#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.