August 2008 - Posts

Greenville Pitt Association of REALTORS, see you next week!
05 August 08 02:24 PM | dickbetts | with no comments

To my friends in Greenville, NC I will be there next Wednesday the 13th.  We put together a training day I think you will be very happy with!  This will be my 8th ot 9th time to visit with you and as always looking forward to spending time with you!

"Everywhere is My Office"                                                                                   9 am - 10:30                                          

This 90 minute presentation is all about using mobile technology in your real estate business.  We will discuss:  the new real estate client - the e-Consumer - and what they expect out of you as their agent; the available options in hand-held devices to keep you in step with today's tech-savvy buyers and sellers; how a Smartphone can help you stay on top of your business, no matter where you are; review must-have accessories to help you work smarter, not harder; and how to manage your transactions with mobile technology

  

Today's Top Technology Trends                                                                                                    10:30 - Noon  

In this forum style class you will walk away with so many ideas!  As this is a constantly growing, ever-changing field we will cover a wide variety of topics, options and ideas that today's Real Estate Professional must be aware of and start learning.  Some of the concepts covered include, but are not limited to: creating a technology plan, review the new e-PRO designation being offered by NAR, websites and your presence in the on-line world, domain marketing, email hosting and branding, blogging (the biggest thing to hit the real estate world since leaving MLS books!), communicating with the Millennium Generation, portable infrared printers, digital photography, Bluetooth devices and more.

 

All attendees will qualify for a special offer from the National Association of REALTORS.  You will receive a coupon for a $25 discount on the cost of the program and get an extended time period to compete the designation requirements.  Visit http://DickBetts.certifiedeprotrainer.com to learn more.

  

Smartphone Fundamentals for the Real Estate Professional                                                              1 - 4 pm

(for Palm OS & Windows Mobile devices)

This three hour class is a "get to know your device" type of course.  It shows agents how to navigate around the device, the 6 ways to input information, how to look up information with just a thumb (very helpful while driving!), how to "set up" their Contacts, where to store information the easiest (do you put it under your Calendar or Memos or Task?), and some "Tips & Tricks" about getting the most out of the device.  Dick will review some basic ways for agents to implement Client Management and Time Management systems to better organize their business without the need of other expensive programs.

 

So I look forward o seeing you there!

Dick Betts

Dick@DickBetts.com

www.DickBetts.com

War Between the Carriers, another Battle Front
01 August 08 01:19 PM | dickbetts | with no comments

So like me many of you read the recent court ruling in California stating that Cell Phone Termination Fees are not legal and the phone industry must stop charging them.  Well first we have a long ways to go, the Federal Government will get involved because we can't have each state ruling and causing 50 different sets of rules. 

Let me give you both sides of this debate;

The Good about early Termination Fees

This allows the carriers to offer you phones at a much cheaper price because they have 24 months to recoup the true cost of the phone.

The Bad about early Termination Fees

The price of phones will go up to about the recommended manufacturer price.  On Smartphones that could be $300 to $400 more then current prices.

In my personal opinion I like the idea of ending Termination Fees so we the users have many more options.  Yes this means we pay more for the phone up front but the carriers are going to have to raise their level of customer service to keep us.  People move all the time, what happens if in your new home no bars, should you be punished because of their service?

In the spirit of competition I think ending Termination Fees will lead to lower monthly cost to the consumer.  Current plans have a portion set aside to pay for that free or reduced price phone.

I always tell my students, "Don't look at the cost of the phone, look at the cost of the phone and the Two year monthly fee to see the true cost of your deal".  I think it will all be about the same in cost but should see more options and better service.

Dick Betts

National Speaker Real Estate

Mobile Technology Trainer

www.DickBetts.com

Dick@DickBetts.com