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How to Make Use of Twitter Lists
2009-11-02 23:01:00
Twitter has been rolling out their new Lists feature to tweeps over the last few weeks. If you’re still waiting, be patient (or whine about it in the public stream like I did). The feature was made available to me last week and unfortunately I was so busy I had to wait until the weekend to play with it. But now that I have, I’m excited to share my experience and suggestions with you. What are Twitter Lists? Twitter Lists are nothing more than groupings of your tweeps based on categories you choose. For example: I have 3 lists thus far, (1) RE Rockstars, (2) Tech Influencers, and (3) Keepin’ It Real. Tweeps can exist in multiple lists, but at this point it looks like you are limited to creating 20 lists. How to create your Twitter Lists: (1)   When the feature is available to you, you will know! A happy blue bird will invite you to “create a new list” right on your home page. (2)   To get started, select the “create a new list” button at the top of your profile. Or...
More About: Twitter , Make

Goodbye Vista!
2009-10-30 17:55:00
It is complete. I am now 100% Vista -free. Let me tell you, it feels good. Windows 7 seems lighter, faster and cleaner. It has breathed new life into my aging computers. First Impressions Microsoft has done a good job of simply refining Vista. At first, I was disappointed that Windows 7 is so much like Vista. After upgrading 2 computers and working with the operating system, I am glad Microsoft didn’t start from scratch. Compatibility As an early adopter of Vista, I dealt with software and hardware compatibility issues. This was frustrating and costly as many programs and peripherals had to be replaced. Fortunately, everything that worked on my Vista computers is compatible on Windows 7. Learning Curve The learning curve is not nearly as steep, as well. When adopting Vista, there was a noticeable decrease in productivity as I learned how to do things the “Vista way”. After completing the installation of Windows 7, I jumped right in. Nothing slowing me down. Only new features to...

AgentPress: The Ideal Theme for Real Estate Bloggers
2009-10-26 15:10:00
If you’ve been reading MTO for awhile you know we’re huge advocates of WordPress as a platform to power your real estate blog.  And we’re not the only ones who think WordPress rocks! Matt Cutts, the head of the Web Spam team at Google, recently declared WordPress as the best blogging platform in terms of search engine optimization. He went on to say that WordPress automatically solves 80-90% of the mechanics behind SEO, making your site easily crawlable by search engines. Now when it comes to selecting a WordPress theme that delivers a clean design, variety of options, highly optimized code, and customer support….the MTO team chooses StudioPress. Which has been a great theme option for us and our Web design clients. But now theme legend, Brian Gardner, is back and has developed AgentPress, specifically for the real estate industry. In fact, we’ve partnered with Brian to offer customization and consultation for AgentPress theme users. We’re excited about this new theme (...
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Bloggers , Real , Theme

Lucky Number 7
2009-10-20 18:17:00
Two and a half years has gone by very quickly. It seems like just yesterday that I was booting up my Windows Vista computer for the first time with excitement and anticipation. For me, it was like watching that summer blockbuster you’ve eagerly awaited in hopes of it exceeding your expectations. But, like most summer blockbusters, Windows Vista didn’t live up to expectations. It was a bloated and flawed operating system in many ways. Vista does have quite a few redeeming qualities. It was an improvement over Windows XP to the point that I never considered reformatting and going back the older OS (something I did shortly after installing Windows ME). We are now back to a time of great anticipation. Hopes that Microsoft will redeem itself with the release Windows 7 abound. Will Windows 7 be faster? Will it ask fewer annoying questions? Will it work with all of my current software and hardware? With the Windows 7 release coming October 22, all of our questions will be answered soon...
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20 Affordable Online Marketing Tips for Your Real Estate Business
2009-10-09 16:21:00
This week I attended C.A.R. EXPO’s  Tech Tuesday. I had a great time moderating a panel on blogging for real estate, but I was also asked to present “20 Affordable Online Marketing Tips for Your Real Estate Business ”. I found it really hard not to dance, but I did manage to rap a little Beasties Boys! I’m accustomed to presenting in a why-to, how-to style, but it was still fun to hit the audience fast and furiously with 20 takeaways for their real estate business. You may not like all of the following tips, but I wouldn’t expect you to. This list represents a wide scope of online marketing ideas, so (1) you’ll need to consider your current marketing plan and (2) decide which of the following can assist you best with your business goals.  If you have a specific question about any of the tips, leave me a comment and I’d be happy to expand further! 20 Affordable Online Marketing Tips For Your Real Estate Business View more presentations from Nicole Nicolay. Related P...

That’s What You Get For Waking Up In Vegas!
2009-09-28 21:41:00
Calling all real estate bloggers!!! Would you like to spend some time with real people who actually know what blogs are…and why they ROCK! Would you enjoy learning new tips and strategies for continuing your blog success, or perhaps launching it?! Are you wondering where the future of social media can take you, and how to push the limits of innovation while remaining effective? Do you need a vacation and time to play? Or dance? Or go to a show without leaving 20 minutes after it starts because your kids can’t sit still? (Oh, sorry…that one was for me!) If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, I suggest you head to REBlogWorld and the BlogWorld/New Media Expo in Las Vegas! And actually…you don’t really need a reason to go to Vegas…it’s Vegas! Woohoo! (I’m not excited…at all!) BlogWorld officially kicks off October 15th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  The first day of the 3 day program will provide ...

10 Reasons to Tweetup & 10 Tips for Success!
2009-09-08 21:36:00
Tweetups are fast becoming a fun and effective way to connect with other Twitter users in your local community! What exactly happens at these tweetups you ask? Well, usually they provide an opportunity for Twitter enthusiasts to get together offline and talk about their love of Twitter, their local flavor, and other interests. Tweetups also give small business owners a chance to reach out to consumers (in a non-spammy way) and gain more exposure. Some local businesses will even take it a step further by sponsoring or hosting a tweetup. For real estate professionals who understand the current marketing and communication shift taking place, tweetups offer a unique way to engage with likeminded locals and grow your network. But there are many more reasons to tweetup, here are my top 10: 10 Reasons to Tweetup (1) It’s fun! (2) Gets you off the computer and facilitates meeting your online friends in person! Face to face! (3) Connect with other likeminded tech folks and make new fri...
More About: Tips , Success

Facebook 3.0 for iPhone is Approved and Ready to Download
2009-08-28 00:41:00
iPhone users you can stop waiting for the Facebook 3.0 iPhone app…it’s been approved by Apple and you can now download it.  If you go to download today you may notice the app still says its version 2.5, but it’s actually the new 3.0 version. If this happens to you go ahead and delete the old application and reinstall the app. Here are some highlights of what’s new: - See upcoming Events & Birthdays - See Pages, post updates & photos to Pages you admin - Write Notes and read your friends’ Notes - Upload videos from an iPhone 3GS - Upload photos w/Complete photo management - Change your Profile Picture - Zoom into photos - Like posts and photos - Full Facebook News Feed - Visit links in a built-in web browser - See all of your friends’ friends and Pages - See mutual friends - Easily search for people and Pages - Make friend requests & fan Pages - Quickly call or text your friends - Create shortcuts to your favorite friends and Pages - Chat with f...
More About: Iphone , Download

How to Give Your Brand an Instant Facelift
2009-08-27 22:41:00
Ever visited someone’s social profile only to find they are represented by a logo, building or their glamour shot, circa 92′?! Brand ing yourself online plays a key role in helping others learn about who you are and what you do. So don’t give people the wrong idea….that you are stiff as concrete or unwilling to age. People don’t connect with buildings and signs, people connect with people. And we can do an even better job of relating with each other if we are represented accurately. When it comes to online branding, remember the 3 P’s: personality, professionalism, and passion! Your blog, social profiles and avatar should be consistent but also showcase your 3 P’s! Now when I happen upon these visual missteps, the teacher in me wants to fix it immediately. Fortunately, I can do one better….give you the tools to fix it yourself, as well as a few basic guidelines to consider. Avatar: This is the image that can be associated with everythin...
More About: Facelift , Give

Jott for Blackberry - The Secret To Speaking Your Emails
2008-06-08 21:02:00
In March I started using Jott for Blackberry beta, in hopes that I could save time by replying to email with my voice via my Blackberry. To my surprise this voice to email application was remarkable and accurate. Although as I’ve been talking with real estate agents I’m learning that many have not heard of this useful technology. That’s unfortunate because as a busy real estate agent you are probably sending many emails while out of the office and maybe even while you are on the road. Needless to say, emailing while driving can be dangerous.  If that email needs to be sent immediately, using Jott for Blackberry you can simply attach your Bluetooth headset and speak your email while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. (We are not endorsing emailing while driving…simply sharing the technology. ) How do I get started? To start, Jott for Blackberry supports series 8800, 8300 (Curve), and 8100 (Pearl) models. If you are using one of these devices, simply v...
More About: The Secret , Secret , Emails , Speaking

Add Cyberhomes To Your Real Estate Website, Blog or Single Property Site
2008-06-02 17:49:00
As a real estate agent looking to keep buyers and sellers on your website, blog or single property site, you realize the importance of providing local data that provides transparency to your market. Nevertheless finding the right data can be a daunting task. Not only does the data need to be accurate and updated often, but it needs to be presented in a way that encourages consumers to interact with it. Today I’ll be sharing the Cyberhomes Smart Frame which will allow you to search by city or zip code then retrieve a unique URL to be framed into your site without cost. Although before I do, let’s review some of Cyberhomes strengths: + Over 100 searchable properties with AVM + 575,000 records updated monthly + School scores + City boundaries + Neighborhood charts and graphs + Interactive heat maps Ok, now let’s look at the steps needed to get the Cyberhomes Smart Frame on your real estate website or blog: Go to CyberhomesPro.com and sign up for a free account. Once ...
More About: Website , Estate , Real Estate , Property , Blog

22 Reasons to Use Twitter for Business and Pleasure
2008-05-30 06:21:00
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. Ea...
More About: Business , Reasons , Pleasure

Have You Outgrown Your Router?
2008-05-26 02:37:00
Let me guess, the oldest piece of technology in your home office is the router. Am I right? This holds true for most real estate agents. There just doesn’t appear to be a compelling reason to invest in newer technology. That is what I thought until I did a little research. Since then, I have retired my trusty 802.11g router for a new, cutting-edge model. Originally, you probably bought your router so that multiple computers could share a broadband connection. Plus, the added benefit of a wireless signal gave you the freedom to use your laptop from the couch. For these simple needs, that old router is fine. I’m here to tell you that your needs have grown beyond those simple tasks. Ask yourself these questions to identify how your home network needs have changed: Do you work primarily from home? Has your broadband connection speed increased (10 Mbps compared to 1.5 Mbps)? Do you have a network connected printer, external hard drive or maybe even a new Windows Home Server?...
More About: Router

Does Your Real Estate Blog Need a Side of Widget?
2008-05-20 23:43:00
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 again and again. Try: Real ivent Home Se...
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Widget , Blog

Windows XP Service Pack 3 May Cause More Issues Than It Fixes
2008-05-14 05:58:00
I started writing this article from the standpoint that a third service pack to the already stable Windows XP operating system could only be a positive thing. Unfortunately, my opinion changed once I installed the update on my own computer. SP3 is Microsoft’s final push to address issues with Windows XP before it is all but pulled from the market this summer. Once this happens, whether you are a Vista fan or not, that will be the only Windows choice available for purchase. Windows XP SP3 is quite a letdown in comparison to the added functionality seen with Service Pack 2. Service Pack 2 gave new life to Windows XP, making you feel that the massive download and installation was worth the effort. The reality is that no real estate agent will directly benefit from SP3’s new feature set. Issues with Service Pack 3 Installations While you may not notice any benefit from installing SP3, you might be unlucky enough to experience issues related to the installation. This past wee...
More About: Windows Xp

5 Secrets to Better Search with Google
2008-05-12 05:59:00
“Google it”…that’s what we do when we need more information? Whether we’re looking for directions or real estate property; Google is often the first place we start.  But are you searching effectively? I love having the power to find exactly what I need-when I need it! So I thought I would pass along a few of my favorite search tips. 1. Site Search Having a tough time finding what you are looking for on a particular site? If they don’t have a search you can use Google. Try searching for a keyword only on that domain. See example: Use this format: Phrase or Keyword site:domain Here is an example search: Paperless site:MyTechOpinion.com [Hint: If you are still having trouble finding the phase you searched on a particular site? Try using Google Cached version. It will highlight your search phrase or keyword.] 2. File Types Outside of standard web documents, Google searches many other popular file formats. To restrict your next Google search to a ...
More About: Secrets

The Trick To Adding Local Search To Your Website or Blog
2008-05-05 06:12:00
Last week I talked about how mapping can help market your sales history (or any data for the matter) on your website or blog using Google Maps. This week I will use maps to showcase local attractions for home seekers on your website. As you know, many buyers care just as much about the neighborhood /community as the home itself! Why not add a page to your website or blog that facilitates buyer neighborhood research without leaving your site. Search ideas are limitless, but to start buyers could search local shopping, restaurants, parks, schools, recreation centers etc.   To accomplish my goal, I will cover two different methods. The first method will be for real estate agents using WordPress, and the second method is for all other platforms or traditional Website s. For both examples you will need a Google Maps API key. If you do not already have an API Key for your domain, get started here before continuing. METHOD 1: WordPress Users - Google Maps Plugin For WordPress You are lucky...
More About: Blog , Trick , Local

HomeGain Launches New Agent Blogging Network
2008-04-30 06:21:00
HomeGain launched their new agent blogging network tonight. Since Max the HomeGain Gorilla isn’t returning my Facebook messages and tweets, I had to hit up Louis Cammarosano (General Manager of HomeGain) with a few questions. Thanks for the lowdown Louis! HomeGain members can now blog directly to consumers! Each agent blog will have a distinct URL with the member’s city, name, and zip code (ex: http://blog.homegain.com/real-estate-blog /sanfrancisco/NicoleNicolay/94133). Unlike the agent to agent blog platforms, HomeGain’s blog network provides agents with a forum for helping consumers with the home buying and selling process. Agent s can reach out to consumers via their blog, as well as make, receive, and approve comments. The HomeGain Blog recently scored a page rank of 7, so agents looking for a SEO boost could potentially get one from blogging there. Louis adds, “Also since our traffic comes not just from SEO but from HomeGain.com (which is a source of traffic that far exc...
More About: Blogging , Network

New Feature from MyBlogLog Builds Your Contact Manager
2008-04-25 16:46:00
So, you just discovered a rockin’ new real estate blog and want to know more about the author. What about adding the author to your contact manager? If you are a MyBlogLog member, you are in luck! MyBlogLog recently added a new feature that allows you to easily add your favorite bloggers contact information to your address book via vCard and hCard.   vCards are commonly used in eSignatures or attached to business emails. They are standard electronic business card files that usually include an address, phone number, email, Website or blog URL, etc. vCards can be added to the Mac OS X Address Book, Microsoft Outlook, and other applications. Now, I hadn’t heard of the hCard so this gave me a chance to learn more. Apparently an hCard is a microformat for publishing contact information, as well as for extracting details to be used in other applications or Websites and even within mapping tools (yes, Reggie….mapping).   Stan Shroeder from Mashable says, “If you&...
More About: Contact , Manager , Feature , Builds

How Mapping Can Market Your Sales History
2008-04-21 05:45:00
This is the first of a series of posts I’m writing about creative ways to utilize mapping in real estate.  I will show how a real estate agent can display their total history of home sales (or any other data for that matter) and showcase it on a WordPress blog using Google Maps. This unique approach to transparency may prove helpful for those agents that have a thriving sales history in a particular county, city or even neighborhood. Possibly rounding out the about me page. I will not be using Google MyMaps to accomplish this goal because it does not have an import feature. You would need to plot each sale, one by one.  So those of you that have vast sales histories would have a labor intensive process. Also when done hand plotting the addresses, you would not be able to use that data again. (It’s not in a raw data file such as text delimited, csv or spreadsheet etc.) So I will have you start by compiling a complete list of your sold properties in a spreadsheet.  You ...
More About: History , Market , Sales , Mapping

Focus Your Social Media Marketing
2008-04-17 05:08:00
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 (SSM) 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 mashu...
More About: Focus

Save Money On Your Technology Purchases
2008-04-13 19:59:00
I am what you might call a “bargain hopper”. It gives me great pleasure in knowing that I purchased something at the lowest possible price. The slowing of the real estate market and the economy as a whole has made everyone a bit more frugal and willing to go to a bit more effort to find a great deal. Allow me to show you a few tricks to saving money while still keeping on top of the latest real estate technology. Discounts on Computers  First of all, never pay full price on a computer. In fact, don’t even settle for a sale price. A simple Google search and a bit of good timing can save you so much more money. When making an online purchase, have you seen the promo code or coupon code field and wondered what that is and how to get one? Promo codes are special offers sent to select groups of people that can lead to huge savings. These codes tend to be for very specific products and expire after a short period or after a limited number of uses.  Luckily, there are...
More About: Technology , Money , Save Money , Save

Trulia First to Go Google Street View
2008-04-09 06:24:00
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 the neighborhood too. It’s the next best thing to being there.” Now buyers can arm themselves with “real living” information. A concerned parent can map...
More About: Google Street View

Service Pack 1 Released For Windows Vista
2008-04-07 15:32:00
Where does the time go? It’s hard to believe that it has been over a year since the release of Windows Vista . As a sort of birthday present, Microsoft has completed Service Pack 1 for Vista. Unlike Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, you will not see much in the way of new functionality. The focus of SP1 is stability, compatibility and performance. This means that your Vista computer may seem to have more pep after the upgrade. File transfers should complete faster, and problematic peripherals just may run smoother. Reviews of SP1 are mixed. Some tests are showing speed improvements, while others don’t show much difference. One thing that reviewers from PCMag and PCWorld can agree upon is that there is no reason to not upgrade to SP1. Service Pack 1 was released to manufacturing over a month ago, so new systems are already shipping with the upgrade. Existing Vista systems will get the upgrade through Windows Update later this month. If you are impatient like me, you can downl...
More About: Windows Vista , Released

FreeMobile411 – New Mobile Search Technology
2008-04-06 16:25:00
If you don’t already have a free mobile option for directory search you may enjoy a new service from Free411 called FreeMobile 411.com.  This new WAP enabled technology is optimized for mobile browsers and lets you search business name, business type, & person’s name. Once you’ve located the desired result, users will see the corresponding address, phone number, map, directions and nearby places as available. You will see a few ads, but they do not seem to get in the way too much. Other useful free directory searches include Google Mobile Maps, Goog-411, and Microsoft’s Tell-Me service. Google-411 and Microsoft are both call in systems. [via CNET]
More About: Technology , Search , Mobile Search

How to Redesign Your Active Rain Blog
2008-04-04 23:24:00
I love bling! And not just to wear; I love it on all my blogs and networks.  In fact, I had Reggie hook up my Active Rain sidebar to match the MyTechOpinion Blog v1. So naturally, I was excited when Brad Carroll informed me I could customize my Active Rain Blog layout. With so many sites to maintain on the Web, this is a great way to brand yourself and provide consistency among all your blogs and networks.   To learn how to customize your ActiveRain blog, click here.
More About: Redesign

Future of Real Estate Technology Acquires MTO
2008-04-01 16:18:00
It’s true. We have been acquired. Loren over at the Future of Real Estate Technology made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. Actually, he had made several offers to us in the past in his attempt to takeover MyTechOpinion….and make it all his own.  Second place on Google for the search term “Real Estate Technology” had been eating him alive! So, we finally caved after many rounds of negotiation. Loren takes over our domain starting Sunday. As for Reggie, Chad, and I, we’ve decided on a much simpler life. You can find us blogging remotely from our new home (the 85 Renault RV). You should see the curtains I picked out for this baby! Hey, we said he made us a good offer….of 89 installments!

RealBird Integrates with Street View API
2008-03-29 21:01:00
Zoltan of RealBird clued me in to Google’s release of their new Street View API Thursday.  Meaning developers can now integrate street view maps with ease. You can bet this API’s popularity will surely explode in real estate websites as buyers will appreciate the convenience of previewing neighborhoods from remote locations.    Realbird has already begun taking advantage. You may remember we talked about manually embedding these maps. Well not anymore, Zoltan has integrated the new API in with RealBird’s Listing Websites.  

Chicks Love MTO v.2
0000-00-00 00:00:00
No, you don’t need to adjust your monitor settings.  We launched MyTechOpinion  version 2  tonight. Chad made a great suggestion at our weekly offline meeting (yes, we do make it out of the office once in awhile). And before we knew, Reggie’s weekend had been spent whipping us up a ...
More About: Love , Chicks

Real Estate Marketing Strategies for 2008
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Joel Burslem handed me a Flip camera and press pass at the Inman Real Estate Connect New York. And, I’m pretty honored that he thought I’d bring him back something worthy of Inman TV. Good thing I kept it clean. Those blogger parties can get pretty wild!Actually, my goal was ...
More About: Marketing , Real Estate , Marketing Strategies , Real Estate Marketing