Amy Jones and I connected because of a  contest and challenge  started by Dick Greenberg. A request for an iPad mentor looked like fun. Within days...Amy purchased her  iPad and the fun began!

                              

Via Amy Jones ~Voted Chandler's BEST REALTOR Also serving Sun Lakes & the East Valley (RE/Max Infinity in Chandler, Arizona):

Dick Greenbergs Challed Sensei/Grasshopper-An April Challenge was the push I needed to finally get my IPad.  If I could find an ActiveRain Member who was willing to mentor me, I'd go ahead and do something I've been afraid to do for, oh I don't know...say 2 years?
I'm not really sure why I feared the IPad.  I think it all just seemed overwhelming and I know I'm definitely on High Tech Overload.  I really needed a reason to help me overcome my fear of moving my business over to IPadopolis and this challenge proved to be just the boost I needed.

So, I put out a request for a Sensei to mentor me with the IPad and to open my eyes to the ways it would make my real estate business easier and just a little more 'space-age' (OK, I'm dating myself...does space-age even mean anything anymore?).  If someone would be my Sensei, I would be a willing Grasshopper.

Margaret Rome to the rescue! Margaret responded to the call and immediately shared how the IPad has become an indispensable tool for her. She then said I should let her know when I had my IPad.  The glove was thrown.  It was now or never for me.
3 days later I emailed Margaret "I HAVE MY IPAD!". 
A couple hours later, I answered my phone to hear, "Hi, Amy, this is Margaret."

Now, this was something so unexpected that my mind swirled as I said "Hi, Margaret" while scanning my memory banks to remember who this person was.  Then it hit me.  "OH! ACTIVERAIN MARGARET...HI MARGARET!" with a little more gusto this time.
Margaret proceeded to walk me though her favorite tools and explain the ways she uses her IPad every day.  She also posted the links to her ActiveRain Posts that detailed some of the items as well.  She then encouraged me to sign up for classes at the Apple Store which I have done and I'm learning more tips and tricks every day.

Margaret showed me an easy way to take a screen shot so that if I'm out showing property, I can quickly access each mls sheet just in case the wireless is slow.  She told me about her favorite programs including Zoodle which is handy for creating some neat graphics for blogging (or for your kids or grandkids to play with!)

I can't thank Margaret enough. I know she'll be there to share any new tidbits she learns and I will do the same.  She is the epitome of what the community at ActiveRain is all about...Sharing knowledge and dispelling fear.

Like in the movie "Kung Fu", when Grasshopper said ~

"Of all things, to live in darkness must be worst."

His blind Sensei's response?

"Fear is the only darkness".

Yeah, it's kinda like that.

©2007 - 2012 Amy Jones. No article or image may be used without permission by the author. Some posts are also posted on PhoenixArizonaRealEstateBlog.com and YourSunLakesLifestyle.com

_____________________________________________________________________ 
                                                                       Search Chandler Homes      Search Sun Lakes Homes       Search Gilbert Homes        Search Tempe Homes     Search Ahwatukee Homes

Amy Jones, REALTOR®, ABR, CNE, EPro,CDPE, CSSPEDirect 480-250-3857 
Chandler, Sun Lakes, Gilbert, Tempe & Ahwatukee Real Estate
Voted Chandler's BEST REALTOR 2011 & 2012 by Arizona Foothills Magazine reader poll.
Phoenix Business Journal "Top 50 Real Estate Agent"
www.AmySellsAZ.com for more information including free MLS search.
www.PhoenixArizonaRealEstateBlog.com  for a comprehensive Phoenix Area Blog.
www.YourSunLakesLifestyle.com for all things Sun Lakes, az

RE/Max Infinity ~ 2450 S. Arizona Avenue ~ Chandler, Arizona 85286 ~ Office number (480) 821-4232

Mentor for the iPad!

 Just a few days ago, I saw this post..Sensei/Grasshopper ~ Looking for an IPAD mentor!                                                                                                                                         

                                                          

Within twelve hours Amy Jones and I connected starting with this comment:

"Amy, Let me know when you get your iPad.  Call me when you are ready to start. There are so many AR members willing to share. 

I did not need an iPad and now I go nowhere without it!"

And today I received an email from Amy...

'Hi Margaret!  I've got my IPAD! ...''

So I picked up the phone and dialed Amy. We were both excited about her new acquisition. Within minutes she was taking  a screen shot, loading a big free calculator, a Cool iPad Tool  app for the kids...but you wait, I just know it will be used in blogging.

We were talking about using it on a listing appointment, having her presentation right there, photos of comparable listings and of course Amy's website and credentials with the flick of a finger.

My first suggestion: Go to the Apple Store, have it set up and then sign up for a beginning workshop. Another suggestion...sign up for William Johnson's iPad group. And yet another ...I suggested she write a blog about getting her first Apple product. The excitement is so much fun to share. Within a few days, I know Amy will be teaching the rest of us how to use the iPAD.

Searching my previous posts about the use of my iPad..I emailed these to Amy.

Using Too Late and Sold ... Advertising the Rome Way  Looking For Ways To Eliminate Inefficiencies...The Rome Way

ACC Craft Show Baltimore 2012..More Than Eye Candy.

An Apple Workshop! -

The iPad as a Flag! -

Set Up The iPhone From The iPad Via Skype..

First Outing With My iPad!

My Very First Apple Product.  Just a few days ago, I saw this post..Sensei/Grasshopper ~ Looking for an IPAD mentor!

Looking For Ways To Eliminate Inefficiencies...The Rome Way

 Looking For Ways To Eliminate Inefficiencies...The Rome Way

There was a time in order to go on an appointment, certain files were required, client folders, listing agreements, CMAs and a myriad of other documents.

Now my time is flexible and more productive. For example, I left home for a noon showing appointment.  The rest of my day was unplanned. While waiting for buyer, I was taking phone calls and made four  spur of the moment appointments,  fitting them in without returning to the office. One of these showings will be turning into an offer.

In the past, I would not have been prepared.. but today using my iPad   there was no hesitation.

                                                         

It was a breeze to pull up photos, room dimensions, details and compare what had been sold recently. 

What started as one planned showing, turned into four.  Thinking I was finished for the day, a text  came through notifying me of an offer on one of my very active listings. 

Alerting the  buyer's agent of competing offers and a time constraint, this Realtor® was on the ball. Within  the hour, I had the contract changes and the addenda signed. I noticed that the final changes were DocuSign signatures. Such good timing for this contest!

                                                                                

Without using this technology, one buyer would have lost the "perfect" home.

Hard to compete with a cash offer, proof of funds, a quick settlement and an agent who knows how to get a deal done!

 

Always Looking For Ways To Eliminate Inefficiencies... the Rome Way

Fun At An Apple Workshop!

Even though it is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I had signed up for a workshop at the Apple Store in Towson. With all the reports of heavy traffic and accidents etc..I thought a 5:00 class is not the best idea. But it was already on my schedule and I kept the appointment.

And am I glad!! The entire workshop consisted of me and Shae and we had so much fun. One question after another I fired at Shae and she was answering them. How do you make ® on the iPad? ..can't. You have to copy and save and then paste it. Someone tell my why?

In between my questions, Shae continued to give me pointers and show useful and fun things on the iPad.

While there Lindsay, who helped me a couple of weeks ago was in the store with her adorable daughter. I asked permission to take her picture and she posed. What a cutie!

     
                         
 Shae                                            
Lindsay's adorable daughter.

Arriving home, I notice a couple of comments from William Johnson on ''my  post''  which consisted of three letters in its entirety!  Yep, you guessed it, I was playing with the AR blog at the workshop. Even though it said 'draft' it went public. Sorry Mr. Johnson for being the cause of your 50 point loss. The post and your comments have been deleted.

To sign up for these workshops....go to  apple.com, find your store and make a reservation...pretty simple.

There is one called "Getting Started with iPad and iPhone and another "Going Further with iPad and iPhone.

There might be 10-15 people in these sessions or you may just luck out and no one else shows up. I am told this is not likely but it happened for me!

Fun At An Apple Workshop!

My Cool New iPad Case

My Cool New iPad Case is just right for me. It is a thin hard shell on the outside and soft smooth fabric on the inside. The deciding factor was the unique hand strap. I can hold it securely while walking, talking and showing off my listings.

 

                                                                          =============

             

 The protective lid adjusts into multiple angles for viewing.

                                               
                                               

This upright position is the best for Skyping or FaceTime

                                                                               ===========

                                              
                                          

 This is a good position for reading while at a table or desk.

                                                                        ===============

                                              
Best position for typing.

I am really enjoying My Cool New iPad Case!

Set Up The iPhone From The iPad Via Skype..

Do you remember not too long ago when I got my First Apple Product?

Today the second Apple product..the iPhone arrived. I took a picture of the box, then a picture of the phone in the box, then went to the AT&T store and Paul was a tremendous help and very patient switching my service from another carrier and transferring data from two previous phones into the new very pretty iPhone. (That's another post for later.)

And then my beautiful brilliant daughter who convinced me to get involved with the apple had a meeting and limited time. No problem.. Erica asked me to Skype her and from my iPad she walked me right through the set up.

      
         
                                  



                                     

                                                                                  

This is really exciting. Now to find some time to play in between showings, listings, sales and settlements.

Set Up The iPhone From The iPad Via Skype...Better go check what's going on in the iPad group.

 XXXXXXXXXX

 Search the MLS just like Realtors®                   

  Click to search All Active Maryland Listings  

   You can narrow the search down to number of bedrooms, lot size, price range, zip code etc. Be sure to sign up with your email address to ensure daily email updates of properties. These emails will include photos, address and price of  the listed  homes. This is a free service to help make finding your special Baltimore home easier.  I am available to answer any questions or concerns. mrome@HomeRome.com  410-530-2400

Here Is What We Have Been Waiting For...iOS 5 for the iPad...Thank you Abe Schmidt.

 Here is what we have been waiting for...iOS 5 for the iPad...Thank you Abe Schmidt.

When I saw this post Blog and comment on ActiveRain from your iDevices starting TODAY by  our technical adviser Abe Schmidt, I picked up the phone and called him. Guess what? He answered right away and was a delight to speak with. He explained how to update the new system.


In his blog post Abe said:  "With the highly anticipated release of iOS5 finally arriving today, iPhone and iPad users will be able to comment and blog on ActiveRain from the fully functional WYSIWYG integration in the new and improved Safari application.
Users that upgrade to the amazing new ios5 will also notice immediate speed improvements and dozens of useful organizational integrations that will be useful to Real Estate professionals and absolutely anyone in the housing industry.''
=============================================================================

'Directions from Abe:

1. Plug your current iPad into your computer and open iTunes once you've installed it. Your iPad should start to sync and backup automatically.

1. If it doesn’t start to sync automatically, click the Sync button in order to back up your device. (You can alternately right click your device name in the navigation bar and click back up as well. Either way will work just fine.)

1. iTunes may prompt you that an update is available. If it does just click update after you’ve backed up your device (iTunes will also prompt you to back up if you haven’t already.)

1. If it doesn’t, click Check for Update under the Version section.
2. The new software will start to download and then install. Your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad will restart. Don’t worry about it. Let iTunes do it’s thing and update your device to iOS 5.

1. Once it’s done updating, iTunes should prompt you to do one of two things – set up as a new device or restore from a backup. Choose to restore from a backup and select the backup you just made.
2. Once the restore is done your device will reboot. When iTunes detects it again it will start to sync back any apps and games your old iPhone had installed.

After you’ve done the initial manual update to iOS 5 you’ll have the option to use iCloud backups in the future. Do it. It’s free and it just works.  HOPE THIS HELPS!

Abe Schmidt'

A First Showing... Using My New iPad!

A First Showing...Using My New iPad

Today we had our first showing on this very large and spacious condo located at 4001 Old Court Rd. Pavilion in the Park.

This beautiful condo is larger than most homes with over 2600 square feet. And it is unbelievably bright with huge windows on three sides.

But today was a day of liquid sunshine  even though others would call it a rainy day. The condo was still bright even before the lights were  turned the lights on and the drapes opened..

I heard the buyers OOH-ing and  AHHH-ing over the size of the kitchen, the amount of pantry space, the over sized window and the abundance of cabinets. They kept commenting on the size as they explored this beautiful terrace level condo. A few times, they got "lost". When they thought they had seen everything, they "discovered' another bedroom, a laundry room and a space plumbed for a 1/2 bath that allows even more storage.

When I heard them ask..'what is this room?'....I knew what needed to be done!  Listening to their comments and questions, I took out  my iPad!

At the time, they were in the large master bedroom with a door to the terrace, hers and hers walk-in closets, another closet designed  just for shoes, a mirrored make up area, the lavish master bath with jetted tub and walk in shower. I was able to show the master with a king size bed and plenty of room for a sofa. And they wanted to see more. 

It was easy showing the "before" photos with furniture and I  was able to make the individual photos larger...full screen size.

                             


                     

         

  The buyers were impressed with the property but they were equally impressed with the technology. This is just Another Use of My New iPad.  

Being able to show the  Condo while it was furnished  and then compare it  after the sellers moved out    was very helpful. I even had a photo of the parking space and storage...saving us time by not going to the underground garage.

A First Showing ....Using My New iPad

This is What I Call Service! Rome Apple Service

This is What I Call Service!
Rome Apple Service

If you have been following my posts, you know that recently I became the owner of the iPad 2 My Very First Apple Product...!  Once again a thank you is owed to my daughter Erica, who signed me up for a basic workshop at the Apple Store on Sunday. 



                                             

It had been a pretty busy week with the ActiveRain MeetUp in Baltimore , my birthday, a home inspection, a settlement and visiting with my friend C Tann  in Maryland.

                                                 

Erica thought this might not be the best class since it was an intro to Apple products and I only need info on the iPad. When I arrived, the store  seemed mobbed. They said no, this a normal Sunday. There are always this many people playing with the items.

                                  

 

I was wondering how many were here for the workshop? No room to sit and I figured there was a classroom in the back. Nope. My instructor Ben came out and introduced himself.

You know how big this workshop was? Me...just me! One on one! Ben let me play for an hour on my iPad. I felt like a little kid.  Now if I weren't so wonderfully busy with my listings, sales and settlements...I could spend a lot of time with this toy. I will make time to take another workshop soon. Maybe I could make a weekly habit and learn from someone like Ben. 

This is what I call service...Rome Apple Service!

My Very First Apple Product...Thanks to Erica Rome!

My Very First Apple Product...Thanks to Erica Rome!

Last week my daughter asked what I wanted for my birthday. She knows I never want anything and am not easy to buy for. I love her phone calls, visits, special cards and notes.

Gifts for occasions are not the important things with our family.

Thursday night Erica picked me up, introduced  me to the Apple Store in the Towsontown Mall with lots of shops and restaurants . 

Erica took charge, signed me up and we left with a brand new iPad...My Very First Apple Product. The store was crowded but our consultant took plenty of time answering my questions.

                                                      

Erica loves he Mac and everything about Apple. My first cousin, Arnold Reinhold, authored Switching to a Mac for Dummies.  Whenever I have a question about technology...Arnold replies: when are you going to get a Mac?

                                                                                            

Now I can tell Arnold I have My Very First Apple Product...Thanks to Erica Rome!