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Dec

29
2009

Forward thinking and old ghosts

By Inman News, Tuesday, December 29, 2009.
Flickr image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sachin_sandhu/2711789618/">.sandhu</a>.

Editor's note: Inman News called upon agents and brokers, technologists and industry executives to let us know about their real estate predictions, items on their real estate wish lists and/or their real estate resolutions for 2010. This final segment features a collection of the responses received. Click here to read the first segment, and click here to read the second installment.

Wish List:  more...

Dec

28
2009

Ready for a new year in real estate

By Inman News, Monday, December 28, 2009.
Flickr image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/koalazymonkey/3596829214/">koalazymonkey</a>.

Editor's note: Inman News called upon agents and brokers, technologists and industry executives to let us know about their real estate predictions, items on their real estate wish lists and/or their real estate resolutions for 2010. This second segment features a collection of the responses received.

Dear Santa,

It's been a long time since I've last written. I must admit I was pretty mad at you when I received socks and underwear when what I really wanted was new bike. Then I was informed that you may not even exist. But my two young sons assure me of your existence and so, on that blind faith, I am sending you my Christmas list.

I really want data standards. I want to be able to just come up with the best Web applications I can create and not worry about reconfiguring it to work with 900 different MLS providers.  more...

Dec

23
2009

Coming to a smartphone party near you

By Katie Lance, Wednesday, December 23, 2009.

I realize I'm a little biased in the world of smartphones. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a proud iPhone user. I love the apps, the ease of use, the large screen and the "bells and whistles."

In real estate, having a smartphone is not just an option but a necessity. Everyone wants a response right now, not later today.

So the question remains, can the iPhone still hold its lead in 2010 as the top smartphone in the United States?  more...

Dec

21
2009

Real estate wish list, predictions for 2010

By Inman News, Monday, December 21, 2009.
Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tgillin/412479427/" target=blank>Tim in Sydney</a>.

Editor's note: Inman News called upon agents and brokers, technologists and industry executives to let us know about their real estate predictions, items on their real estate wish lists and/or their real estate resolutions for 2010. This first segment features some of the responses received.

Predictions:

  • The 2010 market will be different than any real estate professional has ever seen. New approaches and new skills will be required to succeed.
  • Generational differences and how to work with them will be a critical skill for survival and success.
  • Realtor associations will need to change their business model and their services to adapt to the rapidly changing market.

   more...

Dec

17
2009

Realtors: Unite against data giveaways

By Inman News, Thursday, December 17, 2009.

Re: 'Chasing opportunity in downturn' (Dec. 17)

Dear Editor:

Teresa Boardman's comments about the tragic giveaway of intellectual property is spot-on. As a member of the board of our regional multiple listing service in San Diego, I have been demanding that at the very least we copy-protect this data, but to no avail.  more...

Dec

15
2009

Tainted drywall: know the signs

By Inman News, Tuesday, December 15, 2009.

Re: 'The not-so-great drywall of China' (Dec. 11)

Dear Editor:

As a homeowner with Chinese drywall and an attorney who now represents more than 300 clients with Chinese drywall, anyone purchasing a home should check to see if there are any signs of Chinese drywall. While the bulk of the homes with Chinese drywall were built between 2004 and 2007, Chinese drywall was installed in homes built in 2001 and, of course, anyone who has remodeled or replaced drywall could have Chinese drywall in their home.

Many people assume that there is no Chinese drywall if there is no odor. Not true. The level of odor varies greatly in each home, as does each person's ability to detect the odor. Of course, the strength of the odor also depends on how much drywall was used in the home and the quality of paint. Some homeowners report no smell, but their home clearly has Chinese drywall. In short, do not rely on your nose alone.  more...

Dec

14
2009

Thank God for eRealty Premium Content

By Bradley Inman, Monday, December 14, 2009.
Fllickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug88888/3709856898/" target=blank>doug88888</a>.

At the turn of this decade, unease was a state of mind. In 1999, change was accelerating and danger was lurking, but not where we expected. Disaster was purportedly coming from "Y2K," the computer-programming glitch in the digital rollover from "99" to "00."

Y2K paranoia fizzled within a few seconds of this New Year, new decade, new century and new millennium.

What no one predicted 10 years ago was the coming financial cataclysm. At the time, subprime loans did not go by that name and represented less than 1 percent of new mortgages. If you were not qualified, you could not buy a home.  more...

Your Realtor for life ... and beyond?

By Inman News, Monday, December 14, 2009.

Re: 'Realtor Jane Doe, RIP' (Dec. 10)

Dear Editor:

"What do you want on your Tombstone?"

Let some poor dead Realtor use the logo. For some of us, it's still a prideful affiliation. Doctors do it ... It is very common to see M.D. on their stones. And while it is true that M.D. is a more prestigious title than "Realtor," it certainly sounds better that something like ... "Professional Thief"!  more...

Dec

11
2009

Don't count out mobile

By Inman News, Friday, December 11, 2009.

Re: 'Mobile: Forever the next big thing' (Dec. 10)

Dear Editor:

This article shows a lack of understanding of a new medium that companies are embracing because of the results it is generating. The results from mobile advertising in many cases surpass online companies and, at a minimum, increase the results of an integrated marketing campaign.

Some data:
1) Consumers are utilizing mobile applications more and traditional online media less, and the ads have more credibility, high consumer engagement, higher click-throughs and greater conversion rates.  more...

Dec

9
2009

Agent who viewed porn loses legal case

By Global Edge, Wednesday, December 9, 2009.

Editor's note: This item is republished with permission from Global Edge Marketing Ltd. The original post can be viewed here.

An estate agency manager in Southwest England who reportedly spent hours viewing Internet porn and playing online poker, has lost his legal case for unfair dismissal, reports Estate Agent Today.  more...

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