#16 - OpenOffice.org. Download it - It's free. If you have an attachment you can't open, save it to your desktop, right click and go to Open With, then Open Office. It opens anything - It comes in really handy when you do a BPO and they e-mail you the form. I recently bought a new computer and didn't get Word or anything - I saved a bunch of money, and I haven't had any problems.

I'm downloading OpenOffice as I type. Thanks, Margaritaville!

#17 Save a few keystrokes when entering URL into the Internet address box. Just type the "guts" of the address, press Ctrl + Enter, and voila! http://www.guts.com ! (Note this only works on .com addresses)

The way I remember the user ID's and passwords for these companies is to edit the bookmark name in my favorites to include the ID & PW. Granted I am the only one that has access to my computer.

#19 I highly recommend one of those flashlights that you shake and it doesnt need batteries. They arent all that expensive and work pretty good. It is plastic though so its not good for double uses like a 2 foot long maglite. Vic's vaporub helps when you are going in a stinker.

There is an SD memory card called "Ultra" that has a USB connection on the back of it so you can plug it right into your computer even if you don't have an SD slot. It comes with a keyring holder for the card.

I bought it because they didn't have anything else that day... best thing I've ever got. No fussing with wires, no running my battery dead because I forgot to turn off the camera after I reloaded.

Camera stays in my car, SD card is either in camera, in computer or on my key ring...

It' been wonderful, I'd buy it again.

Here's what I assume Gary is talking about. If not, here's another to consider.

I have this exact one (Sandisk MobileMate. Bought it at Office Depot:



Works with pretty much any memory card and it's really small. I keep mine in my camera bag.

#21 I always take a picture of the street sign before I take any subject pictures. This makes it easy to determine which picture corresponds with which address. It can be confusing trying to find a particular address photo when you're downloading 20 or more at a time.
Gulf, I'm going out to find one of those Mobile Mates TODAY!! That thing will save me sooo much time. As usual, you contribute some really great tips. Thanks to everyone for their contributions, great thread!

If you need distances try using the free version of google earth. Plug in the address then zoom to move your pin to the exact location then under tools measure straight line between 2 places (as a crow flies). the paid version google plus allow you to measure a circle.

TIP #1

Don't spend all your BPO proceeds on gadgets.

He who has ears to hear...

P.S. That's more for me than you ohsay

#22

Pack heat.

#23 Going with the theme of #22...

I always look at the map of the neighborhood ahead of time and make sure that 1: I have an "out" of the neighborhood if things get hairy, and 2: that my car is pointing that way when Im taking pics. Nothing like having to make a U-turn when someone's coming after you!

#24

Logmein.com. Its great...its free...and its fast. Remote access to your computer from anywhere...like gotomypc.com but better and free.

#23 EXCELLENT ADVICE.

#25 I now keep paper on front seat with the BPO address written on it EXCEPT a slight change in the street name. If I am snapping 0000 Morning Glades, I write 0000 Morning Glory. Or I write Smith Village instead of Smith Valley. Then, if I get caught and am desperate to leave, I just try to look confused and say something like "You called for the quote to paint your house?" Then I just hand him the paper with the wrong street name, and he will say something like, "You are on the wrong street, Lady", allowing me to apologize, thank him and drive off. This may work well for ladies especially, if they feel the situation may get hostile. Love this thread.

# 24 if you are looking for companies to sign up with read ads other agents post on ds news or reo network or their web sites. Many will brag about the companies they work for.Thats how I got started 3 years ago.

#25 - set up a dual or triple monitor display or invest in a large (32") monitor - this will allow you to have multiple full screen windows open at the same time - works great when transfering info from MLS, tax records, etc.. into your bpo form - In my opinion, this is one of the best time saving techniques around - I couldn't imagine having to toggle through your different windows to gather and input information