Tech Bytes

There are interesting new "toys" and related trends appearing on the market. How will any or all of these will impact the REALTOR? We're not sure at this time. But these tech toys will be at the disposal of your consumers in the near future.

Neat camera! The Logitech QuickCam Orbit MP includes a 1.3 megapixel sensor, a RightLight imaging system that helps the picture in low light, and a motorized pan and tilt with intelligent face tracking, so you'll stay in the picture whether you're sitting up or leaning back. The price is estimated at $130.

Microsoft iPod. Microsoft's new media player, currently dubbed Zune, is scheduled to be released by the end of 2006. Among the "iPod killer" features is Wi-Fi support. We hear about wireless song transfer.

iPhone in 2007?

"We don't think that the phones that are available today make the best music players -- we think the iPod is," said Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer. "But over time that is likely to change, and we're not sitting around doing nothing."

Since growth has slowed in iPod shipments in the past two quarters, Oppenheimer's remarks added fuel to the oft-rumored iPhone. Analyst have already been quoted saying that such a product might be released in the first half of 2007.

An iPhone in 2007? Apple is known for their product secrecy so we'll have to wait a few more months before we find out for sure.

August

August seems like one of the better months for summer vacation trips. But not so for REALTORS.

Some real estate sales gurus say that August is a key time for selling houses. Families want to settle into their new homes before school starts. If they're looking to buy, they need to move swiftly.

In summary, the first three weeks in August is about the children, school, and buying (houses).

Best place to live in America

MONEY magazine named Fort Collins, CO as the best place to live in America.

The top ten:

1) Fort Collins, CO
2) Naperville, IL
3) Sugar Land, TX
4) Columbia/Ellicott City, MD
5) Cary, NC
6) Overland Park, KS
7) Scottsdale, AZ
8) Boise, ID
9) Fairfield, CT
10) Eden Prairie, MN

MONEY's August issue, on sale July 24, and website, www.CNNMoney.com have more information about the top ten and the more than 700 places considered for this year's list.

Newspaper subscriptions

Newspaper subscriptions drop 6% every year according to various reports. This explains why more real estate professionals are spending advertising dollars in other places, for example, in connection with their websites.

How to find a WiFi hotspot

When you're in the need for a hotspot, there is a good website that will help find them. Go to http://reviews.cnet.com/Hotspot_zone/4520-6659_7-726628-1.html?tag=nl.e776

Just enter your zip code and indicate whether you want only "free" spots or a combination of "pay" and "free" hotspots. You'll get a list within the driving range, including a map.

What is .mobi domain?

Dotmobi is the first domain name dedicated to delivering the Internet to your mobile device (e.g. cell phone, blackberry etc.). It will revolutionize the use of the Internet on mobile devices. Dotmobi guides mobile users to made-for-mobile Internet content and services that can be accessed with confidence.

All websites with .mobi domain names (e.g. weather.mobi) will have to be created in a pre-determined format that will allow you to easily surf the Internet from your mobile device.

There will be more about this in the months to come.

Reminders on REALTOR® safety

1. Keep a radio or TV playing loudly in a back room when you're alone in the office.

2. When you have a new client, ask him/her to stop by your office and complete a Prospect Identification Form. Get the client's car make and license number. Photocopy the driver's license. Retain this information at the office.

3. Upon entering a house for the first time, check all rooms and determine several "escape" routes. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.

4. Make sure that if you use the back door, you can escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that contain swimming pools or hot tubs.

5. Program your emergency phone numbers onto your office line as well as your mobile phone. Keep a print out of emergency numbers at your desk.

6. When you're alone getting into your car, the first thing you should do is lock the doors. Be observant when approaching your car, looking underneath and in the back seat before entering.

Read the entire set of safety tips at http://www.realtor.org/MarkCom.nsf/pages/SafetyTips?OpenDocument