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Customize Your Facebook Profile or Fan Page with Smarter Agent!

Feb 26

You may have heard of the popular Smarter Agent Mobile Application for real estate companies and professionals….but what you may not know is that they just released a Facebook application to compliment their mobile app!

First and Foremost

Smarter Agent is a mobile app platform that can be utilized and branded by agents and brokers. The app can be downloaded by consumers to search all MLS listings in their area. And it’s important to know that Smarter Agent works on virtually all mobile phone devices.

The Skinny

When a real estate professional signs up with Smarter Agent, he/she is provided with a personalized text code that consumers use to download the custom app. But now that same text code can be used to create both a branded badge and tab on your Facebook Profile or Facebook Fan Page. In fact, your Facebook friends can even add your personalized Smarter Agent badge or tab to their profile. To get started or learn more about this new Facebook Integration option, login to Facebook and search “Smarter Agent” to view the app. You can also contact Smarter Agent directly.

A few examples:

Customized Smarter Agent Badges

Customized Smarter Agent Tab

MyTechOpinion: I’m already a fan of Smarter Agent, and this new feature also gets a “thumbs up”. I especially like it for Fan Pages. But I wouldn’t be put off by seeing it on a Facebook Profile either. I think it’s just one more way to contact the expert you know and trust in your area for real estate advice and listing search. In addition, the tab is very informative and provides a demo on how consumers can best utilize the app!

10 Tips for Getting Reacquainted with Facebook’s New Layout

Feb 8

Real Estate

Facebook celebrated it’s 6^th birthday in style…by launching a redesign of the home page. I was excited to be included in the initial 80 million accounts that were updated with the design on February 4th. This new layout is being rolled out to the remaining Facebook users now (Reggie’s still waiting).

I have to say I’ve been a bit annoyed with some of the recent minor changes made by Facebook, but when it comes to this new overhaul…I’m a fan! Most notably, are the cleaner home page appearance and the removal of the bottom “start” bar. The search bar is now prominently displayed in the top center of the home page, just above the News Feed. And the top blue navigation bar has been simplified to include just a few key quick launch links on the left and right sides.

Now just in case you are a tad turned around by this new layout, I put together a quick list of 10 tips for getting reacquainted with the network you know and love!

(1) Quick Launch Notifications – Located in the upper left, gain quick access to your most recent notifications. I’ve been using and enjoying the notifications feature more and more lately. I find it helpful in keeping track of who’s interacting with me, as well as to easily navigate back to conversations I’m participating in.

(2) Quick Launch Friend Request – Now the old “friend requests” link is still available in the upper right. But this new quick launch button in the upper left provides a drop down menu to scan recent friend requests. You can also click through to your “friend request dashboard” for a full view.

(3) Quick Launch Messages – The “inbox” link has been removed from the navigation bar. Now you can access your messages 2 ways from the home page. Either select “messages” from the left sidebar navigation or my preferred channel…the new messages quick button in the upper left. A simplified drop down menu will appear, allowing you to scan your recent messages, respond back, and even quickly send a new message.

(4) Left Sidebar Navigation – The removal of the bottom navigation bar (or start bar) was a good move! I don’t know about you, but I rarely used it. Now, we have a more organized left sidebar to navigate events, photos, friends, games, applications, ads & pages, groups, marketplace, etc.

(5) Friend Filtering – Upon first glance you might miss noticing where to access and navigate “lists” you created to filter your friends in the New Feed. This is probably one of the most important features Facebook offers as it provides an organized and consistent approach to engaging with key friends in your network. To filter the News Feed via your lists, select the “Friends” link in the left sidebar and the “Friends” dashboard will appear. You will then be able to select from your created friend lists in the left sidebar under the main “Friends” heading.

(6) Applications & Games Dashboards – You can select and view these new dashboards from the left sidebar. Both provide an overview of your friends’ recent game and/or application activity. This is nice new way to see and connect with other friends playing the same game, or better yet, who is utilizing an app that you may also find helpful.

(7) Revised Chat – Now moved to the left, similar in functionality and a right bottom bar remains to keep the conversation flowing.

(8) Simplified News Feed – Well, it’s actually pretty similar to it’s predecessor, but the options have been more clearly stated: “Top News” and “Most Recent”.

(9) Updated Account Menu – Still a link in the upper right, but the menu of options has been expanded to include “Edit Friends”, “Credits Balance”, and “Logout” in addition to the various privacy, account, and application settings.

(10) Rebuilt Photo Uploader – Next time you upload a photo, you’ll not only have the option to browse from your computer (which by the way provides a more robust navigation interface) but you’ll also be able to create and use a custom email for uploading (similar to Posterous).

MyTechOpinion – I give the new Facebook layout 2 thumbs up! After playing around with it for a few days, I’m impressed with the quicker speed at which I can interact, message, and share. And, the home page interface is much cleaner without the cluttering of repetitive feature links and bars. But that’s my opinion…what’s yours?

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 11: Yelp

Dec 22

Real Estate

On the 11^th day of iPhone apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
If it’s local info you request,
Augmented or not, Yelp is the best!

About Yelp:

Search for and receive reviews for local business and service providers while on the go. View nearby restaurants, stores, banks, etc. based on your location. Obtain a quick rating, reviews, contact info and directions. Filter your results via distance from, affordability, and what’s actually open. You can also bookmark your favorites and/or email them to friends. View the feed of real-time results for local reviews, quick tips, and added photos.

Why we like Yelp:

Yelp is clearly a valuable tool for finding and sharing information about local businesses….not only for locals but also when visiting new places. However, when it comes to learning more about your own backyard, Yelp’s monocle view provides you a new perspective via augmented reality. Yelp was actually the very first app to go augmented! And it will definitely be exciting to see how augmented reality will undoubtedly be taking center stage in the real estate industry very soon! So starting get familiar with it now, if you haven’t already!

Cost: FREE!

NOTE: For those of us that would occasionally like to leave our dinner choices to chance and spontaneity…there’s always Urbanspoon!

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 10: Dragon Search

Dec 20

Real Estate

On the 10th Day of iPhone Apps
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
Dragon Search powers voice,
Displays results on the fly!

About the Dragon Search app:
Historically if you wanted to search a keyword or phrase on your iPhone you’ve typed directly into a search engine. Ok, maybe you’ve tried the Google voice app, but for me I was left wanting more. Not any longer, Dragon Search is the new one-stop search application controlled by your voice. At its heart you’ll gain the ability to speak any given search into like Google, Yahoo, Bing, YouTube, Twitter, iTunes, and Wikipedia. Once the results have populated your screen, use the intuitive search carousel to switch between the other sources on the fly. Dragon also archives recent searches, allowing you to quickly recall past activity.

Why we like the Dragon Search app:
Dragon search is quickly become one of my favorite iPhone apps because of the accuracy, speed and convenience. Plus the fact that Dragon provides a very slick and intuitive interface. I also appreciate the ability to define my preferred search engine. I would recommend that you head over to the iPhone app store and download Dragon search today.

If you like this app, try Dragon Dictation.
Cost: FREE

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 9: Animoto

Dec 20

Real Estate

On the 9^th Day of iPhone Apps
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
Animoto on the go,
Create & share a cool slideshow!

About the Animoto app:

It should be no surprise to you that we think Animoto rocks! So endorsing the Animoto iPhone app is something we’ve been meaning to do. This app lets you create free 30 second animated slideshows, or a 90 second slideshow for $3. The app also syncs with your Animoto.com account. So all the slideshows you create from your desktop will also be accessible. The Animoto app also sports share controls, making it easy to share your slideshow from your iPhone to social networks or via email with a special message to your recipient.

Why we like the Animoto app:

This is a great tool for showcasing your listings with pizzazz! Tech savvy mobile agents can easily snap a few photos, choose a song, and share their listing slideshow to Facebook and/or Twitter…as well as to their client. You can also embed your Animoto slideshows on your blog.

Animoto slideshows don’t just have to be a listing, you could also showcase neighborhoods, a downtown, seasonal events, etc. And being that we are amidst the holiday season, you could easily create a holiday slideshow wishing your clients, friends, or family peace and joy! Today, I selected a few recent photos of my kids throwing snowballs, then selected a holiday song from Animoto’s music collection, and presto…I had slideshow a ready to share with family! Or, go back through the year of photos taken at events and choose favorite photos with colleagues and clients! And for those of you that enjoy sending template holiday greeting cards, Animoto.com even offers a holiday pack of various slideshow greetings for $30, or 30 second single greetings for free! Now that’s one creative last minute greeting!

Cost: FREE

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 8: CitySourced

Dec 18

Real Estate

On the 8th Day of iPhone Apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
Take civic responsibility….
Use CitySourced to report graffiti!

About CitySourced:

I was talking with Dan Mirsky recently about our favorite and “just plain cool” iPhone apps. He directed my attention to a new local app for the city of San Jose that I immediately thought was pretty handy! It’s called CitySourced and it’s available for free to all San Jose residents. The city paid $4500 for the app’s development. With it, city constituents and residents can report graffiti, abandoned vehicles and other neighborhood blight to the proper city departments.

San Jose City officials hosted a “download day” to teach constituents how to use the app when patrolling their neighborhoods in search of potholes, broken streetlights, and other city maintenance issues. Anyone in the Bay Area can use the app to report issues which are sent via email. But city workers have a special portal which routes complaints to the specific city department.

This type of app is the first of its kind in the Bay Area. Any interested city looking to do the same can visit CitySourced online to learn more and inquire about the development process.

Why we like CitySourced:

With so many foreclosures and vacancies popping up in neighborhoods across the country, crime and suspicious acts like squatting have also risen. Additionally, most of us care a great deal about the our neighborhood’s appeal, and would like to help improve or at least maintain our market value. And as a real estate agent, you also have vested interest in the local markets you work in. This type of app gives power to the people “in your neighborhood”!

I know that when I go to the park with my kids and find gum in the drinking fountains or a broken sprinkler wasting water…I would like to do something about it! And now I can, by taking a picture and reporting the issue directly via the CitySourced iPhone app!

Cost: FREE

A quick video intro about CitySourced:

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 7: WebEx

Dec 17

Real Estate

On the 7th Day of iPhone Apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
The WebEx app makes meetings mobile,
Get dialed in like Robert Scoble!

About the Webex iPhone app:

Remote meetings just got even easier with the WebEx app. Now, if you have to attend an online meeting but can’t be near a computer you can attend from your iPhone. Log in using the app and it automatically dials into the audio portion of the meeting. You can even see the presenter’s screen on your iPhone. This app really makes WebEx standout from its online meeting competitors.

You should know that although you can start a scheduled meeting from your iPhone and assign another presenter to take over, you cannot present from the iPhone itself. And to attend a Webex meeting via iPhone you will need OS 2.0 or above and a Wifi connection.

To start a scheduled meeting on your iPhone, open the Webex app and enter your Webex account information on the Profile page. At that point you’ll be able to launch and view your meeting. If you’re on the go but arrive back in the office, you can seamlessly handoff the meeting from your iPhone to your desktop computer.

Why we like the Webex iPhone app:

It’s just plain cool! Mobile agents and industry professionals on the go can dial in automatically and participate in meetings. Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today….while you’re standing in the mother of all lines at Starbucks, waiting at the doctor’s office while your child is having a Barbie shoe removed from her nose, or stuck in traffic (with someone else driving of course).

Cost: FREE, if you’re joining as an attendee. But if you plan to start scheduled meetings you’ll need a Webex account.

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 6: WorldCard Mobile

Dec 17

Real Estate

On the 6th Day of iPhone Apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
Give the WorldCard Mobile app a try
& download business contacts on the fly!

About WorldCard Mobile:

This little app makes business card readers obsolete. Simply take a photo of a business card and WorldCard Mobile will add that person to your contacts. All you need is an iPhone and a steady hand! Just snap a photo of the business card, then WorldCard Mobile will automatically capture and store the important details (i.e. name, company, phone, email, business address, etc.).

I tried out this handy app with a recently obtained stack of business cards and was surprised with how accurate and easy the process was. A few suggestions for you though: (1) be in a well lit area, (2) hold the card steady, and (3) wait to snap your picture until the iPhone camera has time to focus.

Once you’ve taken a photo of the business card you will be prompted to “recognize” the parsed data. You can then make any changes or corrections. You may receive a minor error in the data from time to time, but that’s usually due to user error (taking a bad photo) or from dark business cards with scripty (yes, that’s a word) text. But even when an error presents itself, the minor edit is much easier than manually entering a business card contact.

Why we like WorldCard Mobile:

I know many of you have left conferences, rebarcamps, and other events with stacks of business cards. And most of us get right to the reconnecting process by finding those new friends on networks, as well as entering our new contacts into our master database. However, if you’ve ever been frustrated or embarrassed by that large stack of cards that just sits there on your desk or the pile you find in your conference swag bag, then you’ll appreciate the WorldCard Mobile app. Point, click, capture…that’s it!

Cost: $3.99

NOTE: We also like the Bump app. Mostly because it’s a free app offering an environmentally friendly business card. When you encounter someone who is also using the Bump app, you can exchange contact info automatically by shaking (or bumping) hands! No fancy buttons or extra steps! And it’s fun! But the app is only useful when others have also taken the time to setup their Bump Business Card! Still, it’s definitely worth downloading to have on hand when you “bump” into someone who also rocks the Bump app on their iPhone!

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 5: Tweetie 2

Dec 16

Real Estate

On the 5^h Day of iPhone Apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
It’s time to twitter like a pro,
Get Tweetie 2 now…go…go, go!

Okay, if you know me well…you know I already favor HootSuite as the ultimate real-time drip tweet tool. So you may be surprised that I’ve chosen to write about Tweetie 2, and not the new HootSuite iPhone app that debuted last week. I’ve had some time to play around with the new HootSuite app and I do like it, and will probably use it occasionally. I also recognize that scheduling tweets and viewing trackable link stats is very helpful.

However, practicality comes into play when dealing with mobile apps vs. desktop apps. I’m really not sure that I scheduling tweets via mobile phone is practical when doing it from your desktop is so much easier (yet already takes time to set up and plan). Also, scheduling tweets should be focused more on resourceful shares (like great articles and media), which again seems a bit more work via mobile. When it comes to sharing resources on the go, I like Regator Premium.

All that being said, I still felt HootSuite was worth the $2 just to have the option to schedule tweets if I were stranded somewhere without my laptop and had 4 hours to kill (like at the San Diego airport, thanks a lot Virgin America). But I also love the fact that the app brings over my settings and scheduling from my desktop account, so I can easily view what’s in cue, what’s been sent, and check stats for shared links. Stats rock! Measure what you share and you will know if what you share is even worth the time and effort!

About Tweetie 2:

Okay, on to Tweetie 2! I was already a fan of the original Tweetie app (which is free), but Tweetie 2 brings it home for those looking for a comprehensive Twitter app for iPhone! Let’s start with the interface….ah, it rocks! Simple to manage with obvious feature placement. Other bling I should mention: saved searches, twitter lists, message indicators, live-filtering search, draft manager, landscape mode, rockin’ refresh, translate tweets, short URL preview, threaded direct message view, offline mode, link to address book, nearby tweet search, Safari Bookmarklet, text expander, etc. The list of features is extensive and completely worth $3 for a Twitter app!

Why we like Tweetie 2:

Honestly, what’s not to like with this app! The user interface is simply “AWESOME” and highly intuitive. You don’t have to go searching for obvious features, they are actually where you’d expect them to be. Building Twitter karma is easy with Tweetie 2 because the retweet feature is painless, but also offers “requote” so you can add or modify your retweets. You can also manage multiple accounts with Tweetie 2, for those of you tweetin’ double time! And just when you didn’t think this app could get any better it gives you the option to tweet both photos and video. Yes, video…I know! Happy dance!!! Okay sit back down now! When it comes to sharing your video tweets you can even select your preferred image/video host (i.e. yFrog, TwitVid, MobyPicture, Posterous, Vidly)! Woohoo, I love you Tweetie 2!

Cost: $2.99

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 4: Ustream

Dec 14

Real Estate

On the 4^th Day of iPhone Apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you
Ustream broadcasts live video
With it, you’re a one man show!

About Ustream Live Broadcaster:

Ustream Live Broadcaster may not be the first official app providing streaming capability from your iPhone, but the features and functionality are absolutely noteworthy! You’ll need the 3G network and wifi, but both 3Gs and 3G iPhone users can download this free app (running OS 3.1 or higher). Shoot and share your live video via Ustream, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube. You could also embed a Ustream player on your blog. Viewers can interact with your live video via chat. You can even launch a yes/no poll and receive real-time results!

Now this app isn’t free of a few glitches, like the fact that you need to change your auto shut-off setting otherwise you’ll be left tapping the screen time and again for long streaming sessions. Also, I tested sharing my videos to various networks which seemed to work just fine…minus a couple that were cut off just after a few seconds. Was planning on blaming that issue on user error, but I wasn’t the only one experiencing that problem. I am happy to note that I haven’t had any recent streaming problems and still think this app rocks!

Why we like Ustream Live Broadcaster:

To start, 3G users who don’t normally have the option to shoot video (like their 3Gs cohorts), will be able to with the Ustream Live Broadcaster app. Most importantly, this app turns your iPhone into a mobile TV studio, making it easy to share video from important events, like a fundraiser or even an open house. Even remote showings for relocation clients are a possibility with this little freebie! In fact, shooting and sharing video is so simple that I’m sure we’ll be seeing more and more “on the fly” videos from our friends Michael McClure and Ian Watt!

Cost: FREE

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 3: Dropbox

Dec 14

Real Estate

Dropbox
On the 3rd day of iPhone Apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
Take your files anywhere
With Dropbox you can store & share!

About Dropbox:

Do you ever email yourself a document, just so you could access it on another computer? You may want to check out Dropbox, it’s a lightweight app that syncs files between computers and even your iPhone. To me, it’s become one of those apps that I can’t do without. I switch between my desktop, laptop and iPhone often. And there are certain files in each of those locations. That’s when I rely on Dropbox.

Getting started with the app is really straightforward. Create your free account, and claim your free 2 GB of space. Then go to Dropbox.com and install the software on each of your computers. Also visit the App Store and download the DropBox application for your iPhone. That’s it, now just drop a file into the folder and voila…it will sync to your other Dropbox enabled devices.

Why we like Dropbox:

Dropbox is a simple solution to a real challenge we have with files in multiple locations. For those of you that work in teams, try using Dropbox to share and collaborate key files. Because Dropbox stores a copy of your files on their secure server, you’ll always have the most current version of a document with file recovery for accidental deletion. If you need more than the 2GB of space, check out their Pro plan s starting at $9.99/month.

Dropbox also features a public folder for sharing files with outside users. Each file in this public folder will let you link directly to them.

Cost

2GB = Free
50GB = $9.99 /month
100GB = $19.99 /month

12 Days of iPhone Apps: Day 2: Home Value Pro

Dec 12

Real Estate

On the 2^nd day of iPhone Apps
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
The data from Home Value Pro
Will keep you in the know!

About Home Value Pro:

There have been a variety of consumer facing home search apps released and updated over the course of the year. Both Zillow and Trulia provide feature centric apps making mobile home search a fun, easy, and visual experience. BHGRE’s Home Select app is a helpful tool for home buyers and sellers. Instead of focusing on home search, this app is a consumer’s assistant in the home selection process by providing organization tools and information. If I were looking for my next home, I would enjoy chronicling my favorite homes with pictures, comments, and ratings….and then share my experience with friends and family via email or Facebook.

Now when it comes to a agent focused app for local market data, I favor the Home Value Pro app from RealQuest. With it, you can: (1) view estimated home values for pretty much every residential property in the US, (2) identify pre-foreclosures, auctions, bank owned, and REO properties, (3) analyze housing stats at the county and zip code level, (4) view 12-month median home price trends, sales trends, and foreclosure rates.

Why we like Home Value Pro:

I appreciate the rich data Home Value Pro brings to the table, along with a “get to the point” interface. Any real estate professional looking to stay informed with market trends and specific local stats will likely find this app extremely helpful. Additionally, the data can be bookmarked, organized, and shared via email.

Cost: FREE

12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 1: Regator Premium

Dec 12

Real Estate

The holidays bring a time of reflection, appreciation, and giving. So keeping with the spirit of the season, we thought we’d give our opinions on some of our favorite iPhone apps. So for the next 12 days we’ll be sharing one app a day you might enjoy and possibly gift to yourself or suggest to others. So without further ado…

One the first day of iPhone Apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
Try Regator Premium
You’ll find great blogs to review!

About Regator Premium:

Regator, one of our favorite relevant info finders, recently released a premium version of their already very resourceful iPhone app. With Regator Premium you can easily search, scan and read articles from the Web’s best blogs on more the 500 different topics. Once you locate articles you like you can share them to Facebook, Twitter or even via email.

Now I already love the free Regator iPhone app, but for a few bucks the premium version provides a more personalized experience. With it, you can save your favorite blogs, posts, and topics for quick access. You can also auto-sync with your Regator.com account if you use the service on your desktop.

Why we like Regator Premium:

One of the best ways you can add value to your network is by sharing relevant resources. Regator makes it easy to find interesting blogs and helpful articles by not only choosing categories, but also by monitoring keywords. So you can use Regator to monitor your online reputation, as well as key topics of interest and expertise. Then simply share your “great finds” with your sphere in Facebook and Twitter.

Make better use of your time when you’re stuck waiting in an endless holiday shopping line. And more importantly, get the latest real-time results for topics you and your network care about. Thanks to Regator you can give the gift of relevant info and work toward your goal of becoming a Trusted Advisor.

T’was the App Before Christmas

Dec 9

Real Estate

Introducing our newest regular author and member of the MTO family, Ryan Ozonian. Ryan is a recent USC communications graduate. He may be young but he’s already making waves! As a licensed REALTOR®, he worked for a top Prudential Broker in Orange County for the last 3 years. He is also the Founder and Chief Creative of BonzoBox, an interactive bookmarking homepage. Reggie brought him onboard at Cyberhomes where they worked on social media strategies together! And we’re excited to announce he is working with us as Director of Business Development!

Ryan enjoys playing golf, spontaneous traveling, spending time with his girlfriend and family, is a little obsessed with Japanese culture and is a fantastically creative writer…as you will see below! Please help me welcome Ryan by leaving him a comment!

T’was the month of Christmas and with a click of your mouse,
You landed on this article, which may help you sell your next house.
Your blackberry has become your life- you bring it with you everywhere,
Constantly checking AppWorld in hopes something new has appeared.
Not sure which Apps to choose, you browse wearily in doubt,
Reading each description, wondering what they’re all about.
App after app, now the frustration’s setting in…
So you close AppWorld down because your temper’s getting thin.
Well worry no more! There’s no need to be confused-
MTO’s here to tell you which applications to choose.
From UberTwitter to Facebook, and Google tools indeed,
The apps below just may help you convert your next lead.
So with sleigh bells ringing, and Christmas spirit in the air,
We bring to you 12 Blackberry apps to review & compare!

App World – Your first step to finding and getting great apps easily is to download Blackberry App World. App World gives you easy access to every application Blackberry has to offer. Use App World to search and download all of the great apps on this list. Get it on your Blackberry at www.blackberry.com/appworld/download.
Google Mobile – This app offers everything Google: Voice Activated Search, Maps, Docs, Gmail, Youtube, Sync, and more. Google Maps allows you to search any local address and get quick directions from your current location. You can also use the application to sync all of your Gmail contacts to your phone, adding them directly to your address book. Browse millions of Youtube videos, chat with Google Talk, view real time satellite photos of your destination, and more. Download this app and explore; it will definitely make your life a bit easier. Get it on your Blackberry at m.google.com/go.
Facebook – You can do all things Facebook directly from your Blackberry: Send messages, view feeds, upload photos, and much more. Stay on top of your social networking life by connecting with friends, family, clients, and sharing content through Facebook. Your Blackberry device can also connect to Facebook and add the profile pictures of friends to your address book, so when they call, their photo appears on your caller ID. Get it on your Blackberry at m.facebook.com.
UberTwitter – This is the best Blackberry application for keeping yourself up to date on Twitter. Share updates from your phone and view your friends’ latest tweets. You can also tweet photos, embed videos, shorten URL’s, and much more directly from this app. Tweet mobile virtual tours of your listings, share relevant neighborhood articles, or simply tell your followers about your day. Get it on your Blackberry at http://ubertwitter.com.
Bolt – Tired of the default Blackberry browser? Download Bolt to get a more trusty browser that is much faster than the original Blackberry browser. Bolt also makes web pages look far better. Get it on your Blackberry at www.boltbrowser.com.
Weather Eye- Blackberry’s best free weather app. Save multiple locations, and Weather Eye will frequently update the weather according to your current location. You can also view short and long term forecasts. As a bonus, the app’s icon displays the current weather conditions and temperature in your area. Get it on your Blackberry by searching the Weather category in Blackberry App World.
Qik – This app is all about sharing video. Qik allows you to shoot video from your Blackberry, upload it to your Qik profile, and share it on social networks. You will find this app useful when you need to send video quickly or share it in real time with a client or friend. Watch Qik’s video on their homepage to see what it’s all about. Get it on your Blackberry by visiting Qik.com.
Dub Contact Card- Mobile business cards are becoming ever more popular. Dub is a great app that allows you to exchange contact information with one another with just one click. There is no need to collect business cards when your phone can store the information itself. Dub also updates your contacts’ information if they change it, so you’ll always have the correct number. Get it on your Blackberry dubmenow.com.
Real Estate Smarter Agent – See property listings in whichever area you are. This app shows all MLS-listed homes around your geographic location using GPS tracking. You can also input a specific area to view local homes for sale. This app includes the capacity to view prices of homes recently sold in any given area. Get it on your Blackberry by searching “real estate” in Blackberry App World.
Pandora- Although it may not help you grow your business, Pandora will help you enjoy your day. Download Pandora Mobile to create radio stations based on your favorite artists and tunes. Let Pandora pick your songs for you- I promise you won’t be disappointed. Get it on your Blackberry Pandora.com.
Hippo Mobile – In a simple 3-step process, this app allows you to create mobile postcards using multiple photographs. This app is perfect for displaying your listings and sending them to potential buyers. Get it on your Blackberry hippopost.com.
Snap 2 Twitter – This app is the best for sharing your photos on Twitter. The application simply syncs with your Blackberry’s camera, allowing you to instantly share photos on your Twitter account, with an option to add text. Get it on your Blackberry by searching “snap2twitter” in Blackberry App World.

Do you really think I’m visiting your Facebook profile to look for homes? Really!?!

Nov 11

Real Estate

Saturday night brings with it one of my most favorite TV segments…“Really!?! with Seth & Amy”. In this SNL skit, Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers share their snarky take on current affairs. So in the spirit of “Really!?”…I’m going to shed some light on “Real Estate Listings Inside Facebook”!

Let’s start with obvious failures inside Facebook…at the moment!

MyRealEstateListings (there are 2 of them, as well as a few more similarly named cohorts) but they essentially all do the same thing- create a “MyRealEstate” or “MyListings” tab on your profile. You can then click on the tab (when was the last time you clicked on a tab) to view a lack luster interface of your manually entered listings from which you can then decide to click further to obtain details, which lands you on a third party site outside of Facebook. Click for more details, really!?!

My Listings, or Realtor Listing Application, displays your listings on a tab or box on the side of your profile. But again when you click to learn more you are taken to a third party site away from Facebook. Third party site. Really!?!

CenterStage for Real Estate, a failed, failed attempt to charge you $8 for displaying listings inside Facebook. Don’t even get me started! $8, really!?!

Oodle Pro aims to solve the listings inside Facebook issue. The tool can distribute listings to online communities like Facebook Marketplace & MySpace Classifieds. I’m sorry, when was the last time you were on MySpace. Really!?! Oodle Pro can upload your listings to your Profile and Fan Page, yet they recommend to keep personal and professional identities separate from one another. Listings on both, or is it one or the other, really!?! And Oodle Pro will run you $15 a month! Really!?!

I will throw them a small “woot” for displaying links back to social profiles from wherever your listings get posted online. And I do see great value in listing syndication to numerous online marketplaces and listing aggregators…don’t get me wrong! But the Facebook MarketPlace is not where I’ll be turning to search for my dream home. Really!?! I’ll turn to a reputable source…like the agent, broker, or one of the major real estate portals.

Apparently, the best options…

Posting your listings as status updates on a Fan Page dedicated to your local market, where locals can choose to participate seems like the best choice to me! This strategy is non-invasive, opt-in, and informative. It can even be more friendly and creative since you can add your own take via text in the status bar along with a link to the listing…preferably one that takes you back to the agent/broker blog or site. Check out the example from Heather Elias.

Now if you don’t host listings on your own domain, the next best option is creating a single property site or posting to Vflyer or Postlets. Once you’ve created a detailed packed site with all the trimmings (local info, pictures, video, etc) you can post the URL to your Fan Page Wall and include a brief message. Some services include an autopost to Facebook feature.

SeeMyListings from Realtor.com is a widget that can be added to your Facebook profile and displays your listings. To view more details you are derailed to a 3^rd party site, but it is a more reputable site (at least in the eyes of consumers) and also displays listings in a much more user friendly manner. See the example I grabbed from Mariana Wagner’s profile on the left.

Now if you are looking for a more organic way to share listings inside Facebook, I would recommend using photo albums. You can create photo albums of active and sold listings. I have to say, The Rains Team, does a great job of sharing listings via photos on their fan page. But don’t forget to include a few details about the home, and important contact info. I also came across Lesley Lambert’s photo of a recent listing via Posterous inside Facebook. She emailed the photo from her phone which was posted to her Posterous site as well as her Posterous photo album inside Facebook.

Last but not least, if you like to have stuff that no one else has you can create a custom tab for your listings with FBML (Facebook Markup Language). You could brand the landing page with links to your blog or listing sites. Check out the Los Gatos Real Estate & Homes Fan Page via Mary Pope Handy. She includes a great deal of area info, market reports and listings with links to her blog. But again, I worry that tabs get looked over. Nonetheless, I know where to look for Los Gatos housing info inside Facebook.

My opinions on all this…really!?!

Personally, if and when I’m ready to move again I wouldn’t go to Facebook to look for listings. I’d go to a resource that rocks…like the agent or broker Website or a national aggregator. I go to Facebook to make connections and build relationships….to chat and find out what’s new in the lives of my friends, family, colleagues and clients! Search listings, really!?!

But if you’re goal is to show everyone the listings you’re currently managing, then go ahead and share them at Facebook too. But consider posting them to a Fan Page dedicated to your market area with links back to you, your site, or your company…not third party sites. Third party sites, really!?!

Don’t fail at implementation! If you post photos about the listing on Facebook don’t forget critical contact info or brief details. No contact info, really!?!

So, what’s your opinion…

Do you think listings should be posted inside Facebook?
If so, what’s the best way?
Where do you post listings ? Profile and/or fan page?

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