then maybe you can limit your choices.

You should try to get your Association to do a Tech Day. If in the meantime there is anything I may be able to help, please don't hesitate to email me at info@thekimptonteam.com.

Oct 27, 2008 03:21 AM