Comments on: Windows Vista for Real Estate Agents

By: Get TECH-NIK-KOL at RETechSouth | My Real Estate Website

Get TECH-NIK-KOL at RETechSouth | My Real Estate Website — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:31:04 +0000

[...] Windows Vista for Real Estate Agents [...]

By: Chad A. Johnson

Chad A. Johnson — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:21:27 +0000

Laura,

Thanks for the great firsthand account of your experience.

The compatibility issues experienced by real estate agents using a Mac really detracts from why you pay a premium for an Apple computer, it’s simplicity and ease of use.

By: Laura Rubinchuk

Laura Rubinchuk — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:29:12 +0000

I just bought the brand new MacBook Pro thinking that it would enhance any of the brochures, flyers, etc. that I put out for new listings. While the graphics portion of it may have been nice, when I went to ZipForms to write a contract….nothing worked. Then another program wasn’t supported, then another…It was a very disappointing purchase, and then return. I’m just happy I found out sooner, and well within my limits to return the MacBook. While it may be a great computer for some, as a Realtor, I would advise you stay away!! Most of the programs are Internet Explorer based, whether you like it or not!

Hope this helps someone else avoid the usual 10-15% restocking fee on a $2k computer!

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:12:00 +0000

With all the changes to windows, software compatabilities for laptop/desktops, PDA’s etc. it has forced me to move towards Web base solutions for CRM, presentations, flyers, etc. That’s good and bad, the bad being cost and hoping the service provider doesn’t go out of business. That said, it is comforting to know that I can do business anywhere w/o my gear in my hand and worrying about the lastest software fix. And yes, it is a windows world for R.E. software as Palm is for PDA’s.

By: Chad A. Johnson

Chad A. Johnson — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 05:18:00 +0000

I think the lack of widespread adoption of Macs by real estate agents stems from a lack of compatible real estate software. Most are Windows compatible only.

While you can run Windows on an Intel-based Mac, that means that you must purchase and learn 2 operating systems. This adds even more complication and confusion to the use of a computer by a non-technical business person.

Why don't software companies make their real estate software Mac compatible? My guess is that it is a numbers game. Small software companies have limited resources, so they need to get the most exposure for the least amount of development funds. Since Apple only has 5% of the computer market, developing real estate software for that small of a market isn't very inviting.

By: antman

antman — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:04:00 +0000

I’m not a Real Estate agent, but my wife is. And I have been wondering why Mac is not more widely supported. For all of the reasons you stated in the article plus it’s ease of use for digital media (pics, movies) etc. one would think the Mac would be adopted much more readily in the Real Estate community. Thoughts? I don’t get it.

By: Marshall Spencer

Marshall Spencer — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Any commenst on using an iMac and associated software ?

http://www.yourmortgagematters.blogspot.com

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:53:00 +0000

Love your Blog Chad, Even grabbed the Bling from a couple of posts ago, but we are all waiting for better compatability before we all change over (which is due, since our laptops are aging) I’m still a bit raw from some ie6 ( I think it was) compatability issues from about a year ago….I even jumped over to firefox for a couple of months….I sure hope these compatability issues over at MS wane…….