The "decentralized model" and the "virtual office" are the new wave of real estate offices, they work great, are cost effective and with this list of technology tools - make it happen. The "Virtual office", have embraced it and love it. Our clients have no complaints either. Try it for yourself if you have not already. You'll love it. Don't forget this list.
In 2005, my partner, Carol Kearney, and I started our own firm, Momentum Realty. We embraced the decentralized model that so many other practitioners have selected and created good, solid home offices and no commercial presence (we have an office of record, as required by state law).
Technology has made this vision easier and easier to implement. Rarely is there anything at all that I can't do from my home office.
So what are my top 10 tools (technical and not), in no particular order?
- Smart Phone (currently a Blackberry, but considering an iPhone)
- HP All-in-one Printer/scanner/copier
- Docusign
- efax
- bluetooth
- Closing office doors and hanging the 'Do Not Disturb' sign
- Laptop
- Verizon Fios Connection
- ZipForms
- Digital Camera
- ActiveRain (oops, that is 11)
With these items, I can handle just about anything that comes along. Some of the value of this stuff is obvious, but let me explain a couple of items.
Docusign: Initially I began using for an out-of-town client. I have found it to be invaluable in every transaction since. Of course, now banks are asking for things to be resigned with authentic signatures, but it is still valuable for reaching agreement and getting contracts in place.
Efax: Sends all my faxes to my computer as .pdfs; I can save them to my hard drive for future use and email them to the interested parties.
Closing my office doors: I stayed home with my kids for 8 years; sometimes they need a reminder that my office is for working (and I need to not hear bickering and dogs wrestling)
ActiveRain: my virtual office where I can seek advice, bemoan a problem or make a new friend. It has become for me what land-based offices are for others.
If you ever need advice about products that I have used or configurations that I have set up to make my office productive, don't hesitate to ask. I would love to hear about tools that you use that allow you to present yourself professionally while working from home.
Working at home is a privilege for me; doing it well is high on my list of accomplishments!
I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!
If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!
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Good morning Bobbie,
Virtual office - I love mine!
Great list and I need to get on board with DocuSign.
I think this is the definitive "must have" list for any realtor. I feel sorry for the ones that don't have AR at the end of the list :)
I'm still not sold on Docusign, but agree with all your other tools. I have a home office as well as a physical office at Watson Realty in St. Augustine Beach. I find myself able to work better from home with less distractions.
I love Docusign! Once you get used to using it it's so much quicker and easier than doing it via fax or scanning. I also would say that Google tools and Dropbox are on my top 10 list - keeping files in the cloud is so helpful and gives me a backup in case my computer has problems.
Never heard of the Verizon Fios connection.
Thanks for this repost- I missed it the first time. It a must have list that Ill share with my associates. Thanks again.
Yea Lisa. Good for you. They work!
I'm right there with you Gary. See the comment from Amy - she loves her Docusign. Another recommendation.
Bryan - good point. I don't think enough people know about the many benefits of Active Rain.
Marjorie - so true. It is good to have the best of both worlds. Home office & then regular office for when you need it.
Amy. Thanks for letting us know that Docusign is working for you. I think there are a few of us that are a little bit "afraid" of it. Two other useful tools, you are correct. I do store many docs in the cloud too.
James - Fios is a fast DSL internet connection - not available in all areas though is my understanding
Michele - so glad I re-blogged then so you didn't miss it. Good info.
Thanks to all for commenting.