As Realtors our days are often spent dodging the barrage of marketing messages directed at allegedly making us more profitable, knowledgeable and at times more impressive with pharmaceutical enhancements. With the exception of the last marketing scheme, it’s sometimes hard to say no to such great tools or services, since they will make us millionaires over night. But which products really can help us give better service?
Here’s a list of five services or tools that I think are well worth the investment of time or money.
1. ZipForms
I’ve used a few different programs, but by and large ZipForms has always been the best. The support for both Windows and Mac is a huge benefit, but the interface and integration with other tools like Docusign is a big time saver. The forms are easy to use and up-to-date. It’s relatively inexpensive for what you get. Having all the forms available online or on your desktop saves from carrying extra files, go back to office or begging to borrow forms. Additionally, printed contracts are far easier to read and helps to prevent misinterpretation.
Here’s a video overview that another user has created
2. DocuSign
A good partnering with Zipforms is DocuSign. DocuSign is an esign or electronic signature program that is internet based and in compliance with eSign law of 1999. Some hesitation was pressed against this service when FHA declined to accept electronic signatures, but in a memo from this past April that issues has been relieved. This very simple program allows your clients to sign documents online, without the need to print them out, find a fax machine or mail. Countless hours of car time has been relieved by the use of this program. If you go to www.Docusign.com/NAR you’ll get a discount for the service bringing the charge to under $20 per month. DocuSign is well worth the money.
3. MailChimp
MailChimp.com is one of new favorite marketing tools. It’s an easy-to-use email marketing system that takes the email campaign to a whole new level. MailChimp takes care of your CAN SPAM and compliance issues, allows you to create multiple lists and unique emails as well as distributing them to almost everywhere! MailChimp ties in nicely with your other social media tools, like a blog, Facebook page or Twitter. It’s FREE for the first 500 email address’ and then very affordable thereafter. Not only is it easy to use, they have outstanding online training and easy to follow videos. Best of all, it shows you who opened your emails and what they did with them. This really shows you, who your target market is and who’s paying attention!
4. Dropbox.com
Dropbox.com is a free tool that has helps with transferring large files and keeping much need files in a easy-to-access and secure area. Do you have forms or documents that you like to use and wish that you could open them on your Droid, iPhone or even someone else’s computer? Dropbox is a great tool for you!
You can create shared folders online that you, your team and/or your clients can share. All you have to do is drag a file into a folder on your computer and it syncs with the folder online. This maybe especially good for teams or small brokerages who maintain commonly used documents or programs.
For Realtor Associations or schools, you could even sync all the meeting materials or class materials in one place for group sharing. Very Cool!
5. The FlipCam
Over the past few years you may have heard about the FlipCam. This inexpensive (under $150) high-def video device is super simple to use and compact enough to carry everywhere. The FlipCam has a number of useful features and a skilled agent can really make a name for themselves.
Some of the techniques that an agent can use with a mobile video camera are:
- Video of new listing
- Educating Consumers
- Client Testimonials
- Subdivision Tours
I’m sure you can come up with more options for Realtors using the video, but there are just a few examples. It’s a great tool that’s becoming almost as important as your digital camera.
repost from www.TheAgentTrainer.com
Tweet
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Great list, but I would add an E-fax number up high on your list. For Agent and Client confidentiality, and time saving trips to the office.