I thought I'd share a couple of tips since us "oldies" are referred to as many different expletives & generally branded as unhelpful! Even an old dog can learn new tricks! This may be helpful to all members.. old & new!

This thread can be easily located or referred to via a simple search using the keywords.. Tips ~or~ Tricks

Just use the next number in sequence when posting a tip or trick.. #3, #4... It will be interesting to see how high the number will go!



Enjoy:

#1 Do you have a property that's new & you can't locate the details (sf, #br, #ba, etc) via MLS or tax search?

Call the local building permit department. They will have all the details on file and in my experience, have been really eager to help. I've gotten to know one of the ladies in my local one by first name and she even faxes me a summary detail if I need it.

It's helped me out several times and especially in one case where the BPO company kicked back a BPO as the subject info did not match the appraisal! They certainly believed the summary fax from the building department and approved my BPO immediately.

#2 Going crazy trying to remember all of your login user name/passwords?

Get RoboForm! http://www.roboform.com/ It stores all of them for you! I bought the RoboForm2Go version and it's on a USB key. All you have to do is click on Logins and select the web site. It automatically goes to the web site (as it stores the web site address as a link) and enters your user name & password! I like the portability of the USB version as I can use it at the office and bring it home as well. Nothing gets installed on your PC, just the USB key. This can also help you login faster for some of those orders!



If you have a useful tip to share, post it here. Let's try to keep his thread free of questions, only post tips & thank yous to contributors!

Gulf Winds,

At the risk of sounding low tech -- what is a USB key. I went to that website you listed. Looks like a problem solver! I have all my password stored on my desktop on an Excel sheet. So If I'm working from my laptop it creates a problem.

Oh my thanks for that password thingy..Everytime I get an email from one of the companies (other than the ones that I always do) I have to rush back into my email to get the logon and password (and by that time, it is GONE!!!)
See we aren't all that bad are we.. I haven't heard from a certain someone for what most of the day now...It has been very very quiet.

USB Key aka Thumb Drive (portable storage device)



NOTE:

If anyone has questions for contributors, please send them a private message to keep the content mainly tips, tricks & thanks!

3# Measuring Distances

If you have a company that does not automatically calculate distances for you (PTEK, RRR, etc.) try Microsoft Streets and Trips. From pinpointing the subject property to your comparable use CTRL + E and the distance will be measured for you.

4# Resizing Pictures

After retrieving a large group of photos you can have them batch resized for easy uploading by using a program called Visualizer Photo Resize. The program is free and no I do not have a web address. A Google or Yahoo! search should turn up the program with relative ease.

#5 Declining an order due to being busy, or unfamiliarity with an area, is better than accepting one that you know will not be completed on time, or done shoddily. (Is shoddily even a word?)

#6 Before doing 2nds, ask the listing agent about any issues. They're gonna know way more about a property from the pre-list stage, than us in our 15 or 20 minutes inspection. And they appreciate it!!! You'll get to know the other REO agents in your area so much better.

#6 Fax Program

Best tool I ever invested in… http://www.extremefax.com No more having to run to the office or where ever to pickup fax… They fax right into your computer… They give you a personal fax number (mine is toll free, no extra cost)… When ever I get a fax I can view it, print it, save it as a pdf, or email it… It even sends me a text message to my cell, telling me I have a new fax, shows from what tele number and how many pages… It also send s me an email, so I can pick it up if I cant get to my computer (just check your email from any computer)… No more having to worry about other agents in your office reading your confidential faxes… You cant the price, only $79 per year, includes up to 300 pages per month (additional pages avail for extra cost)…

Regarding tip #2: Roboform - I also use and recommend it…

#7 getting rid of the stall air in reo.

vanilla plug in..( i know not a great tip, however it helps make the home appear more welcoming, and i have gotten positive feed back from buyers over the years.) i will try and think of better tips. this could be a fun thread

#8

if you go to do a bpo and its gated, or empty, never leave empty handed. take a picture of what you can.

#9 I agree that MS streets & Trips is really a great program, but there is one county that it can never map for me, and if the address is too new, sometimes it can't get those either. That's when I try Google Maps. It has saved me several times. I can even map that particular county that never works on Streets & Trips, with Google Maps. You can just go to google.com and there's a map link at the top left of the page.

#10 Use autofill! I purchased a Mac not too long ago, and it has an awesome autofill feature. When I first start entering information, I start out by filling out everything that's the same on all comps, such as "type of property". All I have to do is hit the first key and it fills it in for me. Love it!

Just be careful... because it'll also enter numbers that you don't want there. For example: you've previously entered 103 DOM, and now want to enter 10 DOM. It'll add that 3 at the end.

ive been known to tailgate...

or use the MLS to get codes

#9 Make sure you have extra batteries for your camera, just in case.

Caboguy that is actually #11

Extras on Interiors

#12 - Flashlights (this should be a no brainer) and an extra set of batteries

#13 - Screwdrivers and Powerdrills. If you are in an area where city or county governments love to board things, a set of screwdrivers and a power drill can come in handy for that interior that was requested and the listing agent has no idea that the house had been boarded (like that day or the day before).

#14 - Extra clothes and Flea bombs. And yes I do carry all of this with me, most of the time. I could live out of my truck if I needed to. This should be self explanatory, I brought fleas back to my cats once......never again.

#15 *learning the concept of 'copy and paste' is priceless!

i also have a "cheat-sheet" of common "bpo blubs" that i use to describe neighborhood areas, market conditions or my "this is not an inspection report... blablabla" that i copy and paste into the proper sections. it saves lots of time!

#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

21B (On taking street sign first)

If you miss the street sign (by the way that is a most excellent tip got it from Gig'em about a year ago helped me tremendously) if you miss it, don't worry, take the close up of the house number first... that'll work in a pinch for a separator too and even on a 15 photo day you can probably find the order by the number.

#27-



This is a great tool and your sellers will love it! One more way to save some time!

Why would you NOT use it... it's FREE!

Thanks Perky_REALTOR for the tip!!!

Remember your Passwords tip:

Today most passwords require a minimum of 8 letters and numbers, to keep things easy use this 8 character password changing only one character for each vendor.

BPOE2007 is the sample password, now lets break it down. BPO 'E' 2007

[BPO] or any of your own first three letters that you select are always the same. 'BPO' E2007

[E] Represents the first letter of BPO Vendor as in EMORT**** BPO 'E' 2007

[2007] or any four numbers you select are always the same in the password. BPOE '2007'

Examples: BPOC2007, BPOE2007, BPO oh oh what do I do if I have two companies with the same first letter. Let's say Country Wide.
use the W. example BPOW2007 or CW example BPOCW2007. or CC example BPOCC2007.

This way if someone gets one of your passwords they won't get into all of your online registrations.


ron

Acronym definitions,

Need a definition for that acronym, go to Google search, enter the information needed as follows; [ define:GLA ] without the brackets. For the best search results you should use the colon between the words.

let GOOGLE be you acronym resource.

ron

28 On those 15 bpo days and you can't remember the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, especially in old houses sometimes chopped into duplexes, take pictures of your fingers. I shoot a few rooms and then hold up 2 or 3 fingers to indicated 2 or 3 bedrooms. I use left hand for bedrooms and right hand for bathrooms. Easy to tell when I get home and sort through to upload. Requires no paper and digital photos are cheap.

29 Stock Phrases. Spend a little time typing up a list of stock phrases. I use Excel. Tape the list next to your monitor. Can make it quick to enter comments when your brain is dead at the end of the day.

30: If you are a bad speller or typist, checkout ieSpell.com It will spell check most of your on line BPOs.

Heres one that everyone should do... Even though you might not think it will happen...

Keep some kind of form or paper with you from the assigning company, just incase a neighbor calls the law on you for doing an Interior BPO!!! It will save you a lot of headache!! Also helps if you have a Realtor tag or something on your vehicle as well!!!

32 http://www.city-data.com/ Get statistical info on small towns and villages to explain why you had to expand search radius to find comps. I created a Word document into which I have copied the stats for my area's small towns. I copy and paste relevant info into any BPO without retyping it.

33 As mentioned in a previous hint, I also rename the Favorites link to add the user name/password. To provide some security, however, I have a "normal" word I use in most of my passwords. I can substitute a * for that word and then add prefix or suffix to change passwords for different uses. Email your browser's Favorites/links to yourself if you need to transfer them to another computer.

#34 -- Trade-in the gas-guzzling SUV . . . perhaps this seems like a "duh" to most of you but i had a really intimate relationship with my Durango (anyone cried at a dealership on trade-in?) -- it's gone and i don't miss my 11 miles to the gallon and my Toyota Matrix is averaging 33 miles/gallon allowing me to broaden my work area and help my bottom-line with gas prices --

#35 If you can't find an address in a small rural town call the post office.

#36 http://www.grandcentral.com

One phone number for life...this allows all calls to be routed to your grand central number so if you change office, move or get a different cell phone number and have given out your Grand central number NO problem... no one will ever know...
Will ring all numbers (the one you choose to do so) at one time! Never miss a call again. Plus tons of great features FREE in beta. Grand Central has been aquired by GOOGLE.

Now taking reservations for numbers so check it out.
If you are interested... I have 5 invites I can give so you don't have to wait. I DO NOT receive any compenation for this...it is just because I have been with them prior to being aquired by GOOGLE.

Thanks.

Ok, heres my contribution.....

#37
I have 2 sets of business cards (broker approved).... One is the normal business card that us RE agents have. The other is my BPO business card. It says my name, realtor and then on the next line it says Property Investment Specialist. I give this one out when Im doing interiors, or some nosey neighbor gets in the way, or the police (on occasion). Its worked for me.

I have been trying to figure out how to do that for a long time. How do you do that on your monitor?

A great way to save your password is with Roboform. It is free. I installed and you can password protect your passwords or not, it auto populates forms and passwords,etc. I love it because I forget to write them down and at times I have been known to forget where I put them when I did write it down. Here is the link:
Roboform Roboform.

#38 - In addition to always having extra batteries, invest in a battery charger you can plug in to you car's cigarette lighter. I found one on clearance at Wal-Mart for about $12.

#39 - I'm a total germaphobe - I bought a 50-pack of cheap washcloths that I keep in my trunk along with a bottle of rubbing alcohol. I wipe my hands and arms, and any other exposed skin, after interior BPO's. I'll also spray my shoes and pants with Lysol after the really nasty ones, and I spray my car seats every week or 2.

#40 - Be prepared; I keep it all in my trunk, and have been very glad to have it with me many times: Well stocked tool box, broom/dustpan, padlocks/hasps/lock boxes, air fresheners, light bulbs, flashlights, batteries, latex gloves & surgical masks (visit someone in the hospital and stock up ), small step ladder, trash bags, vics vapo-rub for the stinkies (Altoids work well too), bug spray & flea collars.....Did I miss anything? Duct tape! Gotta have duct tape!

thought I would bump this one back up to the front.. thanks gulf winds this was a great idea and what this form was about.

41. don't wait till your signs are stolen for scrape metal 3 times. in some areas it may be a good idea to use a plastic sign or put it in a front window.

#42 - If you can't find an address because the area is covered in new construction drop by your local firehouse and ask if you can get a copy of their map.

I've found them a great help for this, and a small donation makes them very happy.

#43 Use a checklist for every BPO you do.

#44 Trying to track down an "occupant" that won't answer door? Great FREE site http://www.peopledata.com - enter their name and state and you can even get a phone number on most for FREE! and if you need more information on occupant, put his/her name and state into http://www.veromi.net to get their relative's names (you can tell moms, dads, sisters and brothers by their ages which are also displayed) and i love the state court records -- my state actually shows addresses and birthdays so that if your occupant has been to court recently another place to track them down - these sites have helped me tremendously.

#45 - Kall8 Numbers. Better than any other portable number out there, including efax, ureach (which I also like), trust me, there is no better toll-free solution. What's nice about Kall8 numers are you can BLOCK unwanted calls (if the number falls into the wrong hands), and real-time, unstoppable caller ID(even if caller ID is blocked) with address reversal for .12. You can actually forward your cell into one of these numbers and never have to give out your true cell number (for all you bar flys and players). You can also get local numbers, which have toll-free capabilities. These numbers are great for sneaky things too.

http://www.Kall8.com

#46 Get the Sony T100 camera. It's 1 inch thick, about the dimensions of a credit card and with it's 25X zoom will enable you to shoot house number shots from a block away. I take them at time when the owners are sitting on their porch and don't have a clue about what I am doing.

It can shoot up to 8 Megapixel so it is great for family shots also.

Another great feature is that its Lithium battery lasts about 300 minutes of shooting so you will seldom run out of juice. Charge once a week and forget it.

Also, with a 4 gig pro duo disk, you could put 10,000,000 images on the disk before you would run out of disk space.


This shot was taken from 7 houses away from the subject at the maximum 25X zoom.

#47 Guess it's time for me to add a tip... The best way I've found to resize quickly is Microsoft's Picture Resizer power toy for Windows XP. Select one or more pictures and right click them. The resizer is in the right click menu. Slick and quick. Does not work with Vista from what I can tell. For my Vista Machine, I use VSO. Both are free. Microsoft's is better IMO.

Quick download - links provided below.

Microsoft Resizer Power Toy for Windows XP
VSO Image Resizer for Windows Vista

#48 - Mag Light Upgrade - We all have one laying around...

--------------

A great upgrade and mod for that dated 3-D Cell MagLite everybody has laying around.

Yes, it’s an LED upgrade and although similar in price, it’s not the same one you find at Wally Mart. This one is digitally controlled and bright – 150-200 lumens compared to the 35-40 lumens Maglight LED upgrade.

Efficient too – an expected 60 hours on Akalines (yes, 60 HOURS).

The total upgrade and mod takes about 5 minutes and will set you back $29.95 for the new LED upgrade/shipping.

------------------

For the bulb upgrade, purchase a TerraLUX TLE-6EX MiniStar5 SSC P4 U bin LED upgrade for 3-6 C/D cell Maglites. The drop-in upgrade is $24.95 and you can find it online, or at http://www.batteryjunction.com, .

------------------

For the mod, all you need is some masking, electrical, or duct tape. The end result is turning your 3-D cells into a 4-C cell light. This increases the voltage by 1.5V – so you get the performance of a 4-D cell light, in the 3-D cell body.

This mod physically balances the light too. It reduces the weight by 8.5 ounces, and when you pick it up, it’s like, huh? Since the extra weight is gone – you can use this thing to whack something efficiently without worrying about snapping your own wrist.

Remove the rear cap, and remove the foam/spare bulb. Flip the spring. You are nearly done.

Next, take one of your C batteries and wrap it in tape so that it fits sug inside the Maglight body. The goal here is to be sure the C battery diode will always be cenetered on the Maglight positive switch. Be sure to trim off any tape around the edges so the batteries will make contact with each other. No need to wrap the other 3 C cells, the spring will hold them tight (and no, they will not rattle around sinside the body). Done.

-----------

For $25, you’re getting a light with comparable performace to many lights costing $300-$400. Not to mention with the 4-C cell mod, it has a 60 hour runtime – that’s a long, long time in flashlight hours.

Personally, I like the new, smaller LED lights. These guys (www.fenix-store.com) make great lights now approaching 200 lumens – which is surprisingly bright – and the light is only 2/75” in length!

Enjoy

#49
Can't legally carry "heat" here in Ca so I've always got my pepper spray. Attached to my keys so its in my hands at all times. If I have an interior BPO and am going in alone, I make sure I'm on the phone with someone who knows where I am and what I'm doing there such as my husband or the listing agent. The agents are always happy to assist me as they are familiar with the property & circumstances. A bluetooth makes talking and snapping photos at the same time much easier =)

#50
Mapquest has a new feature to route 10 destinations in a trip.

Route your subject properties and print the directions. Once you begin taking pics, just jot down the number of pics that you took of each property beside the address on your sheet. No need to take pics of the street signs to remember which house is which. And you have a record of mileage for the day too!

Before you print the directions, there is a notes box at the top. I always enter "BPO route for (Date)" keeps everything organized.

#51

Fleas are a common problem in many of the REOs in my area. It's very easy to walk out of a property covered in them. Get rid of them by starting your car and standing in front of the exhaust pipe. Be sure to leave the garage door open if performing #51 in your garage!

#52

Open a separate checking account for payment of REO expenses. This is also a good idea if you work for companies who do ACH payments for reimbursements and/or BPOs.

#53 For those who want the extra set of business cards (as TexasGal recommends - me, too) go to vistaprint.com. You can get all kinds of really neat and nearly free business cards and other stuff. Cannot beat the price.

#54 I use dictionary.com to find new words when I feel I'm being repetitive in my descriptions. It's a good spellchecker, too.

#55
Photo separator
Blank between the pictures I’m using order form from each company with big number on 1,2,3…and snap blank.. When I download the pictures I know which photos belong to which address.

#56 When doing a search for comps in your MLS, save it as the address you are doing, so you can come back to it. Delete them all at end of the month.

#57

For those new agents that don't have a lot of extra money to spend on misc software programs that do help, however 20 bucks here and there every month will add up.....use a free email account such as gmail. They have web based areas that you can upload pictures, documents, ect. and can access anywhere you find a computer. The EFAX is key, a must have but as far as roboform, thats great until your computer crashes and everything is lost and you never took the time to make a hard copy of your passwords. (Make sure that you back up your hard drive and Roboform.) You can also create an excel spreadsheet and upload it to the documents section of gmail, and have it, make changes, save all your BPO's as reference, like when your on vacation, don't have your laptop, and an asset manager calls you wanting to "talk", get on your friends computer, and have available that BPO you uploaded.

#58
Great ideas. And to expand...

OpenOffice Writer - or even get the whole suite. It's FREE!

This is not shareware junk - it's put out by Sun Microsystems to compete with MS. The writer program, in many aspects, is more functional than Word. In fact it has a built in PDF button which allows you to save directly to PDF.

http://www.openoffice.org/

#59 ~ Payment tracking. I have created an excel spreadsheet with the bank name, property ID and address, payment amount, date received order, due date, payment amount, ref. #. When I receive an order I input this information, once the order have been completed, I input the date completed and/or sent. Once I have received payment, I delete the amount to be paid from one cell and more it to the paid cell with a ref. number. I also keep a total of the amount I'm due and the amount that I have been paid.

Due to me having many companies I work for, this helps me keep track of what, and who have paid me.

Hope this helped.

Also, this is an excellent thread and tips.

About # 59, being an accountant also, I enter all my "sales" (BPOs performed) as invoices for each client, this is very useful and it allows me to know exactly when the invoices are due, who owes me what, and the different price levels. I can send statements, have a separate bank account for BPOs, and with a click of the mouse I can know who is giving me the most business and who is paying within terms.
About #55, I have a BB and before I take each pic, I enter the house number in my BB (like if I was calling a telephone #), take a pic of that, then take the subject or comparable pic, this is great bc I don't have to have additional papers with me, and we all know how many papers we have to deal with daily!

#60

Need to get into a gated community (and you either don't have a key or the wrong one to the exterior gate) and don't wish to ring up the home's occupant?

Call any other community residents from the callbox and anounce yourself as UPS or FEDEX. You'll be amazed at how most people will buzz you in without question!

(*Don't say that you're with the US Postal Service. They're federal employees, thus making it illegal to impersonate one, regardless of the reason).

#61

Strange place to find a comp?? We've all had a bpo where comps were really hard to find. A site that i frown upon my clients going to (usually gives them a really bad value for their home) can be so helpful when you're not having any luck searching one of the difficult properties. http://www.zillow.com will show the comps they use by closest square footage and by distance and includes all properties that have changed hands (including FSBO's) -- if a comp works for me i also have its distance -

Regarding #55, I have found that using the -Recent Selections- feature on my Garmin GPS really helps to ID the pictures after I have downloaded the pics for a big order. I work in reverse and label the pics accordingly.

#62 Remote login to your PC from anywhere

There is a FREE service you can use from anywhere called Logmein that will allow you to access your system from any web browser on anybody elses system. Completely secure, and FREE. ... Very useful if you are caught requiring access to information on your PC at a particular moment.

Can get it at http://www.logmein.com

Jonathan

#63

for a quick and painless resize (less megs)-
if you open a pic in MS Paint, and then re-save it, it will usually save the pic size at about a third of its original file size.

#64

Invest in your tools (cameras, locks, etc.). Cheap tools, lots of headache.

#65

Get with a local gas station and negotiate a discount for gas for your car and fleet, trust me it works!

#66

Make sure you find and place work in clusters (think same zip, same street, same neighborhood, if possible). Running around town hardly makes it worth it.

#67 Watch the weather and base your "photo shoots" accordingly. Nothing is worse than having to go out to take pics in a "NorEaster".

#68 Have you ever had to go take pictures of comps because your BPO company said the MLS photos weren't good enough? Here's a program to improve those MLS photos. I read about it, but haven't tried it. There's a free trial offered that might be all you need to satisfy those pesky QC people.
http://tinyurl.com/azvom

#69 - Keeping photos organized: Print out your driving directions, then before you take pics of the property, snap a pic of the address on your printed directions. The pictures will always follow the address they belong to.

#70 check out this STUN GUN FLASHLIGHT.

I bought the one from target after our Jack Russell was mauled by a German shepard on a morning walk. Almost got the wife to trying to save her dog.

This has prevented two animal incidents 1 coyote and a rogue dog. Just the crack of the stunner scares them off.( down side is it terrifies your dog as well ) Also kept a homeless from following her. The one from target is plastic and has an impressive stun gun. A so so flashlight works and she uses it daily. A pain to change the 9v batteries and the wires seem a bit cheap. Although it has worked great for a year.

I plan to order this one for the rechargable batteries. (need to research if the site is good though.)
http://www.tbotech.com/stunflashlights.htm

This is the one I already got her from target.com
stun flashlight
http://www.target.com/Commando-Flashligh...ashlight&page=1

#71 I use a Dewalt flashlight, it uses the same batteries as my Drill, is incredibly bright, recharges in about 1/2 hour, ad last a really long time on each charge. It is far brighter than others I have tried.

#72

the 2 applications I use most for bpo work are:

1. GIMP (Graphic Image manipulation Program) http://www.gimp.org this is essentially a FREE professional grade photo editing application on par with Photo Shop. I use it for resizing (Image/scale) all of my photos.

2. ACD CANVAS it is expensive BUT... this is the only application that I have been able to find that will allow you to do photo editing, scalable vector graphics, edit PDFs, and precision drawing all in the same app. One of its more useful tricks is to get a parcel size when none is available from a plat map or public record (estimate). I place the Parcel Map PDF in a Canvas template redraw the scale box and measure it with the default ruler, change the default ruler to the scale ruler then trace the parcel, when I "select the parcel" (object) and choose (select) "object properties" it gives me the square footage of the parcel (this is an estimate of course but it is better than nothing) and unless you have it surveyed sometimes it is the only one you can get.

#73

Make a spreadsheet in Excel with sums that will easily update for ever new year. I use this reference to quickly determine the age of the home.

Yr. Age
1971 -36
1970 -37
1969 -38
1968 -39
1967 -40
1966 -41
1965 -42
1964 -43
1963 -44
1962 -45
1961 -46
1960 -47

#74 When you get home from a day of 10 property inspections, upload the photos immediately. Nothing worse than your daughter holding the camera and asking,"Daddy, what does FORMAT mean".

#75 My MLS only lists DOM, not date listed... Some bpo's want dom and others want the date listed. To convert DOM to an actual date I use a free program Easy Date Converter.

http://www.hermetic.ch/solo/edc.htm

just put in what todays date is, put in the dom and it will give you the listed date.

Uh-oh old south. I would be careful - days on market are not literal....There can be breaks in the history. Like I just saw one active with 94 days on market, but it was listed in 10/2006. Several periods temporarily off the market and pending.

Is there no history report on your MLS?

Yes... but on our goofy MLS it only lists Days On Market... no dates. I was just offering the program I use to convert days on market to an actual date...

#76
1. For my palm, a little freebee that calculates the number days between two dates (listing date --> today = DOM) Very handy . . . don't have link but it is called: "Time Apart"
2. Checklist, I use one always . . . when I don't I am sorry.
3. Organize directory tree BPO's --> Company --> Address then you can keep all documents, PDF's images related to the BPO there including the completed BPO for future reference.
4. Use QuickBooks and create an invoice at the time the order is received. No more surprise checks (if you are lucky) 5 months later
5. On check list, spell out photo requirements.
6. On check list, track mileage.

#77
Again with the keeping up with passwords and log ins....
I put everyting in my palm(cell/phone). I Enter each companies name in my phonebook, all contact info and, my phone lets me edit the lables so, I enter my usernames and passwords there too. I always have my phone with me if I work at home or any of the office computers, so I have all the log in info and pertinant info I need right there. Oh yes, and I can and do password protect my phone......Guess I will just have to remember that one though

#78 Always take a picture of the Address if you can...

Even if it is not asked for, often the bank has an old appraisal that they will compare your BPO to. You will need proof if asked that you were at the right spot.

Adam Kitt
BPO Expert
Baldwin Real Estate Svcs.
SoCal

#78 Great address verification site...

http://www.melissadata.com

Go to "Free Lookups" and select US Addresses. This site is amazingly great for many searches. 99% of the time I can get the address verified along with a map, county info, city info, demographic info and much much more.

You can also get a list of all of the zip codes in your county and copy/paste it into excel for easy access for the BPO Co's.

Adam Kitt
BPO Expert
Baldwin Real Estate Svcs.
SoCal

#79

I have got so much help from you all, and always wanted to contribute. so I found this website to calculate DOM
http://www.calendarhome.com/date.shtml
cheers
Amir and Nadia

#80 Have you ever deleted files on your memory card accidentally?

Sure, me neither but IF you should:

http://www.download.com/SoftPerfect-File-Recovery/3000-2248_4-10578156.html?tag=lst-2

THis little utility can recover deleted files from sd cards



#81 Nice over head photos of neighborhoods

maps.live.com be sure to try birdseye view

#81 - After you have signed up with a company, if you don't get a username & password emailed to you within a few days CALL THEM! I have found out the hard way that I haven't gotten anything from companies because they will have some little glitch in their system that isn't allowing me to get orders.

One place had me so I could receive a maximum of 0 orders. The gal bumped it up to 8 & I started getting them left & right. Called them back a couple of weeks later and got it bumped up again to 20.

Another place I had registered with back in 6/05 & I didn't realize it was the same company so I reapplied in 1/08. Turns out the 1/08 application was declined because I already had an account on file. I wouldn't have known that if I hadn't called, turns out they needed some paperwork from me that I never received back in 05. I sent it over to them that day & was up & running getting orders immediately!

Take the time to follow up with companies!!!

When I take pictures of the properties, I always get a pic of the street sign to help sort them (amazing how taking pics of 8 houses in one day seems to make them all look the same). Also, after taking my pics of each subject, I press the cam down on my leg to create a "black" picture. When I get to my computer, I select "thumbnail view" in the folder and the black pictures make a nice divider between each home.

I bought a power inverter at Wal-Mart for about $40. It plugs into my cig. lighter, and creates 110V output. This is always in my truck, and I can always plug in my camera charger to avoid having dead batteries.

We use a variety of different style lockboxes and lockbox codes. I try to ALWAYS write them down as soon as it is installed, but sometimes forget and struggle to remember the codes. A new idea I'm trying is to TAKE A PHOTO OF THE LOCKBOX as soon as I install it. Once I see the box, I usually know the code. We take photos of everything else, why not the lockbox? Also, don't know if this is already on the list, but of course you want to take photos of the dataplates on mobile/manufactured homes. It will save you time and effort later!

Great ideas. I also keep a list with me of gate codes for gated communities. Some agents use the same combo for each of their listing combo-boxes, so I keep a list of those, also.

LOCKBOX CODES---get used to some type of coded method to insert them into the agents comments on the MLS.

For example---if you work for ABC Realty Co and the lockbox code is 2609 then at the end of the agent comments put the following.

ABC2609

or

2609ABC

Of course you can choose to make it a bit more complex.
This is largely for those agents in your office who may be showing your properties or those who are taking your phone calls away from the office without all of the info handy.

We get fined $100 for any mention of a combo lockbox in the MLS. It has to be a Metrolist lockbox or we can't bring it up..

I soooooooo wish we could put the LB codes in the MLS!

Auburn-Have you thought about encoding the code like suggested? I don't like to tell other agents in the listing as there are too many in our area that I know let their clients just "visit" on their own---which when I find out I call their broker..

CAUTION ABOUT LOCKBOXES...

A REO property I had listed last year went under contract in 10 days and then the fun began...Some agent gave out the combo and when we weren't looking someone out of Puerto Rico (or maybe here in Denver) started renting the property out asking for money wire transferred to PR, the minute the transfer hit PR it was wired out. The phone company investigated the phone number and found out it was bouncing through at least four services then lost. The Denver accompliace even held an open house to rent it. Four families were stung, and the lock box changed every three days.

I think it's #83 or so:

After doing all those BPOs, you get that REO listing only to have your beautiful sign tagged by some kid's fat maker. After installing my signs I smooth on a thin layer of Vasoline to both sides, using my always available vinyl gloves. Serves two purposes, keeps my signs relatively clear from graffitti, and I usually find the Magic Marker nearby as it will no longer work. If the sign gets to dusty, or bug filled, I replace and bring home and wash with Dawn detergent. Remember to pick-up those dead markers

#84 http://www.bestplaces.net/ and cyberhomes.com are to sources for comps, neighborhood and demographic data that are useful for me

#85 - Tagging BPO photos with contact information -

I use either PaintshopPro or Adobe. After I resize the photos, I look for an area that is either pretty uniform in color e.g. sky or asphalt, pick a color that will stand out against the background color. Using the text editor within the program I add the following:

Asset ID: 12345
Address: 1234 Main St.
View: Front (or back, street, address verification, damage, etc.)
BPO completed by: ColoradoReo
email: coloradoreo@comcast.net

I pick a font size that is not to distracting, neither too large nor too small. I also BOLD, ITALICIZE the text. Helps it stand out.

No company that I have done BPOs for has complained, but I don't think they really know what and why I'm doing this. I have gotten direct contact from lenders on other properties which I didn't even do a BPO on. And have gotten listings.

This act of self-promotion keeps your info in front of the lender who ordered the BPO. Remeber, if they say your name three times they will remember you.

Its always a good idea to keep a list of lockbox codes in you PDA for agents. Lots of them will use the same code for multiple properties.

Thank you for whoever started this post. The information on this post has been great.

Dan

Thanks for the compliment Dan! I'm happy to see SO many great replies and tips!

SUGGESTIONS FOR HANDLING LOCKBOX CODES ON YOUR REO LISTINGS

#86

Keep an up-to-date list of all lockbox codes posted at your office for use by floor duty agents and the secretary. Make extra copies for yourself: the car, by every phone you use, taped on the computer, and I even have my husband keep a copy in his wallet in case I get a call when we are out.

When you have a few REO listings, it isn't much of a bother to have showing agents phone you directly for codes--but when you get a dozen or so, it gets to be a problem. I put the following in agent only comments on all my REOs: Call office for lockbox code.

#87

When the vendor allows you to select the lockbox code, use the last four digits of two or three different phone numbers and then rotate among them (office number, fax number, your cell number). That way if you get caught without your list, you only have to guess a couple of times.

#88

Pick any two numbers as the last two digits and then assign the first two numbers of the address as the first two digits.

#89 Finding information on a newer property not in tax record or MLS.

Try to find the subdivision name at least. This can lead you to some type of listing - which can get you a builder's name. With either builder's name or subdivision name, you can often find a website with the info online to include sq ft, acreage, # BR, BA. You may even find Active Comps this way.

BP!, REALTOR, 8 years doing BPOs. Now specializing in BPOs.

#90 City Profile by zipcode

You can find out about Median Dwelling Age, % of Owner Vs Renter.

http://www.moving.com/find_a_place/cityprofile/results.asp?Zip=91504

Just change zipcode.

#91 Picture Resizing

I am sure lots of you have a program to resize all of your pictures at once but Microsoft has a free program called "Picture Resizer" that resizes all of your pictures in one folder all at once. The cool thing is you dont need to open a new program to resize them. All you do is select all the pictures in a folder then right click on one of the photos and one of the menu options says "resize images". It is very quick and easy. Here is the link to the program:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

Look on the right hand side, there is a list of programs and the one for the picture program is called "image resizer".

#92

reprogram your mouse buttons...!!!!

i just did this and love it.

i have a logitech mx3200...

i had to install the driver but then i reprogramed the buttons that originally were back and foward, to now be copy and paste...

pretty sweet if you ask me !

#93 Use VB scripts to automatically refresh the website so all you need is just watch the screens for those companies that you need to monitor their webs to get orders. Now you can sit back & relax!!

I have just the program that does what's needed in the interval that the user can specify like 23,60,85 seconds,etc.

#94 Be Careful who you bash!!!! Some of us are asset managers, some of us are vendor scouts, some of us assign out listings, oh yeah--- a lot of the above look to the REO attorneys to help refer them listing agents.....

[quote=SoCal Agent]#49
Can't legally carry "heat" here in Ca so I've always got my pepper spray. Attached to my keys so its in my hands at all times. If I have an interior BPO and am going in alone, I make sure I'm on the phone with someone who knows where I am and what I'm doing there such as my husband or the listing agent. The agents are always happy to assist me as they are familiar with the property & circumstances. A bluetooth makes talking and snapping photos at the same time much easier =) [/quote]

As 'heat' isn't entirely legal in many areas, I suggest as much self defense training as possible. A few years ago I took several classes in knife offense and gun defense and it was the best fifty bucks I've ever spent. Martial arts classes often incorporate daily defense training as well. Carry that maglite and be ready to use it. I just read the post about the taser/flashlight at target and I'm going to get one. The pepper spray is only good if you have it out and are ready to spray. It's no use to you if it's buttoned up on your keychain, ("Excuse me, could you please stop robbing/beating/raping me kind stranger? I'd like to get out my defense mechanism first." This doesn't typically fly! :-)).

However, I wouldn't recommend being on the telephone while entering a sketchy area. It's always a good idea to have a home base phone call before and after your visits, (If I don't call you back in fifteen minutes I'm at XXX address, please call the police). If you are on the phone in a dangerous opportunity, your senses are dulled by the telephone distraction and you may miss a warning sign. Speaking of police, it doesn't hurt to call the non-emergency line to tell them what you are doing and see if they can't send a squad car to the area to 'drive by' while you are there. As a single woman in this industry, I've found that the police are more than happy to establish a preventative presence if they aren't already occupied. Obviously I wouldn't have them park outside the property with sirens and lights flashing, but a couple circles around the block are more than sufficient.

Just joined today. Thank you to everyone contributing, I know this forum is and will be a valuable resource to me!

Here's a low tech way to resize your pictures. Simply email them to yourself out of MS Outlook and if you label them before you email them, it's a simple and quick entry with out having to look at them as thumbnails.

Here are helpful techy stuff we've found.

I think www.gpsvisualizer.com/calculators is really great. Our MLS features google maps when you click on the address you can punch in "to here" and "from here," but it only gives you street distance. GPSvisualizer gives you straight line distance.

Roboforms is a must have for remembering passwords.

PDF995 free PDF converter-printer, no need to buy expensive Adobe. We couldn't live without it. You can download it for free.

Microsoft Powertoys Image Resizer
This PowerToy enables you to resize one or many image files at one time with a right-click.

Since everyone is so helpful on here - here is a good tip - don't post the CFK notices the asset managers send you - We have more success with just a big lettered sign saying that the occupant no longer owns the property and we would like to help get them cash for keys. Most people see a legal looking document and throw it away. If it is bold and to the point they usually call back.

Also going along with the lock box combo - if you can set your own I use four of the digits of the asset or loan number - easy to remember when you deal with the properties a great deal in the initial listing.

My question to everyone is I would like other peoples opinions on how they figure land value and adjustments. Thisis always such a gray area - and my agents that work with me keep asking me to explain- but I am a doer not a teacher. Any insights on how to teach this skill without pulling my hair out trying to make sure they understand.

Google's Picasa is a good photo editor, it is really excellent for brightening up dark photos, use the "Fill Light" feature for that: picasa.google.com

If your camera does not have a feature to add timestamps like mine, try TimeToPhoto, it will stamp single photos or batches of photos using their file data.

#95
After I upload those 15+ photos, I rename each one to identify it, which helps when uploading to order forms also-

1314 Oak Street:

ofr (Oak front)
oint1, oint2 (Oak interior 1, 2..)
oadd (Oak address)

#96
I created a work sheet, which I carry in my car so I can keep tract of all the for sale by owner, for rent signs, that I see and note that in my bpo.


#97
When doing address verification I take a picture of the address first when I get the rest of my pictures I take another picture of the address and then I will snap a picture of a piece of paper or something on my seat of my car to remind me that I am viewing another property.

I store my passwords in a text file (sync'd to my Palm TX) except that I camouflage the actual user names and passwords. For example, if your user name is markJones71, (your first name, last name and year you were born) I list it as johnSmith99 in the text file (lower and upper case letters and numbers in the correct place; you need to remember that the 99 represents your birth year). If the password is autumnROSe you could use summerLILy. These pseudo-user name and -passwords are really just clues to the correct information. If your computer/Palm/Treo/Blackberry is lost, your password information is still somewhat protected. Although this is not a foolproof system and could probably be "hacked" by someone with some skills, it's an easy way to handle a large number of user names and passwords.

#6 Fax Program

Best quality and affordable service to receive fax via email is http://www.packetel.com

Plans

Subscription Cost Bonus Month(s)
============= ================= ===============
3 month plan 3 x $3.95 = $11.85 N/A
6 month plan 6 x $3.95 = $23.70 N/A
12 month plan 12 x $3.95 = $47.40 1
24 month plan 24 x $3.95 = $94.80 2

Someone on this thread suggested using a dual-monitor setup for doing BPOs.......I should have listened months ago. It cuts my time to completion in half. Buy a second monitor!

This is part II of the ever popular Original Tips & Tricks Tread .

As before:

This thread can be easily located or referred to via a simple search using the keywords.. Tips ~or~ Tricks

You must use acending numbers for each tip/trick and place the # sign in front of it. Example.. #1, #2, #3, #4... It will be interesting to see how high the number will go! Part I reached over 100!!!


A few requirements:

- this is only for posting tips and tricks, not questions!!

- don't recycle/post old tips and tricks from Vol I! Let's keep this fresh!!!

- oh yeah, don't post questions!!!


Enjoy!


If you have a useful tip to share, post it here. PLEASE.. keep his thread free of questions, only post tips & thank yous to contributors!

Please continue in Volume II

#1

I just got this new gadget for my business, but I was thinking to use it in my BPO side of it as well. Check the video and if you like it, give it a try.

http://www.previsite.com/instructional.htm

#2 For lot size, to convert from sqftg to acres or acres to sqftg, use

http://www.metric-conversions.org/area/acres-conversion.htm

If you are given the lot dimensions, use

http://www.ez-calculators.com/land_acre_conversion_calculator.htm

it would be impossible for me to be able to keep the bpo form uniform with sqftgs or acres if it wasn't for these sites!

It put this in a different thread, but thought it needs to be here.
Helpfull Hint to those who don't already do it. I put a new folder in my inbox for each property and move each email to it. Saves a lot of filing and printing.

#4

To help with a repair estimate:

http://fixfliprent.com/repairs/index.php

I had gotten a new computer this year and unbeknownst to me, it only had a Microsoft Word trial and my trial had expired the end of August. One of my monthly reports was due today and I had to use Word to complete it. I didn't want to spend $150 for a program I rarely use, so I found a Word Clone for $11.49. Its wonderful, I am in love with it. It does the same thing as MSWord only the cost is very small. I don't know if I can post the link here. Someone please let me know if I can, and I will post it. You can download the software and use it immediatey.

Openoffice.org are good MS alternatives as well.

Here's a great FREE program to automatically resize your images prior to upload:

http://bluefive.pair.com/pixresizer.htm

Just point to the source directory, then select an output directory. It takes seconds to resize all of the pics and will save you a lot of time when uploading your photos.

One of the things I find takes FOREVER in those BPO forms where you have to upload one picture at a time (even more so if you have a very high quality digital camera) is uploading the pics on my BPO. I found a program that will downsize them however you need (by percent, exact size, etc.)

Also works GREAT for your REO forms if it's an AM that just uses the word doc with Photo Addendum and you need your photos in an exact size, as you can set the exact size you want the photo.

This program lets you resize entire folders of photos and place them into whatever folder you want. And it's FREE. Hope this helps someone else. :)

http://www.fotosizer.com/

For those of you using 23"+ montiros, checkout Acer Gridvista. It makes running splitscreen a breeze! You can split your monitor up into four separate screens. This saves a ton of time when doing BPOs.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Acer-Gridvista.shtml

free program for turning anything into a pdf, .doc, .xls, .jpg, anything, It installs itself as a printer on your pc, and anything you can print can be turned to .pdf. great for those bpos that you fill out in word, send them in .pdf so they can't be changed. And Everyone can open pdfs.

www.cutepdf.com

For those of you who what to try dual monitors without buying one try Maxivista.com. Instead of purchasing an additional monitor, you can connect a laptop to use as an additional display with your desktop monitor. Works great and saves me a lot of time. A free trial is available a Maxivista.com

Solicitations from R.com or web optimizers??? Get taken off the call list by trying this little gem

"I am leaving the business and placing my license in escrow as of the 1st of the month....i am out of business...sniffle" If they persist i explain that " you don't understand....I am unemployed...how am i going to pay my mortgage, how am i going to pay for groceries....how am i going to pay for this 18 month old lexus/mercedes/porsche i leased (they will probably be repo'ing in in a few weeks anyway)....How am i going to pay my childs special education teaching assistant?

Just continue until it registers," my cards are cut off because they are delinquent.....my 90 foot yacht payment is late and being hidden in a little cove just outside us waters..."

Works like a charm!! And it can be fun, especially to kill time between the massive amount of work you are doing... Mr Agent, are you taking pictures? Yes the of the private school my 5 year old was going to attend....

You can also use www.doc2pdf.net to transfer from a word document to a pdf file.

#5 If you don't want to spend big $ on software and you have a student in your family, most companies give huge discounts to students. I bought Adobe Professional while my daughter was in college and only paid $172 with her student ID.

For those suckers out there paying for expensive data plans on their pda's to receive notification emails.

I put key words rules in my outlook that will trigger it to send my cell a text message anytime I receive an email with those key words (say stuff like "BPO", "Valuation"). The really weird thing is the rules are actually faster than my exchange server and I generally get the text message and then am sitting in front of the computer when the actually email solicitation comes through so I'm ready to hit "accept". This is great for when your walking around the office gabbing or at your house watching Tv or something and don't want to miss a BPO.

Don't forget to turn your cell phone's txt alert volume on high so you know when it goes off to high tail it to your email box!

Got another one.

Don't waste your time dumbing down your digital photos with software. It takes too long and it usually messes with the clarity of the photos. Instead get out the manual for your camera and you should be able to change the settings down to 640x480 or something comparable. If you don't have that setting on your camera, toss it in the trash and go get yourself a Canon Powershot. You can pick up a 8mb with 3x optical zoom for like 150 bucks and you'll never have to dumb down your photos again! Your uploading time will be a gazillion times faster than when you were trying to upload those 8 megabyte photos.

I use the following service to get rid of vehicles at abandoned properties.

www.junkmycar.com

they usually get it done in a day.

Ah, but can your text message allow you to accept broadcast bpo orders?

I struggled with the same thing you are suggesting, and found I lost more orders than I saved not using a data plan. The $30/mo I spend on a data plan I more than make up for with one bpo. Plus having blackberry/pda is pretty much essential for anyone serious about doing real estate these days. I'm all about saving money, but when it comes down to it, not having this a smartphone w/ email access would cause me to loose more money than I'd ever save.

if you need information on a condo or HOA go to www.condocerts.com

I just found it and it works great.

#6 (even though there were more in between, that's the last number)
use google toolbar to check spelling when filling a form online.

#7 use google maps to plan a route and measure distance -> after getting the "from" and the "to" you have a link "add destination" this allows you to add over 20 addresses in the route

Review your completed orders if they are available online. Reading the QC comments can help you determine how the company rated your work. Also it shows you the format that the company uses, and you can determine if your agent info is transmitted with the order.

Okay, I haven't signed up but am going to right now - www.dashfly.com

It plans your routes using google maps, optimizes the route, creates an IRS compliant record and report of your mileage. It also has a feature to show recent gas prices along your route.

I got an email with a discount code. I don't think I should post it here, but I bet if you call them you can get 50% off...

I don't use my GPS, but have been using google maps on my laptop, so this just takes it a step further (because I really stink at tracking my mileage, and it is one of the top things that gets us audited!)...

**Oh, and you can make notes for each destination, so you have a record of why you went to a location (appt, bpo, closing, whatever) for you favorite friendly auditor

I have a stock alibi for the times when I am confronted taking pics. Still in the awkward position of zooming in on the address and facing a potential angry out of work person about to lose his home I say, "I with the boat trader magazine. I am looking for the 24 foot stingrayn for sale by owner. Or Auto trader looking for the 92 Deville." Whatever fits--it gives an excuse for the camera and buys enough time to click and get out.

Also automatic windows are recommended. Leaning over across my wide F150 to manully crank my window down to get a good shot, well...not so much.

#8 I buy Master combo locks for pool gates in bulk with a common combo. No key to lose and all contractors know the code.

#9 I cut down on calls from brokers asking "is there a supra keysafe" by adding a stock photo of a front door in the MLS with a supra on it. I even superimposed the words "Supra on front door" over the photo.

#10 I started getting SOOOO many voicemails that said "what's the combo for 123 main st, etc", I added a line in our MLS comments that says email/text me for combo. I give my blackberry email address so agents know i can respond fast.

Also, my voicemail now says something like, "...sorry i missed your call, feel free to email/text your message or i'll call you back..."

I have put together a list of helpful recommended sites.
Real Estate Websites



Repair Website http://fixfliprent.com/repairs/index.php

Calculate land Size http://www.ez-calculators.com/land_acre_conversion_calculator.htm


This site is a big help to me, I can upload all the photos at one time!

Resizing Pictures http://bluefive.pair.com/pixresizer.htm


Resizing Pictures http://www.fotosizer.com


Split Screen http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Acer-Gridvista.shtml


I use this product everyday. It cuts down on printing and scanning. Best part it is free!

Convert to PDF http://www.cutepdf.com


Get Rid of a Car http://www.junkmycar.com/


Condo or HOA Information https://www.condocerts.com/home.html

Track Driving Route http://my.dashfly.com/


BPO Foreclosure http://www.allaboutbpos.com/


Store Passwords http://www.roboform.com/


Converts Documents www.OpenOffice.org


Remote Log in to Computer www.Logmein.com


Background Information http://www.peopledata.com/


Background Information http://www.veromi.net/processor.asp


Property Comps http://www.zillow.com/


Days Converter http://www.hermetic.ch/solo/edc.htm



Maggie McFarland
http://www.thehomesourceonline.com

Time saver tip. I have learned to pick locks so I can access the property on my first visit. After I confirm that the property is vacant I can access the interior, make my inspection and take pics. I stress making sure the property is vacant before entering. You don't want to bust in on a family having their Thanksgiving turkey. I hang a combo lock box and call the locksmith to re-key. I let him know the kwick-set code, he re-keys and leaves two keys in the lock box. This saves me a lot of time waiting for the lock-smith to show up or trying to coordinate our schedules or making a second trip to the property after determing vacancy. You can go to lockpicks.com, order a pick set and a book telling you how to do it.

For those who arent treo friendly, try keeping your logins and passwords in an address book alphabetically.

Make it a habit to always make a note of it and be sure to get a book that you can add pages to later, you'll need to.

SET OF DEFINITIONS OF PROPERTY CONDITION RATINGS (POOR, FAIR, AVERAGE, GOOD, EXCELLENT)

POOR: Property has obvious signs of neglect including boarded/broken windows, peeling/missing siding, roof at the end of its useful life, considerable interior damage and/or extensive water damage/mold. These properties are generally vacant and typically uninhabitable.


FAIR: Subject will appear occupied, but ignored. Beginning stages of neglect, such as older windows and roof yet still functional. Exterior may need to be painted, but it is primarily intact.


AVERAGE: No apparent recent updates and no signs of significant neglect either. The exterior features of the property appear generally maintained.


GOOD: There are recent improvements observed, such as newer siding, windows or roof. Subject is typically well-maintained and is usually a younger home. Thus the features are newer, yet no obvious signs of deferred maintenance.


EXCELLENT: All major features appear to be recently replaced or the subject property is less than 5 years old and very well-maintained. Visually it should show as having been remodeled in a professional workmanship-like manner.