The state of DMOZ

In the past DMOZ was a directory of choice for every website. The advantage was that it would enhance search engine results in Google. It seems that has changed.

The following article says that DMOZ is an effective directory and explains why.

http://www.site-reference.com/articles/General/Ineffective-DMOZ.html

Another Zillow competitor

This competitor is Fidelity National Information Services with a product that is still in beta. You can see the product by going to www.cyberhomes.com

Their claim to fame is that they have 100 million property and ownership records covering more than 85% of the US population.

Online property appraisal from eppraisal.com

First there was www.zillow.com, then they were followed by a number of competitors, and now there is www.eppraisal.com.

What makes eppraisal.com different? They offer a simple summary appraisal. From their home page, the visitor enters a street address and zip code. The response is an estimated value range, year the residence was built, and its square footage. For the more interested visitor, there is a detailed Eppraisal.

A detail Eppraisal includes property characteristics, site/location info, and an analysis on recent sales of comparable properties. But to get that, the visitor must supply name, contact information, and eppraisal.com will assign a licensed real estate professional to the visitor.

For more information, visit the website at www.eppraisal.com

Hasta la Vista

Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it had finished work on its Windows Vista operating system and that it would be broadly available on January 30.

Vista boasts improved graphics, more effective tools for finding files, and a new Internet browser.

Zuner or later

Arik Hesseldahl shared his observations about Microsoft's Zune for BusinessWeek.

Speaking about Zune, Hesseldahl wrote that "...the device doesn't have much to offer compared with the iPod. It will come in only one storage capacity, and that isn't all that high, especially when you consider that it's intended to play a mix of music and video. The Zune won't have all that many accessories, won't integrate with any cars, and doesn't support any language other than English."

Hesseldahl predicted that "the Zune will be seen for what it is: a me-too product that is expressing Microsoft's envy at not being cool. It will carve out its own niche of the market, but by this time next year, it will be considered a dismal failure."

That time of year already

Well, it's the holiday time of year. But rather than worrying only about family gatherings, meals, and traditions, we believe it's time to start your planning for the new year.

REALTORS traditionally do their business planning during the first two months of the new calendar year. Wouldn't it be better to take advantage of the slower sales months of November and December to get ready for the next year?

What can you do now?

Plan your technology spending. Studies show that REALTORS typically spend $1000 to $1500 per year on technology - this includes the Internet, PDAs, websites, and related products and services. Budget your expenditures now - including making service arrangements with wireless service providers and new web designers. By doing this you will be ready in January to prospect and line up new business.

Website makeovers. Technology doubles in less than twelve months. Many changes have taken place on the Internet. Is it time to both (1) freshen up your website appearance and (2) incorporate the many now affordable 3rd party applications for your website? Of course it is!

For example, visit www.webcubic.com to see how you can get a custom website for the same price as a typical template website.

Or www.floorplanonline.com to deliver a better presentation of your listings right from your website.

Or www.PreviewFirst.com to quickly assemble virtual tour presentations using the same photos you typically upload to the MLS.

Make 2007 your year. Start now.