The technology committee for the Outer Banks Association of Realtors had an idea to put together some of our favorite free technology tools that could benefit Realtors. I thought I would share my personal suggestions with my readers (Not just for Realtors).
Gmail - hands down - the best web based email. With over 6.5 gigabytes of storage (and growing), you should never have to delete a message. Search capabilities are unbeatable.
Blog Platforms - many to choose from but Blogger and ActiveRain (send me an email if you would like an invite) are probably the two most prominent free platforms for Realtors. MySpace and Facebook are alternatives but they don't seem to be as business friendly. Typepad (costs $5 to $12 per month but well worth it) is the equivalent of Blogger on steroids.
Google Alerts - Keeps you updated on what is going on in your area. (It is great for keeping up with your competition).
Photo Editing - Picasa from Google is awesome. Turn those awful photos into works of art.
Google Documents - Don't have the funds to buy Office 2007 - Google Documents allows you to create documents (Word) and spreadsheets (Excel) that can be shared with all.
Primo PDF - Turn any document or screen into a .pdf
Gadwin Print Screen Pro - Print screen utility that captures your desktop when you press that seldom used print screen key. Great way to capture those detailed overhead views from Microsoft Live Maps.
Maps - Microsoft Live has an unbelievable map program (depending on your location). The Outer Banks is completely covered which is great for us. The birds eye view is just that - great resolution. You can even view the property from four directions - Microsoft has really kicked it into high gear with this program. Great tool for showing you potential buyer exactly where and what the property looks like. Google Maps has some cool features - you can create your own maps with markers to highlight points of interest such as restaurants or points of interest.
Video - Want to add some sizzle to your site. Try posting some video from Google Video, YouTube or Viddler. Viddler is my favorite - less junk and you can add tags and comments throughout the video.
Widgets - Sounds like something from an economics class - Widgets are small programs that you can add to your website.
Contact Management - Big Contacts is a pretty cool program for keeping up with contacts. Web based and free for the first 250 contacts.
Realbird Publisher - Single Property Web Site Builder Service. You should pay for the advanced services - well worth the money.
Pandora - Not really a Real Estate Program but a must have. Having a stressful day - play your favorite artist and relax.
I would like to hear about your favorite free tools. Leave a comment and let us know what free technology tools you cannot do without.
Update: Forgot about Goog 411 - no more directory assistance calls at $1 each.
active rain was a good find for me last year-I also took the e-pro certification to help ma as I got my web sit together and I used Point2Agent to do my website-I found it to be a very user friendly template sit that you can use for free.
Posted by: Mary Corrigan | January 16, 2008 at 09:44 PM
gmail is ok for some stuff but for important emails an agent really needs to have their own private email account. There are stories about gmail deleting everything in some one's account. That could be expensive for agents.
Posted by: Greg Cremia | January 17, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I have been playing around with platial maps [www.platial.com]. I think this is a great web 2.0 tool that is free. I hope to load pictures and video links of neighborhoods here in Wilmington NC. Really helpful for people who are planning on relocating to the area who want to get an idea of what things look like and where things are located.
Posted by: Walt Dowdy | January 22, 2008 at 12:31 AM