How to Add a Photo When Using the iPad for Writing a Blog Post on ActiveRain

My iPad is a wonderful tool that I enjoy using  for my real estate business. Thanks to William Johnson for encouraging me to use the iPad and for sharing his expertise. I cannot wait to try this.

Via San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates):

 

How to Add a Photo When Using the iPad for Writing a Blog Post

Cheryl Richie from Maryland and I some time ago figured out how to add the photo using our Flickr account. It was as simple as sending the photos to Flickr and using the web address for the photo. My problem with this is I don't want to send all my edited photos on Flickr for reasons that have nothing to do with this post. 

When I edit or resize a photo and add a © and name, I save that photo in DropBox. Unable to have Dropbox as a selection that works when trying to add a photo to my ActiveRain post from my iPad, I did notice that the app iPhoto for the iPad was available. So I purchased that app for the iPad. 

What I hadn't figured out was that DropBox where I have all my edited photos that I would use for my blog posts also has as part of its share capabilities the choice to save the photo again in iPhoto, since it can not be directly imported into the ActiveRain post.

It all finally came together and is now very easy to add the photo to the WYSIWYG format available in the full version of ActiveRain on the iPad. 

Step one - Locate a desired photo for Blog Post in Dropbox on the iPad

Step two - There is a share icon, select Save to iPhoto

Step three - Locate the photo in the iPhoto Photo Stream to confirm it is there.

Step four - Open up a New Blog Entry window on the iPad

Step five - Select the Add a Photo icon on the tool bar

(It will give you a choice to use existing photo or take a photo ).

Step six - Select Existing in iPhoto

Step seven - Locate the photo and choose

Step eight- Select size and position for the post and insert photo into blog post.

That is all there is too it. 

Enjoy adding photos to your posts done entirely from your iPad

My Favorite and Most Useful iPad App!

My Favorite and Most Useful iPad App!

MRIS Homes is very easy to use and has so much information...photos, property description, tax information, DOM, assessments, showing instructions, room measurements, condo fees, sales history, agent contact information and more.

                          

 

Just downloaded my favorite and sure to be my most used iPad app-MRIS Home.

It is very easy to use and has so much information...photos, description, tax information, DOM, assessments, showing instructions, room measurements, condo fees, sales history, agent contact information and more.

                          

Everything on the MLS seems to be right at your fingertips.

Just checked a few of my listings. I am loving this one. 

My Favorite and Most Useful iPad App!  What's Yours?

Paperless Challenge In Progress

Paperless Challenge In Progress

Back in February 2011 there was an ActiveRain Paperless Challenge.

    

The goal... to create a plan reducing the amount of paper used in real estate.

 Here are a few ways that allow me to use less paper but not quite paper-less.

My listing agreements are on my iPad but I still keep a paper copy.  Many of my clients do NOT use a computer,  email or even faxes and I have to work around this situation.

I still use MBAI forms and no longer keep a stack of out of date listing packets.  I still  print one Exclusive Right to Sell contract which I have signed by the seller, scan the original and keep it in the email folder for that listing. Disclosures are scanned separately so it is easy to print or email just what is needed to write an offer. My Fujitsu Scanner still makes it easy to take that one document and file it electronically.  

My contract offers are still  emailed to the client with highlighting for signatures and initials. I have phone appointment times to review the offer and answer questions. They sign and return by fax or email. The fax goes directly into my email. When complete, I combine with the same cover letter and email to all parties. For clients without technology, I am able to send the offer to a family member, lawyer or other trusted adviser for review.

I no longer print up broshures  for listings or MLS sheets  when showing property. I have each listing in the iPad and can have them in my photo gallery...so much easier than carrying paper copies.  I am always Looking For Ways To Eliminate Inefficiencies.

On listing appointments, anything can be pulled up on the iPad from a marketing piece on a specific property, to a blog about the neighborhood to showing my weekly  print advertising.

I have been able to entertain, 3 kids under the age of 4 at the same time, with a single Cool iPad Tool...no more coloring books and reams of paper for drawings.

The Challenge is to create a plan reducing the amount of paper used in real estate.  Did a Paper Truck Throw Up?    

I may be a bit old fashioned but I still want one original paper copy of the contract. I have not been able to cut that paper umbilical cord.

My goal (when I have time in between listing, selling and settling my properties) is to delve more into some of the things Cheryl is doing.  Realtor Plan to go Paperless starts with Evernote Cartavi & Docusign! 

 Right now I am a Paperless Challenge...in Progress 

AAARRRGGGHHH Don't Make Changes on Your iPad!

AAARRRGGGHHH Don't Make Changes on Your iPad!

At least not in the morning before you are out of bed! That's what I did and erased the entire post, photos, copy and comments by mistake. My new seller emailed me a couple of changes and I thought...No Problem, easy enough. But them I hit the delete button. Oh NO and Poof..it vanished!!                                                                                    
                                       
I thought I could catch it on my other computer or my outside blog..NOT!

The post titled "Lots Of Photos For This Greenspring/Smith Ave New Listing in 21209" was written a few days ago and had about a dozen comments. The few I remember were Sally and David, Winston, Laura, Jimmy Waites, William Johnson and a few more. All gone! All deleted!
Has this happened to you? 

AAARRRGGGHHH Don't Make Changes on Your iPad!

Is It Possible to Run Your Real Estate Business from an iPad/Tablet?

My friend Greg Gorman shared this free webinar taking place July 24th, I have already signed up. What are you waiting for?
                                                  

                              

                                                                              

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Via Greg Gorman - Naples Florida Real Estate (John R Wood REALTORS):

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RUN YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS FROM AN IPAD/TABLET?

You may already have an iPad, but are you using it effectively every day to run your real estate business?

I’ve found most tech savvy agents have an iPad and so few know how use it for their business outside of an extension of their calendar and email. Put the games aside, this is the future of real estate!

This introduction to Evernote & Docusign is a hands on LIVE presentation where you’ll see how we open apps, import and use documents, complete contracts and more. This is not only a first step into the future, you’ll find essential tools, helpful ideas and proven techniques to transition your business into paperless freedom!

 Think this is another boring webinar on the iPad? Unless you have attended a live webinar with a live video feed and real people demonstrating real applications that work, then you must register for this webinar. Best of all, this one is free. Even better are the tools and resources you’ll have just by registering. Want more? Just register and I’ll show you how to immediately get more hands on training!

WHEN: Tuesday 24 July 2012

Time: 12 Noon EST

Where: FREE WEBINAR

http://www.coffeewithkrisstina.com/the-paperless-agent-with-greg-gorman/

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RUN YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS FROM AN IPAD/TABLET?

Team Paradise is a group of dedicated professionals who use their Energy Experience & Knowledge to deliver the highest level of real estate services to clients and customers. If you're considering living and working in Naples or Key West Florida, please give them an opportunity to present themselves & their services to you and your family!

And we're designated!

CDRS – Certified Default Resolution Specialist
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert
CRB – Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager 
CRS – Certified Residential Specialist
e-PRO – Real Estate Internet Specialist
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
MilRES – Military Residential Specialist

               

 2012 Greg Gorman, PA. All rights reserved. All content, including text, original art, photographs & images are 
the exclusive property of Greg Gorman, P.A. and may not be used without the expressed written permission.

Gold Stars and My iPad

                                                              

Gold Stars and My iPad 

Another Simple Way to Use the iPad When Commenting.

Oh no, not another gold star! (This old post received 170 comments and took  on a life of its own.)

I thought this featured stuff was all figured out. You just write a post that is good enough to get read but not good enough to get featured! When that happens...when that cute little gold star appears at the bottom of your blog, you better be ready for lots of comments and lots of time responding.

                                        

You get a load of comments from special people who take their valuable time to stop by and say hi, compliment you, agree or some other meaningful words of wisdom.

As nice as that is...it is time consuming to answer each and every one.

There is a simple way to make it a bit faster using my iPad.

Are you ready for this simple tip?

READ YOUR COMMENTS ON THE IPAD AND TYPE ON THE PC!

Not very techie but it does save time not scrolling back and forth.

Now you won't hear me say: Oh no, not another gold star! (How would you like to answer over 150 comments?)

                                           

Gold Stars and My iPad 

Go Figure! Simple Use For My iPad

Go Figure!  Simple Use For My iPad.

 

Of course everyone has a calculator. They are on their smart phones or watches or cute little gadgets. But the most useful one is on my iPad and is one of my most used apps.

Why? Just look at the size!

                                      

At a settlement today where siblings were selling the parents home, three of them were figuring out expenses and how to divide the proceeds. 

I watched one use a regular calculator, another their iPhone and yet another paper and pencil.  (Yes... there are still some people who can add, subtract, multiply and divide the old fashioned way.)

The problem... they kept coming up with different numbers.

I opened my iPad calculator which is big enough for everyone to see. I let them call out the numbers and then hit the add and divide buttons. Within a few seconds, they had the answer they were looking for. And it matched the proceeds that was on the HUD 1.

Go Figure!  Simple Use For My iPad.

Do you have a simple, but useful, app to share?

If I could only pick one ...Indispensable..I Can't Live Without...best tool!

If I could only pick one ...Indispensable..I Can't Live Without...best tool! 

There is an ActiveRain Contest  and it deals with technology. My first post back in 2006 was about technology.   That post is a bit outdated.

A pen and paper is all you need to list and sell a house...but our technology tools sure make things a lot easier. 

                                    

What could I not live without in my business?

I could name quite a few but this contest is asking for one... not an easy task. At one time I would have said my GPS, my computer, or each of the various things  in my bag. 

There is no way I would leave home  without my camera,  electronic measurer, calculator, my two faced watch and the myriad of chargers and cords for all the devices. So what else is important?

Can't forget my iPhone that was saved by a Hair Dryer and a Bag of Rice.

So many things that I have come to love and depend on like my business card.

 

But if I had to choose only one...it would have to be my  iPad and how I use it combining almost all of the tools above.

Unlike my iPhone, it is big enough to work with!

It has a full screen calculator, a camera, Multiple Listings ( MLS ) and photos of any and all my properties. I can pull up any one of my 1000 plus blog posts when I am sharing a story or making a point. I can show all of my advertising.

  The full screen calculator comes in handy!

                            

 I love being able to show my latest advertising.

                                   

                                   

I can show my website, my blog, my ads, how I market other properties. I can find tax information and listing history while showing a property. I can make appointments and show comparables.  

Forget the flag at a Realtor® meeting? No problem  I have been the Flag! 

                                                          

I can write an offer, negotiate, pull up a net sheet and email a contract. I can even entertain a 4 year old using an iPad App that is fun.

Indispensable..I Can't Live Without..Contest...best tool!

                                   

                                   

I can WOW the heck out of sellers during a listing appointment with just this one special tool. It has become an extension of me.  Many people have gone out and purchased an iPad after watching me show off with this cool tool. Another contest had me being a  Mentor for the iPad! 

If I could only pick one ...Indispensable..I Can't Live Without...best tool! It would be my iPad!

                                                 

10 Realtor® Ideas Using Skype on the Ipad

10 Realtor® Ideas Using Skype on the  Ipad

Skype on the iPad!
 

Spent some time with Cheryl Ritchie  Wednesday evening playing with Skype...before we knew it...3 hours had passed. Ideas were coming at us fast and furious. What fun! I got to see Cheryl's Rag Doll collection and she got to see some of my porcelain artwork...along with figuring out how we were going to use Skype on the iPad.

                                         

Here are  just some of the  ideas we came up with:

Home Inspection..to show buyers, who may not be present, or sellers to clarify a concern found. Easier to explain with all the parties "present".

On a Listing appointment-  share with a buyer or another agent. (Let me tell you about this new listing.)

Buyers, when not together, and one is  previewing a house.

Settlement table. Bring out of town buyers/sellers to the closing where they can be seen signing and then faxing/scanning a needed signature.

Skype INSTEAD of going to a meeting.

Contract presentation. One agent with buyer, one agent with seller can speed up negotiations.

Getting a price reduction...easier face to face.

Final walk through can document any concerns.

AR get together..have the iPads and Skype.

Agent can preview homes, share with relo or out of town buyers to narrow the search.

I am sure we will come up with a lot more!

10 Realtor® Ideas Using Skype on the  Ipad

Loving My New Toy! First Outing With My iPad!

Loving My New Toy! First Outing With My iPad!

This afternoon I stopped by the Suburban House to check our reservation for our  ActiveRain MeetUp Thursday 9/8.  It was pretty neat showing photos from  our February gathering  to the Suburban House owners.

Earlier today I was showing this Charming Home In Parkville..2523 Wentworth Rd 21234.  I picked up the paper brochure and put it right back down. The sellers have moved and I wanted to show how the home looked furnished.

Within seconds, I had my website up on the iPad showing the furniture on the front porch, the master bedroom, the glasses in the divider bar, the furnished dining room and the deck furniture.

                                

 When Mr. Buyer asked if Mrs. Buyer wanted to come downstairs and see the laundry, powder room, family room etc...she replied.."No need, I am looking at the photos right here on line."

The buyers were interested in the  community pool  just a few short blocks away. I had just taken photos of the Labor Day Holiday swimmers. For more information check out their website HillcrestSwimClub.

Loving My New Toy! First Outing With My iPad!

A Good Problem to Have.. Standing Room Only

Last week at the GBBR there was  a 'standing room only' crowd...at least for awhile ... the conference room overflowed until we were able to move to a larger space.

That is a good problem to have...Standing Room Only.

Thanks to Kim Jones of Keller Williams who does such a good job  arranging these get togethers at the Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS. This was the first smart phone workshop and was presented by technicians from  Best Buy Mobile. They were able to answer  lots of questions about all types of phones and tablets.

Since Best Buy sells many different brands, it was very informative...so much so there will be a follow up session on the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Droid.

                                   

                                              

Of  those 50 people, only one other had the Palm Pre... and that was the Best Buy technician. I really love this phone... obviously not a very popular one.
                                                                     
The absolute best phone or technology is the ONE YOU WILL USE!

At the next workshop, the Best Buy techs  will be able to  answer your questions and help you decide which phone may be best for your needs or to help you better utilize the phone you already own. Thanks to Kim and Best Buy for this well attended FREE workshop.

The next workshop is Friday February 4th 9:30 am - 11:30am. Hope you can make it.