Google Maps: New “What’s Here” Feature

By Reggie · June 20, 2009 · 7 Comments 

Not too long ago maps were used simply to find locations and get from one point to another. But over recent years digital mapping has pushed the boundaries; adding new and innovative features with Google leading the way. Yesterday was no different; Google announced a new feature called “What’s here?” A very intuitive implementation that works by simply selecting a point on their map and choosing “What’s here?” Google then presents what they feel is “the most relevant result representing that location”

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TinyChat: Don’t let the name fool you, it’s all muscle

By Reggie · June 18, 2009 · 3 Comments 

If you’ve been unimpressed with the available chat applications for your blog, you’ll be excited to learn about TinyChat.

TinyChat recently delivered version 2 of their chat product and I’m really impressed.  The application is extremely intuitive, which starts with a large text field prompting for a chat room name. Within seconds your new room is created.  But not before you’re given the chance to sign in using Twitter and invite other participants.  If you’re not using Twitter don’t fret; just enter your name to continue.

At this point the chat room has been created, now set a chat topic and select your privacy option.  By private it really means not listed on the TinyChat website.  If you need password protection, you’ll have to upgrade to the professional plan.  With that plan, you’ll also own up to 5 rooms, and broadcast in HQ video.

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TheClozing: The Real Estate News Aggregator

By Reggie · June 2, 2009 · 1 Comment 

I remember just 3 or 4 years ago I could count all of my favorite blogs on one hand. It was easy to keep up with all the useful content.  But obviously with the growing popularity of blogs and other online content all that’s changed. While this evolution took place, many of us turned to websites that aggregate useful information like TechMeme. Although if you find yourself in the real estate niche you’ve noticed that we’re often forgotten, so that mainstream content can take center stage. That is, until I ran into www.theclozing.com

TheClozing is based off the TechMeme format, but is classified as a real estate and business news aggregator.  This is done by gathering and organizing real estate news from major U.S. newspapers, magazines and publications with related articles from the social media world.  That’s where the real value comes in.  Viewers can read the mainstream stories, and then review related blogs for the back-story.  The site refreshes every hour, to provide new content.

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Next-Gen iPhone Details Revealed?

By Reggie · May 20, 2009 · 11 Comments 

Today when I checked my reader I was excited to see rumored details of the next-gen iPhone from the Wired Gadget Lab. The article claims the latest iPhone will be released on July 17th and will include many hot upgrades, such as:

*  32GB and 16GB storage ($199 and $299 price points to be maintained)
*  3.2-megapixel camera (up from the current 2-megapixel camera)
*  Video-recording and editing capabilities
*  Ability to send a picture & video via MMS
*  OLED screen
*  1.5 times the battery life of the current models
*  Double the RAM and processing power
*  Built-in FM transmitter
*  Apple logo on back will glow
*  Rubber-tread backing
*  Sleeker design
*  Built-in compass
*  Turn-by-turn directions

It’s easy to see how these new features are great for iPhone users, but how will they affect the average real estate agent?  Many non-iPhone users will argue features like mobile video and MMS have been on other mobile devices for some time now.  But the reality is that other devices are missing the slick yet extremely powerful interface of the iPhone combined with the flourishing iTunes app store.

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12 Facebook Marketing Strategies Webinar

By Reggie · April 20, 2009 · 9 Comments 

As we’ve become increasingly social online, new opportunities to interact and grow our sphere have emerged. Once such opportunity is Facebook-the largest social network in the world.  Neilson recently reported that 3 out of every 10 people online in the world were using Facebook.  And Facebook themselves stated that over 100 million users login to the site at least once a day, further positioning the social networking giant as a trusted communication channel.

Those real estate agents that authentically engage with their network will succeed in creating new and flourishing relationships across the Internet. Some members of your network may help your business in terms of promotion, referrals or even through a transaction. I can’t tell you which, that depends on you and your actions. Although we can help you by sharing strategies you can implement into your business immediately!

If you’re interested in learning more about marketing your business in Facebook, and you’re free tomorrow (April 21st, 2009) at 10am (pacific) please join us for a free webinar hosted by Cyberhomes.com.  The session will be led by @Nik_Nik and me @Cyberhomes.

Resources:

1. RSVP Here
2. Facebook Event Page

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14 Tools for Real Estate Lifestreaming

By Reggie · March 9, 2009 · 9 Comments 

As a real estate professional using social media you’re probably starting to think about different ways to aggregate your web presence. So I decided to get a list going of helpful lifestreaming resources. However by no means is this list complete, so please share your favorites (i.e Facebook, MyBloglog) in the comment stream below. I’ll be sure to review and add suggestions to this permanent resource. This will be the beginning of a series of blog posts focused on lifestreaming for real estate pros like you!

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Lovely Charts: Sophisticated Diagrams Made Simple

By Reggie · February 11, 2009 · 5 Comments 

If you need to create a flowcart, diagram, org chart or even a wireframe, I have a powerful and attractive resource for you! Lovely Charts is a slick Adobe Flex application that uses a simplistic drag and drop drawing engine.  You can tell Lovely Charts has placed heavy importance on their clean design and attractive chart output. Their graphics and symbols will help you clearly represent your ideas on screen…without having to dig deep through thousands of choices. But don’t take my word for it, view their Gallery here.

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ZingDing: A Fresh New Spin on Real Estate Marketing

By Reggie · January 27, 2009 · 6 Comments 

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting August Giles, founder of ZingDing.com.  After reviewing his new approach to real estate email marketing, I couldn’t help but share it with the MTO audience!  When you think of ZingDing, think of a cross between your favorite virtual tour and eCard software all mixed into one…with viral share tools!

After previewing the site, I found many great ideas of how real estate agents have used ZingDing to promote their listings and rentals. Many have elected to include additional design elements like holiday themes-sure to get your sphere excited by your creativeness!

What does it take to build a ZingDing eCard?

Start by gathering all necessary photos and logos, then choose your desired music from the ZingDing library, add any desired effects (i.e. burning fireplace, snowfall, etc.), then input your properties details!

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Issuu SmartLook: Turning Downloadable Files into Attractive Online Publications

By Reggie · December 23, 2008 · 3 Comments 

When you share files on your website or blog, how do you have your visitors access them? The easiest method is to simply supply a link, and have them download the file and open it locally on their computer. Although with this method there is always the possibility of an incompatible program type. You could also manually embed the file each time using sites like Slide or Scribe.

Both methods work, but I have an exciting new option for you that will render your documents into an elegant and flowing online publication. Issue has a launched a new free tool called SmartLook; and it’s very easy to setup. Start by visiting: Issuu.com/smartlook and add your domain name. Issuu then supplies some embed code to be included immediately above the </body> tag found at the bottom of your website pages.  If you’re using a blog …that will be your Footer file.

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Nominate Cyberhomes for Crunchies 2008

By Reggie · November 26, 2008 · 2 Comments 

If you don’t already know, I’m now the Director of Social Media over at Cyberhomes.com.  I’m really enjoying my new gig!  But that’s not why I’m writing this post.  The nomination period for Crunchies 2008 is underway. The Crunchies is an annual award ceremony that recognizes stand-out companies. The event is co-hosted by TechCrunch.

I’m hopeful that you can help me get Cyberhomes nominated.  I’ve setup VoteForCyberhomes.com and now I need you to visit the site and nominate Cyberhomes.

You can vote each day until midnight on December 10^th. If you have a few seconds…vote now!

AppLoop Turns Your RSS Feed into a Brandable iPhone App

By Reggie · November 11, 2008 · 1 Comment 

Would you like your blog on the iPhone? Well now you can! Start by visiting AppLoop and requesting a beta account. Their slick new tool will convert your blog to a fully native mobile application in about 2 minutes. The cool aspect of AppLoop is that you can brand your iPhone application and learn about usage through supplied analytics.

Also check out AgentGenius, they’ve covered another app called intersquash.com. This tool works slightly different, as it turns your RSS feed into a webpage that fits your iPhone.
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7 Apps to Improve Your Next Online Group Meeting!

By Reggie · November 9, 2008 · 8 Comments 

1. Notifu

Trying to communicate with a group can be difficult! Particularly with the increasingly busy schedules of today’s real estate professional. If you’re looking for a product to address this challenge, you need to check out Notifu. This free web application lets you send a message by Email, SMS, AIM, Gtalk, ICQ, MSN IM, Yahoo IM even phone to a group of people without having an account on those services. With phone calls, Notifu will deliver to any phone number worldwide by converting the text you’ve typed in a voice message. After the messages have been delivered, you’ll know who has received the message and who has not. Read full story

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