Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

How to travel like a Vendor

With CMLS coming up next week at NAR just around the corner I thought I would share some travel tips. Just click on the images to see them better. Here goes…

So I hate to check any luggage. Especially with connections, you are just asking for trouble. I was reading this blog (onebag.com) It’s all about how to travel light. Anyway this company (RED OXX) worked with the blogger to create the ultimate carry on bag, they call it the AIR BOSS. One of the “onebag” concepts is no wheels. The mechanism for the wheels in rolling bags take up too much space. At first that was a deal breaker for me but the site convinced that you aren’t really carry the bag that much anyway. I got the bag and it’s great. I have no problem going on week long trips with this sucker, the design is simple and the quality of the bag is top notch, I love it. Problem was that I noticed that I was carrying the bag a lot longer than I wanted to, I missed wheels. But I didn’t want to sacrifice the bag. I needed another solution.

The best of both worlds

I typically ride me bike to work, so I use a backpack. When I travel I use the same backpack to carry by MacBook and other gear. Some of our sales guys use a rolling wheel case. I thought this might be the perfect solution for when I travel. I bought a Wenger Swissgear wheeled case from Amazon. The case was wide enough for all my gear and as an added bonus just fit my AIR BOSS bag on top. So now I could keep my AIR BOSS bag, have wheels and still not check any baggage.

Shoes and belt

When doing trade shows you really stand a lot so comfortable shoes are key. Rubber soles are a must. Normally I rock my Allen Edmonds but these are not for booth duty. So about 8 years ago, on a recommendation, I bought a pair of Mephisto shoes. They were a bit pricey but are awesome! Another tip, buy a reversible belt. You’re welcome.

Gear
You never know when you are going to need that extra power. So I like the integrated extention cord/ multi-outlet strip. They carry these at any hardware store. I also use at Fivespot for wireless internet, since I usually have multiple devices (MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone, etc). One thing I recently got for my iPad and love is the Book Book by Twelve South. I’m still using my original iPad so I don’t have a smartcover, but even if I upgrade I think I’ll still keep the Book Book.

Last but not least is headsets. I have the QuietComfort 15 (Noise Canceling). I prefer “over the ear”, rather than “on ear” to baffle out as much noise as I can. I also spent a few extra bucks and bought the “OE headphones mobile communications kit” which basically adds a microphone so you can use your phone/Skype with them. This makes them perfect for conference calls.

Hope you enjoyed this and travel safe!

The Science and Art of REALTOR.com’s new iPad App.

There have been quite a few reviews about REALTOR.com’s new iPad app, Inman News did a great job and I love the thoroughness of what Agent Genius put together was awesome. I just wanted to focus on a few things I think are really special about the app itself, and why I think REALTOR.com has really knocked it out of the park.

The Science

Data, data, data.

What really sets this app far and away from the competition is the data. Nobody has more listings than REALTOR.com. So if Zillow or Trulia’s app were just as good (which they are not) as REALTOR.com’s iPad app you would be hard pressed to rely on their iPad apps alone to do any serious searching for real estate.

Area highlighter.

I think any well executed product has a bit of magic in it. In fact Steve Jobs called the iPad itself, magical. Being able to draw with your finger on to the map the specific area you want to live is not a new feature with online websites or even on mobile device (REALTOR.com’s iPhone app has this ability) But it really shines on the iPad. It just feels like…magic!

The Art

Just a few other things that I also thought worth mentioning.

First I noticed how much more enjoyable and what a better experience I have using the iPad app than actually searching on REALTOR.com. No annoying ads, a better use of screen space, and the interacitveness of the iPad experience really makes me prefer it as a primary environment when searching for homes.

Mapping

Those of you that read my blog know I’m not a big fan of map search on real estate search sites. But I must confess REALTOR.com iPad app makes me a convert, at least on the iPad. Maybe because it reminds me of one site that I have mentioned in the past as my favorite implementation of map search; Estately. Take a look at the screen shots for the map display of Estately and the map display of the iPad app.

REALTOR.com's iPad App

Estately's map search screen

So it’s no wonder why I like it so much!

Recently viewed listings

This is something small but shows an attention to detail that I love about the app. Having a something as simple as a checkmark in the map marker to remind you that you have already looked at the listing is really a winner. It just adds to the overall experience of the app of being an efficient way to search for real estate.

Checkmarks!

The Gallery View

Another thing I believe is great products borrow something from the past. In this app it’s the “Gallery View”, Errol called this view similar to the magazines you would get at supermarkets and grocery stores back in the day. To me the layout reminds me of MLS books. This is especially true when you view the listings in portrait view (of course).

Would I change anything?

While the app is truly a great product everyone, especially a software developer like me, always has a few things they would change or add. For me I just felt the sharing features of the app were the least thought out. I can understand the issues of privacy but it would be really great to see better hooks and tie-ins between the agent and the consumer.

Well that’s it.

I congratulate the entire team at REALTOR.com for putting together such an inspiring piece of software!

Google selects Realtor.com

This is pretty cool. Google, fresh off their retreat from real estate, has invited Realtor.com for next week’s Mobile World Congress.  Realtor.com’s app was one of only 4 selected for the Android booth.  I’ve haven’t played with their Android app but their iPhone app rocks.

I wonder who are the lucky Realtor.com reps that get to go to Barcelona, where the conference is being held.  At this same conference last year Microsoft announced Windows Phone 7.

Muy bueno Realtor.com!

Read more: Realtor.com Android App featured at Mobile World Congress | REALTOR.com® Blogs

Goomzee gets Moola!

Congrats to Mike Sparr and team for securing the 1.2M!  Boom baby!

Also a post on TechCrunch!  Niiiiiice!

Goomzee Scores $1.5 Million To Help Real Estate Agents Close Deals Via Mobile

Full Press Release below:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOOMZEE SECURES SERIES A VENTURE FINANCING

Missoula, MT – March 30, 2010 – Goomzee (www.goomzee.com), a company that has developed an innovative mobile marketing platform that helps real estate professionals connect with potential buyers announced today that it has secured a $1.5 million Series A round of funding.  Led by Highway 12 Ventures along with additional investors in the US and Europe, this investment will enable Goomzee to expand its development, marketing and sales efforts.

According to Founder and CEO Mike Sparr, “We are thrilled to have such a terrific syndicate of investors join Goomzee’s mission to be the solution real estate sales professionals turn to as more buyers demand information on their mobile device.”

Goomzee’s text message marketing product, Realty Connect, serves real estate agents nationwide.  Agents place signs or ads about a property for sale that prompt consumers to send a text message for information and pricing.  Interested buyers send a text message with a unique property ID code and within seconds they receive home information, pricing, and optionally can view photos all on their cell phone.  The agent and buyer can then connect in a variety of ways to discuss the properties for sale.

“We are completely impressed with what Mike and his team have accomplished with limited resources” said Glenn Michael, General Partner of Highway 12 Ventures who has joined Goomzee’s board of directors in conjunction with the financing. ”Goomzee has already served agents nationwide, and teamed with various associations and multiple listing services (MLS) to get its industry-leading product in the hands of those who need it.  It’s exciting to think about what they’ll be able to do with additional financial backing.”

The company was launched to address a recognized need in the real estate industry, based on requests from agents themselves. It’s service evolves to meet the needs of its customers, and many new products and uses of its technology platform have emerged.

About Goomzee
Goomzee Corporation provides a mobile marketing technology platform that connects buyers and sellers at the point-of-interest.  Goomzee’s flagship product, Realty Connect®, and Mobile Virtual Tours, specifically assists real estate professionals to win more listings, acquire more leads and close more sales.  Goomzee is an industry leader in text message marketing and continues to innovate from a client first perspective.  We connect buyers and sellers at the point-of-interest.  To learn more, visit us online at www.goomzee.com  or contact us at (877) 324-1796

About Highway 12 Ventures
Highway 12 Ventures (Boise, ID) is a leading early-stage VC fund investing in high growth, entrepreneurial companies in the Intermountain West.  For more information call (208) 345-8383 or visit www.highway12ventures.com 

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