MTO Vlog Contest Finalists

By NikNik · September 2, 2008 · 7 Comments 

While we are waiting for the expert judge panel (@LaniAR, @ResPres, @mlbroadcast, @RealEstateZebra) to deliberate and deliver their votes, let’s take a closer look at what the 12 Finalists have to offer?

(1) Ian Watt The original “Car Blogger”…aka “Clogger”. The most enthusiastic daily blogger who reaches out via video from his car and more!  He is your local Vancouver real estate expert!

(2) Kelley Koehler First off, Kelley is my middle name. Did your parents also name you after the Kelley Blue Book? (That’s what mine told me.) Anyway, superb patience with mobile technology at its finest!

(3) Keith Cuddleback & Tilton Quan An inside look at the real life of real CyberAgents.  They  “GET” mobile….and they are! These Docusign Dudes are all about convenience for everyone! Read more

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

Trulia Sure to Impress Consumers with New iPhone App and More

By Reggie · August 24, 2008 · 4 Comments 

Trulia has been busy creating new features aimed at improving the home search experience while also making housing data readily accessible to today’s consumer. Pete Flint, Trulia CEO, said “At Trulia, our mission is to deliver unique local insight to consumers when they want it, how they want it, and where they want it.  Today’s launch is a big step in this direction.”

Personalization

Trulia knows the areas you care about! How can that be? It’s true now when you visit Tulia’s homepage you’ll see local results for new property listings, home price changes, upcoming open houses, Read more

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

A Twitter Resource for Real Estate Twits

By NikNik · August 18, 2008 · 23 Comments 

I was inspired to write this post after the several public whippings I have received in support of Twitter. I think it’s obvious that either “you do” or “you don’t” Twitter.  And that’s fine. Nobody is saying (especially me) that if you don’t Twitter you will never reach Zen 2.0, or your real estate client database will double overnight. I think I just appreciate the utility of Twitter (among other things) and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned and discovered thus far. So if you love it already like Hitler, or you’ve found yourself on a bandwagon to Twitterville, this post is for you.

Quickly, (I’ll try) let me fill you in on why Twitter has become my connection companion. First, I find myself behind a computer most days and it’s nice to know that others out there sharing the same interests (or not) want to share themselves with me.  And not only share their transparent moments, but also extremely helpful tips, resources, and information….that positively impact my own professional development and business.  Twitter has even assisted me with customer service 2.0. (Thanks @Midphase)

Out of the office, Twitter Mobile -Style is where it’s at! I can send pictures of whacky things, great ideas, or inspirational thoughts with any of the numerous Twitter apps available. Moreover, I can check in with the people that mean the most to me. I can find out where my peeps are at for a meetup or connect with conference goers on a deeper level. BTW-If you’re already using Twitter, I’m sure you have 101 reasons why you already love it (so leave me a comment). This lightening speed overview is mostly for newbies wondering what the hype is all about.  

So if you’re on the fence or not. Check out the following widely used and loved Twitter applications that I either use myself or have been clued into by other Twitter users.  Twitter does not require outside apps to gain appreciation or like, they just make the experience more lovable! FYI-I do NOT recommend downloading and trying to use every app mentioned below, but rather encourage you to peruse for yourself and pick a few to try out. Now if you are in good company with other Twitter users, I’m sure they will point you in the direction they favor most!

10 Mobile Apps: Twitterrific Twittelator Twitterberry TwitterFon Gyazickr Hahlo Cetwit Twapper Twitt’d Twinkle

10 Desktop Apps: Twhirl Tweetdeck TwitterFox Twitterific Snitter Tweetr Twitteroo Flotzom Yoono OutTwit

10 Twitter Tools:

1. Twitter Search (aka Summize): Filter your tweets by searching keywords, phrases, twits, trends and more. (ex: real estate professionals, bloggers, industry experts, special interests, key niche phrases, etc)
2. TwitterLocal Search for twits in your local area. (ex: Find and follow all the twits in your neck of the woods… reach out with tips and transparency. )
3. Twitter Counter : Find out who the most popular twits are. Who knows, you may identify a few great resources for following and gaining great info.
4. TweetScan: Get tweets mailed to you that include your selected keywords or phrases. (ex: If you set the keywords for your niche real estate market and neighborhoods you can find twits that may be planning a move soon…or at least talking about your area.)
5. Twitter Atlas: A mashup of Twitter and Microsoft’s Virtual Earth. See also Twittervision. Just a really cool visual interface for identifying where twits are.
6. Remember the Milk: Kind of like Jott, but Twitter style. RTM is your personal reminder service. Ask RTM to remind you to pick up dry cleaning, order inspections, or grab milk at the store.
7. TwittyTunes: Tweet the songs are you are currently playing with one click. Send inspirational songs, bday greetings, or just share cool tunes.
8. Twitpic : Share your photos on Twitter. It’s as simple as that! See also Mobypicture: Post pictures with one click to Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Wordlpress, etc. (video & audio coming soon)
9. Twitterfeed : Submit your blog feed and your latest posts are auto-twittered.
10. Ping.fm : Relays messages to a variety of social networking sites from AIM, Gtalk, iGoogle, WAP, iPhone, iPod Touch, SMS, or email.

To get the conversations starting, here are 10 really cool RE twits that crack me up or assist me in my goal of being a lifelong learner (don’t hate, just follow): 

1. @BNIX
2. @DOVERBEY
3. @INES
4. @LANIAR
5. @MADMARTIN
6. @MIKEMUELLER
7. @POPPYZOOMF
8. @RAILLIFE
9. @RESPRES
10. @TBOARD

TWITTER DISCLAIMER: Twitter can spend your time like nobody’s business. So manage accordingly. Also, in the beginning you may feel compelled to add everyone who adds you.  I did. But now I recognize the people I find interesting, helpful, hilarious or meaningful. Everyone else is getting “unfollowed”. Sorry, I can only stand so much noise.  

BTW-Check out this new Twitter Commercial…you may see a familiar face…and hands?

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

Kick Off To MTO Vlogging Contest!

By NikNik · August 3, 2008 · 18 Comments 

Okay, so you may have noticed we have taken a fancy to podcasting here over the last few months.  It’s been a great exploration of social media….learning how to best create and share our podcasts.  I could also compare my experience to that of a horror flick, as recording and listening to my own voice pretty much scares everyone out of the office. I started out as a perfectionist, trying to bleep out and edit all my verbal mistakes. Poor Reggie would listen from a far as a barrage of four letter words would radiate from my mouth with each tongue twister I encountered. I quickly learned to “get over” the mishaps and just let the words flow. Besides, everyone makes mistakes and it’s just more natural and easier to listen to.

So, now that I’ve been podcasting for awhile, the next scary medium that requires my attention….is video. Duh! I’ve been afraid to touch vlogging in the past for many of the same reasons that others have been avoiding the camera:  (1) it takes too much time, (2) not sure about the right equipment, (3) what content is best to share, and (4) I will look and sound like a jackass…or to quote one of my favorite comedic geniuses, Adam Sandler, “They’re all gonna laugh at you!”

I finally have the perfect retort:

(1) TIME REBUTTAL: Make a commitment to once a week. Pick a spot and shoot. It can actually take a lot less time than writing a post…if you know what you’re talking about.

(2) EQUIPMENT REBUTTAL: The Flip…it’s $149 and has one red button for start and stop and plugs directly into your computer via USB drive. Video opens in a super easy format with immediate email and upload options. Oh, and no rendering time!

(3) CONTENT REBUTTALL: What makes you and your niche unique? If you are asking questions or talking about a specific topic, idea, thing, or place…chances are someone else is. So address those topics. If you’re clients have regular inquiries about your Read more

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

External Factors Affecting Your Blog Success

By NikNik · July 20, 2008 · 11 Comments 

I used to teach my first graders a really fun game to learn about how plants grow. Each student would get a laminated “secret identity card” (sun, soil, water, air, seed). The seeds (excitable first graders) would travel through the air (run from one side of the blacktop top the other) looking for the elements (other excitable first graders) needed for their growth. But the elements were not so easy to acquire. Read more

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

Your Edge in Real Estate is Getting Sharper

By NikNik · July 9, 2008 · 4 Comments 

If you’ve been clamoring for an up to the minute mortgage rate widget for your real estate blog….it’s time to dry your eyes and head over to Zillow.  There you’ll find four brand new Mortgage Rate Widgets that you can freely leverage for your own blog.  If you’re looking to foster greater online interaction via your blog community and provide readers with a knowledgeable tool, this may be just what you need. Not only are these widgets radiating rates…but they look nice too!

If you thought the Mortgage Rate Widget was the only new candy in Zillow’s goodie bag, it’s time to reach in for a second helping. Did you feel that? It’s Zillow’s FREE co-branding! With it, your blog readers will have access to Zillow tools and features while being reminded who sent them there in the first place.  With Zillow’s co-branding individuals or companies can utilize this free service just by adding any of the following to their blog or Website: individual Zillow URLs, mortgage rate widgets, links generated by the Zillow API, new profile badges.

Here’s how it works:

Before you can take advantage of Zillow’s free co-branding, you need to take care of the following: (1) sign up for a Zillow account, (2) add a Zillow URL to your blog or Website and (3) include the following code at the end of your Zillow link “/?scrnnm=YourZillowScreenName”. Then, when readers select the Zillow URL on your blog and a new Zillow page opens, you’re picture, contact information and link to your Website will appear at the top of that page.  Wherever your blog reader travels on Zillow during that session, your branding will follow too. Click here to learn more about Zillow Co-Branding.

In this market, any edge, ledge, step stool or leg up you can get to boost your blog community and market freely to your target audience is worth checking out. And if you’d like to get up close and personal with the Zillow team AND you’re planning to go to REBarCamp and the Inman Connect, you won’t want to miss Beer with Bloggers. The venue is Café Du Nord (from 6-8pm), which just happens to be right above REBarCamp on July 22, 2008. See you there!

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

22 Reasons to Use Twitter for Business and Pleasure

By NikNik · May 29, 2008 · 29 Comments 

Last week I was invited to take part in a top secret Twitter Mission. I received a request from JulieTweets to arrive at a red door in San Francisco by 12:30 sharp! Thanks to GPS (asking the parking attendant) I found it promptly! Anyway, once I arrived I was greeted by one cool cat and 3 hot babes with cupcakes. I was in for sure now! The hot babes (savvy production crew) proceeded to set me up for video interview. Come to find out, I wasn’t the only top secret twit invited to the red door.  JulieTweets informed me that Twitter is compiling video interviews of all sorts of Twits to use in an upcoming marketing campaign. I quickly let her know that I’d be fine sharing the spotlight (not really) if she hooked me up with a Twitter shirt. Gosh, imagine what I’d do for a pair of jeans!

So for those of you that are not familiar with Twitter (come out from under your rock), it’s a cross between blogging and instant messaging. Also referred to as micro-blogging. Each tweet or post must be 140 characters or less. You can add more value to each tweet by including links to helpful blogs and Websites, your wacky pictures and videos, etc.  And each tweet is centered around answering the question, “What are you doing?”

To be honest, I poo pooed Twitter for some time. I just didn’t need (or want) another social networking tool to contend with. I can admit when I’m wrong. In fact, because Twitter updates in real time I’m able to reach an on audience on the spot.  Besides being just fun…Twitter is a valuable safety tool as well. If you haven’t heard about the student who Twittered his way out of an Egyptian jail, read this. You may not be visiting any foreign countries in the near future, but you can use Twitter at home to let loved ones know where you are and if any unfavorable persons are bothering you. (EX: Unfamiliar meeting locations, Open Houses, etc.)

Here are 22 reasons Read more

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

Does Your Real Estate Blog Need a Side of Widget?

By NikNik · May 20, 2008 · 16 Comments 

Are you looking for a value add for your real estate blog or Website? Many widgets promise the world (MORE READERS), but sadly many fall short of maximizing their intended goal. When it comes to adding valuable content and tools to your blog, try a widget that compliments your niche. Just don’t try them all.
 
Many agents rightly focus on a niche or specific target market when it comes to blogging. So, why not add a widget that provides local content, events, and even property listings. Hyperlocal aside, even adding a news widget with a larger content scope (say, nationwide) adds value to readers who check both local and national market info.
 
When thinking about adding a widget to your blog, you may want to ask yourself:  (1) Does this widget provide helpful information? and (2) Does this widget foster interaction and build your network?

Some options for you:

Property Search
Give consumers a home search tool they will come back for Read more

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

Focus Your Social Media Marketing

By NikNik · April 16, 2008 · 17 Comments 

Ever find yourself in Facebook’s spine and wonder how the last 3 hours flew by and all you have to show for it are a couple of pokes and Funwall messages? It’s happened once or twice to me. Real estate professionals have a complex task when it comes to staying focused in the distracting world of social media. First and foremost, understand why you are there and develop a personalized strategy.

Social Media Marketing (SMM) is taking off as a standard soft sell approach to Internet Marketing. That doesn’t mean that some marketers don’t take advantage of networks and become annoying spammers. It’s the best social media marketing gurus that can effectively target, communicate, and appeal to a desired audience.

Social Media Marketing takes place at all your favorite social networking sites:  Facebook, ActiveRain, RealTown, LinkedIn, MyBlogLog, Flickr, Digg, Stumbleupon, Twitter, YouTube, etc.  These social media sites usually incorporate some form or mashup of Read more

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

Trulia First to Go Google Street View

By NikNik · April 8, 2008 · 11 Comments 

Not since the acquisition of Rudy Bachraty, has the Trulia team unleashed such “coolness” in the real estate community!  As of today, Trulia is the first national real estate search Website to incorporate Google’s Street View technology. 

Google’s Street View mapping is a phenomenal tool for real estate agents.  With it, agents and consumers can view a property up close at street view level, walk or drive past the property and surrounding neighborhood, and even check out the yard and other attributes of the lot. For those agents specializing in relocation, this is obviously a powerful resource for learning about a new area.  Rudy, Trulia’s Social Media Guru, adds, “Besides zooming in on the minute details of the exterior of the house, now you can actually take a peek at Read more

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

Viral Tools to Boost Your Real Estate Blog’s Readership

By Reggie · March 5, 2008 · 6 Comments 

Over the past few years we have all witnessed the explosive growth of social networking. One could argue this growth has been achieved with viral marketing tools. Think about it every time we sign up for a new network or add a new application we are given the option to spread the message (or application) to our network. By having the option to easily broadcast a message to your database, without having to retype your contacts email address, you are more likely to spread their word…right? Would that type of viral element work on your real estate website or blog?

Introducing Octazen Solutions a contacts importer and address grabber for PHP, .Net, Java, and Ruby. Octazen has built in support for all the major Webmail systems (Yahoo!, Hotmail, Gmail, & AOL) also including Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, and Mozilla. For their complete list of supported services, click here to review. Are you wondering if your server is compatible with the address book importer? Try this PHP test script? Try the contact importer demo.

Perhaps rather than importing contacts from an address book, you’d like to spread your message through a social network. With Octazen’s Invite Sender Script, your visitors can message their friend list in Friendster, MySpace, Hi5, Facebook, Orkut, Xing, BlackPlanet and Bebo. Your visitors with enter their login information and the Invite Sender script will compile a list of contacts to invite. Once the message is sent it will arrive as a social network email. Try the Social Network Friends finder

These scripts could be placed before the download of an eBook or other value added item. It would allow those interested parties to also help spread the word with other that share similar interest…easy!

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

New Recent Reader Widget from MyBlogLog

By NikNik · February 16, 2008 · 3 Comments 

You may have noticed our new “Recent Reader” widget from MyBlogLog. If not, take a look. The design has been updated and now you can access additional information about your readers. When scrolling over a reader avatar a flyout box will appear with reader details. You can then find out more about your visitor by easily clicking through to their MyBlogLog profile and community pages. The new widget is also infused with a quick link for adding visitors to your contacts. In addition, MyBlogLog readers can simply add themselves to the site’s community by selecting the “add” button at the bottom of the widget.Currently, MyBlogLog offers a choice of seven colors and 2 layouts for your widget. You will need to adjust the flyout box based on your blog layout. There are a couple of known glitches:

1. Iframe Blocks Flyouts: If you’re displaying the widget code in an iframe, set your flyouts value “none”.
2. Mac Firefox - Flyouts vs Flash: This is a Firefox bug w/ CSS transparency and absolute positioning.

MyBlogLog has plans for those of us who prefer optimum customization and promises we’ll be able to upload our own skins very soon. Also, stay tuned for major changes on your MyBLogLog profile. In the coming weeks, your profile will be getting a facelift and new integrated features….taking your profile from static to dynamic!

Getting Started: To update your “Recent Reader”widget, go to your MyBlogLog community page and click on the “widgets” link under your community description.

If you have enjoyed MyTechOpinion - Technology for Real Estate, please subscribe to our RSS feed!

Next Page »