The benefit of knowing how to use todays techology really helps me do my job from just about anywhere.

What does this have to do with the Ada County Real Estate market?  Well my current situation describes how the right mix of technology can really assist in real estate.  

I am writing this blog while sitting on the balcony (Lanai) at a time share owed by a lender in Boise.  It is nice being able to do my work on the Big Island of Hawaii right now overlooking the country club, listening to the sounds of the beach and occasionally glancing out the views of the ocean.

I am having to use my Treo 700P to connect to the internet.  I could pay the $9.99 a day to use their WIFI; but I just connect my cellular to my laptop instead with no additional surcharge over the package I already use.

Thanks to the internet, I am still able to process the closings I have pending and respond to requests for information via email.  Our Multiple Listing Service is online so I have been sending links to potential buyers as well and they have no clue that I am here.  I have my listings all posted online so I can forward information that way.  I can even forward CCRs and plat maps or home inspection reports via email.

The National Association of Realtors even offers a course now called the EPro which walks the agent through the whole electronic process from emails, to websites, to responding to contracts online.  For example, the laptop that I am using is actually a Tablet PC in which I can actually have clients sign there contracts on the screen and never print out the document.  Gone are the days when I have had to do it all via fax loosing quality each time it gets forwarded.  Now, each party can print off an original copy!  Ironically, last year in June when I needed to complete my continuing education requires, I got that designation while sitting on beach north of Waikiki.

Gone are the days of being tethered to my office.

Gone are the days of long distance charges on my cell bill.

Gone are the days of having to find a business center or a WiFi hotspot on vacation.

A successful Realtor, must learn to evolve with the times.  They must be able to react to their surroundings.  Sometimes, it is just about making adjustments.  For example, for the next week, I will dressing for success and will be spelling my tie . . . Mai Tai.