Virtual Views - The View From Here : July 2009

If you're like me, there's just never enough time to get myself organized.  I try and I try, but it just never seems to come to fruition.  I am constantly on the lookout for ways to help organize my time, my desk, my schedule, etc.  OK, maybe what I really need to do is start small.  In this fast-paced world of online marketing, I belong to several social networking sites that allow me to interact with other online people, including other real estate professionals and virtual assistants.  In my online travels, I stumbled across a fabulous website that I knew I just had to share with everyone.  It is called DandyID.org.  This wonderful site allows you to add all your online identities in one simple-to-use, easy-to-follow, conveniently located place.  All you have to do is sign up for your DandyID account, add in your information for each service you are a member of, verify that this is your account and you will have a reference guide for all of your online accounts in one place.  You are also able to keep all your contacts from all your different online services on your DandyID account as well.  This really comes in handy when you join places like LinkedIn, Twitter, Plaxo, etc., that allow you to add your profiles from other online services to your profile.  Gone are the days of logging in to every single one of your accounts just to find out what your profile URL is.  It will now be easy to find on your DandyID account.  And the best part is that it is absolutely free.  Go ahead and sign up for your own DandyID account today.  Let me know what you think of it.

Pamela Cendejas - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

    
 

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The new Google Voice was opened up to the public on July 15th.  Actually, the free service is not new but rather a make over and upgrade of Google's Grand Central.  Google Voice is a VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) service.  To put it in simpler terms, think of Vonage or MagicJack.  However, Google Voice is not a phone service, but a phone management service.

Now, before I go on any further, let me back up a bit and give you some history.  Google acquired Grand Central in 2007.  From what I understand, users were not real happy with the service or customer support.  Well, it seems that one of the reasons for this was that Google was working on the new version, which was released to Grand Central users in March of this year.  Google has been busy transitioning its Grand Central users over to the Google Voice system, which is why it was not opened to the public in March, when the system launched.

Google Voice Features:

* The service is FREE.  There are no charges for any phone calls (local or long distance) or text messages made using Google Voice.
* Google Voice phone numbers are yours for life.  However, if you choose, you can change the phone number at a later date.
* You do not need to change your phone service provider.
* No installation, download of software or uploading is required.
* Although it is Internet-based, you do not have to use your computer to make or receive calls.
* Google Voice works with any phone, land-line or mobile and all phone service providers.
* The service is fully customized to the user's preferences.

Google Voice Advantages:

* Google Voice gives users the ability to easily manage all of their phones, business or personal, using one Google phone number.  This means your client needs only one phone number to reach you, whether you are in the office, in the car or at home.
* Google Voice management includes phone routing.  You determine which of your phones a call will be directed to based on the caller.
* You can receive or make calls from your computer, land-line or mobile phone.
* You can record any phone call at any time during the call (beginning or middle).  Wow!  No more lost bits of paper or trying to write down a number while driving.  Just remember...you should always advise the other party when recording a call (it's the law).
* You can switch from your mobile phone to your land-line or from your computer to your mobile and no one will be the wiser.
* You can access your Google Voice account 24/7 using your mobile phone or your computer.
* Call Presentation mode: when a call is received, you have the option to accept it, accept it and record it, send it to voice mail or listen in as the voicemail is being recorded.  You also have the ability to opt-out of the Call Presentation mode.
* Unanswered calls are automatically sent to voice mail.
* You choose which number the other party sees when you place a call.  They can see your "normal" number or Google phone number.  It's all up to you.

Google Voice Voice Mail:

* A centralized voice mail service which call be fully customized to your preferences.
* You determine the greeting each caller will receive.
* Voice mail notifications are sent via email or text message.
* Voice mail and text messages can be read and stored online for as long as you want.
* You can check your voice mails by using your phone or your computer.
* You can even listen to a voice mail while it is being recorded by the caller.
* Record a personal greeting.  Users have the option of recording several greetings, allowing a different greeting to be heard by different callers or a greeting to be heard by a particular group.
* Google Voice allows you to go one step further than the normal voice mail tags, such as delete, forward, etc.  You can also mark messages as SPAM.

Google Voice Additional Features:

* Call blocking
* Call waiting
* Call forwarding
* Conference calling
* If all this is not enough, according to the Google Voice website, there are even more features that are available to its users.

System Requirements:

* Phone:
      o A touch-tone phone.
      o Mobile phones require MP3 player capability in order to listen to voice messages.

* Computer:
      o Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac or Linux operating system.
      o Compatible Internet browsers: Google Chrome, IE6 or higher, Firefox 3 or higher, Safari 3 or higher
      o Adobe Flash 8 or higher

Note:
Although Google Voice is only available in the United States, users do have the capability to make international phone calls for a very low fee.  Per the Google Voice help section, international phone calls can be made for as little as one cent per minute.  That feature alone could save you a lot of money.

Now, just one more thing.  If you want to become a Google Voice user, I am afraid I have some disappointing news.  The service is available by invitation only.  This is due to the limited number of phone numbers Google must purchase for each area code, which they buy in blocks.

Don't despair, my little Chick-a-Dee.  I have a way for you to get your invitation right here - Your Google Voice Invitation.

Official Google Voice Video:

Pamela Cendejas - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

    
 

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Dwellicious (Dwell-icious) was introduced to the real estate industry at the Inman Real Estate Connect Conference in New York City last January.  Inman has also placed Dwellicious in the running for its Innovator Award in the Most Innovative New Technology category.

"Dwellicious is a social bookmarking site for people to organize, share and discuss the search for their next home."

I think buyers will love the great features on Dwellicious.  It really is a great tool for house hunters using the internet to aid in their search for a home.  Sellers can use Dwellicious to keep track of competing properties.  Creating an account is a free service.  Buyers and sellers can bookmark their favorite listings and check on them without having to go to each individual site.

Dwellicious features:

    * Users access the Dwellicious website and simply download a chicklet to their tool bar.
    * Users are able to bookmark any listing they find on most of the popular real estate websites.
    * Dwellicious is a social bookmarking site.  So, unless the user opts out, their favorite listings are there for all the world to see.
    * Each user receives a personal URL (http://Dwellicious.com/USERNAME).
    * Users can share their bookmarked properties by giving friends and family their Dwellicious URL or share their favorite listings via the Facebook and/or Twitter interface.
    * Dwellicious provides the most current data and updates bookmarked listings whenever there is a price change, photos added or the property goes off the market automatically.
    * Bookmarked listings can be organized to the users' preference.
    * The service provides users with a set of "Cool Tools" which offer such data as neighborhood and school information, comps and maps.

So, how does Dwellicious work for you, the real estate professional?  With the upgraded Dwellicious Pro, you will be able to create a custom URL for your clients.  Now, when your buyer goes on a house hunt via the web, you will know what else they are looking at.  No, it is not a "big brother" tool.  It is a tool that can help you develop and maintain a trust relationship with your clients.  In addition, I think clients/customers just may see you as innovative, an internet-savvy real estate agent and one who provides the best in service.  Unfortunately, the cost for Dwellicious-Pro is not free.  However, there is a free 1 client, 30 day trial.

Because this bookmarking site is niche oriented (which lowers the playing field), how popular it becomes as a tool for buyers and real estate professionals remains to be seen.  So here is my Dwellicious challenge: please bookmark this blog and then:

    * If you are using Dwellicious, post your comments and reviews here on my blog.
    * If you are not using Dwellicious, try the free "test drive" with one of your favorite clients and post your experience here on my blog.
    * I have asked one of my relatives, who is currently house hunting, to use Dwellicious.  I will report back to you on this post when she sends me her comments.

By the way, you can go to the Dwellicious Help page to find which major real estate sites and IDX vendors work with Dwellicious.

Pamela Cendejas - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

    
 

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"Location, location, location" is the real estate refrain.  As a real estate professional, you know the importance of location.  But, what makes location important to home buyers?  On the practical side of life, location is so much more than just a neighborhood.

Location, its more than where your home is located:

* Location can mean access to transportation and byways (Park-n-Ride lots, freeway access and main thoroughfares).
* Location can mean education (schools, colleges and libraries).
* Location can mean shopping convenience (markets, specialty stores and shopping centers).
* Location can mean entertainment (parks, biking trails or restraunts and theatres).
* Location can mean cultures (museums, historical sites, art galleries and cultural venues).

Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is location to the home buyer.  Today's savvy internet house hunter wants to know what surrounds a location, in addition to physical location of a neighborhood.  You can assist your website visitors in learning more about their neighborhood by creating a virtual map.

Creating a map which focuses on these aspects is fairly simple using a map app such as Google Maps, Google Earth or MSN Maps Live and is a great way to help your website visitors to learn more about their location of choice.  Once you have created your map, you can embed it on a webpage on your site.  Now your visitors can cruise the neighborhood without leaving their home or your site.

Virtual maps are a win-win for both the website visitor and you.

* Virtual Maps posted on your website enhance a user's experience.
* A happy user is more likely to bookmark your site and return again.
* The more times a user returns to your site increases the chances of a visitor becoming a client.

Virtual Map Bonuses:

* Creating and embedding virtual maps is easy.
* Virtual map apps using Google Maps, Google Earth or MSN Live are free.
* Google allows you to place a link to the map.  If your map comes up in search results, web users can click through to your website.
* Google allows you to attach a pop-up video, which appears as a map pin.

More about maps coming soon.

Pamela Cendejas - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

    
 

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Are you confused on the proper use of the term Realtor® when marketing you or your website?  I was.  So, I called the National Association of REALTORS® to get some clarification.  I talked to a wonderful person at NAR by the name of Mary Newell in the Trademark Department.  Here are some of the things I learned.

The two main factors when trying to determine when and how to use REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, or REALTORS® in the simplest terms is:

    * How will the public interpret it?
    * Does it denote membership?

Now for a little more detail, continue on...

REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® and REALTORS®

1. These terms are meant to distinguish Members of the National Association of REALTORS® from non-members.

2. These terms are restricted to Members who practice in the real estate business.  A real estate business is defined as real estate brokerage, land development and building, property management, real estate counseling and real estate appraising.

3. These terms are meant to inform the public when the real estate practitioner is a Member (in good standing) of the National Association of REALTORS® and that said member adheres to the highest professional standards and a strict Code of Ethics.

Proper Usage of REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® and REALTORS®:

1. The terms must convey to the public that the real estate practitioner is a Member of the National Association.

2. The terms are to be used solely, to identify a real estate practitioner as a Member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

3. A Member may use any of the terms in connection with the name of his business, even when the other services offered by the real estate practitioner do not fall under the guidelines of real estate business.

4. The term "REALTOR®" does not refer to your profession.

How To Test For Proper Usage REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® and REALTORS®:

* Simply remember that the word "REALTOR®" is meant to convey membership in the National Association of REALTORS®.

* If the word "member" can substitute for the word "REALTOR®", you have used the term correctly.

* If the meaning is changed in any way that does not convey membership, then the term "REALTOR®" has not been used correctly.

·  Example: "Jane Doe is a lawyer and REALTOR®.  This is incorrect usage, as REALTOR® does not convey membership to the public, but is being incorrectly referred to as a profession.

Proper Form of REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® and REALTORS®:

*  Capitalize every letter of the term used.

*  Whenever necessary, use boldface print or italicize the term.

*  The omission of the "®" registration mark is permitted when the use of the registration mark is not possible.

*  Use separating punctuation whenever possible.

·  Example of the NAR preferred type: REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® or REALTORS®.
·  Example of separating punctuation: Jane Doe, REALTOR® or Jane Doe and Team, REALTOR® or Jane Doe and Company, Lawyer and Real Estate Broker.

Proper Usage on the Internet:

* Never use the terms REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® or REALTORS® as part of your domain name or URLs which point to your website pages.

·  The terms REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® and REALTORS® may only be used to designate membership in the National Association and may only be used in this fashion.

* The terms REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® or REALTORS® cannot be used as part of a phrase, such as I am the #1 Realtor in Anytown, USA.

* The terms REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® or REALTORS® do not have to be separated by punctuation in an email address, nor is it required to be capitalized.

* Never hyper-link the Block "R" logo unless you are linking to Realtor.com.

This blog was not intended to answer all your questions.  So, if you are still a little confused, you may want to click here to access the Membership Marks Manual.  Or, you can give Mary Newell in the Trademark Department of the National Association of REALTORS® a call.  I found her to be a great assistance in understanding the proper use of REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® and REALTORS® on the Internet.

Pamela Cendejas, Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

    
 

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