Low appraisals that come in below the purchase price are still delaying closings or killing some sales contracts, real estate professionals say in a survey from April.
One out of 10 real estate professionals--or 11 percent--say that low appraisals are causing home sales contracts to fall through. An additional 10 percent say low appraisals are delaying closings, according to an April survey by the National Association of REALTORS®. About the same number of real estate professionals reported the problems with low appraisals in a March survey.
About 14 percent of real estate professionals reported that appraisals below the purchase price are requiring extra negotiating in order to get the deal closed.
"Short sales and foreclosures are still priced too high by the lenders, who do not believe the agents information concerning actual market conditions," said one real estate professional in the survey comments.
Source: “Appraisals Still Kill Home Sales,” UPI.com (May 25, 2011)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
75% of Online Leads Get Ignored, Study Finds
Real estate agents are ignoring or responding too late on nearly 75 percent of customer leads that come to them via online channels, according to a secret-shopping study by PCMS Consulting and One Cavo.
In its ongoing study, the companies are evaluating the response rate by large multi-office brokerages--both independent and franchised companies--of Internet leads from customers. They’ve completed 715 web forms at 56 different companies to test the response rate. Half of the leads were agent specific; the other half were IDX.
The study, so far, has found that nearly 50 percent of agents did not respond to the Internet leads and 46 percent of the inquiries went unanswered. Plus, 23 percent of those leads that did receive call backs, on average, came 8 hours after the forms were submitted.
“Today’s Internet consumer is expecting a response certainly within the hour but, more likely, within 15 or 20 minutes,” says Bradley Miller, One Cavo founder and president.
Jose Perez, founder and chief visionary for PCMS Consulting, says the lack of response is a huge mistake by real estate professionals, which is likely costing them business.
“Unfortunately, too many companies have no real system or accountability and leads fall through the cracks amounting to lost profits that few can risk in this environment,” Perez says.
Source: “Nearly 75 Percent of Online Generated Real Estate Leads Are Lost,” RISMedia (May 27, 2011)
In its ongoing study, the companies are evaluating the response rate by large multi-office brokerages--both independent and franchised companies--of Internet leads from customers. They’ve completed 715 web forms at 56 different companies to test the response rate. Half of the leads were agent specific; the other half were IDX.
The study, so far, has found that nearly 50 percent of agents did not respond to the Internet leads and 46 percent of the inquiries went unanswered. Plus, 23 percent of those leads that did receive call backs, on average, came 8 hours after the forms were submitted.
“Today’s Internet consumer is expecting a response certainly within the hour but, more likely, within 15 or 20 minutes,” says Bradley Miller, One Cavo founder and president.
Jose Perez, founder and chief visionary for PCMS Consulting, says the lack of response is a huge mistake by real estate professionals, which is likely costing them business.
“Unfortunately, too many companies have no real system or accountability and leads fall through the cracks amounting to lost profits that few can risk in this environment,” Perez says.
Source: “Nearly 75 Percent of Online Generated Real Estate Leads Are Lost,” RISMedia (May 27, 2011)
Friday, May 27, 2011
MARS forms update
As expected, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has failed to clarify the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) regulations. Therefore, two new documents that provide guidance on the FTC’s MARS rules have been added to Florida Realtors’ MARS Info Center.
Instructions for General Commercial Communication offers guidance on complying with the rules when advertising your MARS services to the general public.
Instructions for Consumer Specific Commercial Communication offers guidance on complying with the rules when offering your MARS services to a specific person.
In addition, several new resources will be available soon in the MARS Info Center:
Instructions for Short Sale Agreement Disclosure will assist Realtors who want to create their own form. A revised MARS Consumer Specific Commercial Communication Disclosure form can be used in listing presentations, and a new MARS Short Sale Agreement Disclosure form will replace the MARS Disclosure for Offer from Lender (Part I) and (Part II).
The two new MARS forms will also soon be available from Form Simplicity, as well as the MARS Info Center.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Instructions for General Commercial Communication offers guidance on complying with the rules when advertising your MARS services to the general public.
Instructions for Consumer Specific Commercial Communication offers guidance on complying with the rules when offering your MARS services to a specific person.
In addition, several new resources will be available soon in the MARS Info Center:
Instructions for Short Sale Agreement Disclosure will assist Realtors who want to create their own form. A revised MARS Consumer Specific Commercial Communication Disclosure form can be used in listing presentations, and a new MARS Short Sale Agreement Disclosure form will replace the MARS Disclosure for Offer from Lender (Part I) and (Part II).
The two new MARS forms will also soon be available from Form Simplicity, as well as the MARS Info Center.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Monday, May 23, 2011
Real estate agents, brokers diversifying ad budgets
Borrell Associates says real estate professionals spent $8.89 billion on online advertising in 2010, up from $2 billion in 2004, but it predicts only a 2.9 percent gain to $9.15 billion in 2011 and a 1 percent annual increase over the next six years as the industry diversifies its ad budgets.
Online marketing accounted for 64 percent of the ad budgets of real estate agents and brokers last year, and they likely will hike such spending on all advertising by 6.2 percent to $5.72 billion this year. However, experts say agents and brokers will devote more of their ad budgets to newspapers – with spending in the category up 11.3 percent to $2.01 billion – as sellers seek maximum exposure.
Meanwhile, agents and brokers will increase spending on broadcast TV by 8 percent to $250 million and radio ads by 28 percent to $70 million. Spending on direct mail is predicted to jump 4.3 percent to $470 million.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
Online marketing accounted for 64 percent of the ad budgets of real estate agents and brokers last year, and they likely will hike such spending on all advertising by 6.2 percent to $5.72 billion this year. However, experts say agents and brokers will devote more of their ad budgets to newspapers – with spending in the category up 11.3 percent to $2.01 billion – as sellers seek maximum exposure.
Meanwhile, agents and brokers will increase spending on broadcast TV by 8 percent to $250 million and radio ads by 28 percent to $70 million. Spending on direct mail is predicted to jump 4.3 percent to $470 million.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
Thursday, May 19, 2011
8 ways to fortify Facebook security
1. Who can see what?
Your first stop should be your privacy settings, which you can get to under “Account” at the top right of any page.
Here, make sure you’re using a set of custom settings. Click “Customize settings” under the grid on that page to see who can see which parts of your Facebook profile.
Unless you use your Facebook account as a completely public page, every single one of these options should at least be set to “Friends Only.” From there, you can make each setting more specific, keeping your photos hidden from certain people, for example.
2. Place your friends in lists
To make the previous tip more powerful, place your Facebook friends in lists. If you begin to define lists such as Co-workers, Best Friends, Employees, Students, etc., you can set each of your settings to be visible or not visible to a whole list of people.
To do this, go to “Edit Friends” under the Account menu. Type in friends’ names to add them to a list. Then make sure that only your best friends, for example, can see the photos you post. Or make sure that your students or employees don’t see your status updates.
You also can add a friend to a list as you accept their friend request.
3. Who can find you?
Facebook also allows you to set what people see if they’re not your friend. Under privacy settings, click “View Settings” under the “Connecting on Facebook” setting at the top of the page.
Here, you can set what people see when they search for you on Facebook.
Pay special attention to the bottom option, which allows you to set who can see what you “like” on Facebook. Many don’t realize that by default this option is set to show everyone what you like.
Don’t want that future employer to know you “like” skipping class? This is a good thing to check.
4. Browse Facebook securely
One of Facebook’s most vulnerable features is that much of your browsing is done without a secure connection to the website. Hackers have exploited this hole by accessing your personal information if you use Facebook on a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.
In your account settings, choose Account Security. There’s a check box there to enable secure browsing whenever possible. Check that.
You’ll soon see that Facebook will use “https://” instead of “http://.” That’s how you know you’re more secure.
5. Who is logging in as you?
One of Facebook’s greatest security features is the ability to individually approve each computer or mobile device that logs into your account.
You can name each computer you use Facebook with (work, home, laptop, iPhone, etc.).
To turn this on, go to your account settings, click on “Account Security” and choose that you want an e-mail or text message when someone tries to log in from a computer that isn’t one you’ve approved.
Here, you can also see all the open sessions of Facebook tied to your account. Someone logging in from five states away? Click “end activity,” and they’ll be stopped in their tracks.
6. Which apps know you?
As we have used Facebook over the years, each of us has amassed a list of applications that have access to our Facebook information.
To see which apps have access to your Facebook information, go to your privacy settings and click edit under “Apps and Websites” at the bottom left of the page.
On the next page, click edit settings next to “Apps you use.”
Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that have your information on file. Many of them are used for convenience, such as integration with the popular Instagram photo-sharing app or commenting services on news websites. But there are certainly some you could lose.
Click the X next to any app you want to yank your information from.
7. Even your friends’ apps know you, too
This one is even scarier. On the same app privacy page, check out the subhead that says “Info accessible through your friends.”
You may not know it, but anything your friends can see on Facebook can also be seen by any app that your friends add on Facebook including apps that you have no idea were ever given access. To disallow this, click on edit settings and uncheck all the boxes that allow you to choose what about you can be shared with apps that your friends add. Click save.
8. Who can post on your wall?
Facebook security has become a veritable cesspool of spam. Many of these spammy links are click-jacking schemes, which spread by posting links on a bunch of your friends’ walls.
The only foolproof way to prevent these links from gumming up your own wall is to set it so that no one can post directly on your wall. Friends still can comment on your status messages, links and photos, but can’t leave you a public note.
To change this setting, head to the customize settings area under privacy. Then uncheck the “Enable” box where it allows friends to post on your wall.
Source: USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
Your first stop should be your privacy settings, which you can get to under “Account” at the top right of any page.
Here, make sure you’re using a set of custom settings. Click “Customize settings” under the grid on that page to see who can see which parts of your Facebook profile.
Unless you use your Facebook account as a completely public page, every single one of these options should at least be set to “Friends Only.” From there, you can make each setting more specific, keeping your photos hidden from certain people, for example.
2. Place your friends in lists
To make the previous tip more powerful, place your Facebook friends in lists. If you begin to define lists such as Co-workers, Best Friends, Employees, Students, etc., you can set each of your settings to be visible or not visible to a whole list of people.
To do this, go to “Edit Friends” under the Account menu. Type in friends’ names to add them to a list. Then make sure that only your best friends, for example, can see the photos you post. Or make sure that your students or employees don’t see your status updates.
You also can add a friend to a list as you accept their friend request.
3. Who can find you?
Facebook also allows you to set what people see if they’re not your friend. Under privacy settings, click “View Settings” under the “Connecting on Facebook” setting at the top of the page.
Here, you can set what people see when they search for you on Facebook.
Pay special attention to the bottom option, which allows you to set who can see what you “like” on Facebook. Many don’t realize that by default this option is set to show everyone what you like.
Don’t want that future employer to know you “like” skipping class? This is a good thing to check.
4. Browse Facebook securely
One of Facebook’s most vulnerable features is that much of your browsing is done without a secure connection to the website. Hackers have exploited this hole by accessing your personal information if you use Facebook on a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.
In your account settings, choose Account Security. There’s a check box there to enable secure browsing whenever possible. Check that.
You’ll soon see that Facebook will use “https://” instead of “http://.” That’s how you know you’re more secure.
5. Who is logging in as you?
One of Facebook’s greatest security features is the ability to individually approve each computer or mobile device that logs into your account.
You can name each computer you use Facebook with (work, home, laptop, iPhone, etc.).
To turn this on, go to your account settings, click on “Account Security” and choose that you want an e-mail or text message when someone tries to log in from a computer that isn’t one you’ve approved.
Here, you can also see all the open sessions of Facebook tied to your account. Someone logging in from five states away? Click “end activity,” and they’ll be stopped in their tracks.
6. Which apps know you?
As we have used Facebook over the years, each of us has amassed a list of applications that have access to our Facebook information.
To see which apps have access to your Facebook information, go to your privacy settings and click edit under “Apps and Websites” at the bottom left of the page.
On the next page, click edit settings next to “Apps you use.”
Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that have your information on file. Many of them are used for convenience, such as integration with the popular Instagram photo-sharing app or commenting services on news websites. But there are certainly some you could lose.
Click the X next to any app you want to yank your information from.
7. Even your friends’ apps know you, too
This one is even scarier. On the same app privacy page, check out the subhead that says “Info accessible through your friends.”
You may not know it, but anything your friends can see on Facebook can also be seen by any app that your friends add on Facebook including apps that you have no idea were ever given access. To disallow this, click on edit settings and uncheck all the boxes that allow you to choose what about you can be shared with apps that your friends add. Click save.
8. Who can post on your wall?
Facebook security has become a veritable cesspool of spam. Many of these spammy links are click-jacking schemes, which spread by posting links on a bunch of your friends’ walls.
The only foolproof way to prevent these links from gumming up your own wall is to set it so that no one can post directly on your wall. Friends still can comment on your status messages, links and photos, but can’t leave you a public note.
To change this setting, head to the customize settings area under privacy. Then uncheck the “Enable” box where it allows friends to post on your wall.
Source: USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
8 ways to fortify Facebook security
1. Who can see what?
Your first stop should be your privacy settings, which you can get to under “Account” at the top right of any page.
Here, make sure you’re using a set of custom settings. Click “Customize settings” under the grid on that page to see who can see which parts of your Facebook profile.
Unless you use your Facebook account as a completely public page, every single one of these options should at least be set to “Friends Only.” From there, you can make each setting more specific, keeping your photos hidden from certain people, for example.
2. Place your friends in lists
To make the previous tip more powerful, place your Facebook friends in lists. If you begin to define lists such as Co-workers, Best Friends, Employees, Students, etc., you can set each of your settings to be visible or not visible to a whole list of people.
To do this, go to “Edit Friends” under the Account menu. Type in friends’ names to add them to a list. Then make sure that only your best friends, for example, can see the photos you post. Or make sure that your students or employees don’t see your status updates.
You also can add a friend to a list as you accept their friend request.
3. Who can find you?
Facebook also allows you to set what people see if they’re not your friend. Under privacy settings, click “View Settings” under the “Connecting on Facebook” setting at the top of the page.
Here, you can set what people see when they search for you on Facebook.
Pay special attention to the bottom option, which allows you to set who can see what you “like” on Facebook. Many don’t realize that by default this option is set to show everyone what you like.
Don’t want that future employer to know you “like” skipping class? This is a good thing to check.
4. Browse Facebook securely
One of Facebook’s most vulnerable features is that much of your browsing is done without a secure connection to the website. Hackers have exploited this hole by accessing your personal information if you use Facebook on a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.
In your account settings, choose Account Security. There’s a check box there to enable secure browsing whenever possible. Check that.
You’ll soon see that Facebook will use “https://” instead of “http://.” That’s how you know you’re more secure.
5. Who is logging in as you?
One of Facebook’s greatest security features is the ability to individually approve each computer or mobile device that logs into your account.
You can name each computer you use Facebook with (work, home, laptop, iPhone, etc.).
To turn this on, go to your account settings, click on “Account Security” and choose that you want an e-mail or text message when someone tries to log in from a computer that isn’t one you’ve approved.
Here, you can also see all the open sessions of Facebook tied to your account. Someone logging in from five states away? Click “end activity,” and they’ll be stopped in their tracks.
6. Which apps know you?
As we have used Facebook over the years, each of us has amassed a list of applications that have access to our Facebook information.
To see which apps have access to your Facebook information, go to your privacy settings and click edit under “Apps and Websites” at the bottom left of the page.
On the next page, click edit settings next to “Apps you use.”
Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that have your information on file. Many of them are used for convenience, such as integration with the popular Instagram photo-sharing app or commenting services on news websites. But there are certainly some you could lose.
Click the X next to any app you want to yank your information from.
7. Even your friends’ apps know you, too
This one is even scarier. On the same app privacy page, check out the subhead that says “Info accessible through your friends.”
You may not know it, but anything your friends can see on Facebook can also be seen by any app that your friends add on Facebook including apps that you have no idea were ever given access. To disallow this, click on edit settings and uncheck all the boxes that allow you to choose what about you can be shared with apps that your friends add. Click save.
8. Who can post on your wall?
Facebook security has become a veritable cesspool of spam. Many of these spammy links are click-jacking schemes, which spread by posting links on a bunch of your friends’ walls.
The only foolproof way to prevent these links from gumming up your own wall is to set it so that no one can post directly on your wall. Friends still can comment on your status messages, links and photos, but can’t leave you a public note.
To change this setting, head to the customize settings area under privacy. Then uncheck the “Enable” box where it allows friends to post on your wall.
Source: USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
Your first stop should be your privacy settings, which you can get to under “Account” at the top right of any page.
Here, make sure you’re using a set of custom settings. Click “Customize settings” under the grid on that page to see who can see which parts of your Facebook profile.
Unless you use your Facebook account as a completely public page, every single one of these options should at least be set to “Friends Only.” From there, you can make each setting more specific, keeping your photos hidden from certain people, for example.
2. Place your friends in lists
To make the previous tip more powerful, place your Facebook friends in lists. If you begin to define lists such as Co-workers, Best Friends, Employees, Students, etc., you can set each of your settings to be visible or not visible to a whole list of people.
To do this, go to “Edit Friends” under the Account menu. Type in friends’ names to add them to a list. Then make sure that only your best friends, for example, can see the photos you post. Or make sure that your students or employees don’t see your status updates.
You also can add a friend to a list as you accept their friend request.
3. Who can find you?
Facebook also allows you to set what people see if they’re not your friend. Under privacy settings, click “View Settings” under the “Connecting on Facebook” setting at the top of the page.
Here, you can set what people see when they search for you on Facebook.
Pay special attention to the bottom option, which allows you to set who can see what you “like” on Facebook. Many don’t realize that by default this option is set to show everyone what you like.
Don’t want that future employer to know you “like” skipping class? This is a good thing to check.
4. Browse Facebook securely
One of Facebook’s most vulnerable features is that much of your browsing is done without a secure connection to the website. Hackers have exploited this hole by accessing your personal information if you use Facebook on a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.
In your account settings, choose Account Security. There’s a check box there to enable secure browsing whenever possible. Check that.
You’ll soon see that Facebook will use “https://” instead of “http://.” That’s how you know you’re more secure.
5. Who is logging in as you?
One of Facebook’s greatest security features is the ability to individually approve each computer or mobile device that logs into your account.
You can name each computer you use Facebook with (work, home, laptop, iPhone, etc.).
To turn this on, go to your account settings, click on “Account Security” and choose that you want an e-mail or text message when someone tries to log in from a computer that isn’t one you’ve approved.
Here, you can also see all the open sessions of Facebook tied to your account. Someone logging in from five states away? Click “end activity,” and they’ll be stopped in their tracks.
6. Which apps know you?
As we have used Facebook over the years, each of us has amassed a list of applications that have access to our Facebook information.
To see which apps have access to your Facebook information, go to your privacy settings and click edit under “Apps and Websites” at the bottom left of the page.
On the next page, click edit settings next to “Apps you use.”
Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that have your information on file. Many of them are used for convenience, such as integration with the popular Instagram photo-sharing app or commenting services on news websites. But there are certainly some you could lose.
Click the X next to any app you want to yank your information from.
7. Even your friends’ apps know you, too
This one is even scarier. On the same app privacy page, check out the subhead that says “Info accessible through your friends.”
You may not know it, but anything your friends can see on Facebook can also be seen by any app that your friends add on Facebook including apps that you have no idea were ever given access. To disallow this, click on edit settings and uncheck all the boxes that allow you to choose what about you can be shared with apps that your friends add. Click save.
8. Who can post on your wall?
Facebook security has become a veritable cesspool of spam. Many of these spammy links are click-jacking schemes, which spread by posting links on a bunch of your friends’ walls.
The only foolproof way to prevent these links from gumming up your own wall is to set it so that no one can post directly on your wall. Friends still can comment on your status messages, links and photos, but can’t leave you a public note.
To change this setting, head to the customize settings area under privacy. Then uncheck the “Enable” box where it allows friends to post on your wall.
Source: USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
More Real Estate Pros Focus on Training
REALTORS® have been focusing more on training to help them better meet the needs of clients in a housing market with unique challenges, according to the 2011 National Association of REALTOR® Member Profile.
The study’s results are representative of the nation’s REALTORS®, who account for more than half of the approximately 2 million active real estate licensees in the U.S. The typical NAR member has 12 years of experience; nine out of 10 say they are certain they will remain in the business.
NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I., said the survey shows strong growth in professional training. “REALTORS® bring value to home buyers, sellers and investors with their experience and expertise, and 35 percent currently hold at least one out of six certifications in specialized training. That is up from 24 percent in 2010 and 16 percent in 2009,” he said. “The most popular area of training for NAR members, driven by the large share of distressed homes on the market, is the Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource Certification, held by 21 percent of REALTORS®, up from 12 percent in 2009.”
The second most popular REALTOR® certification is e-Pro, held by 11 percent of members to help them better serve the online needs of clients, followed by REPA (Real Estate Professional Assistant), 5 percent.
Paul Bishop, NAR vice president of research, said NAR members also are completing classwork to qualify for designations. “Thirty-six percent of REALTORS® have obtained at least one professional designation, up from 34 percent in 2010,” he said. “These designations give NAR members additional expertise in a variety of topics, helping REALTORS® serve the specialized needs of their clients.”
The most popular designation is GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute), held by 21 percent of respondents; ABR® (Accredited Buyer Representative®), 13 percent; CRS® (Certified Residential Specialist®), 10 percent; and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), 6 percent. Smaller shares hold one of 13 other designations.
The market has been tough for many REALTORS®, with the median income declining 4.5 percent to $34,100 last year, which followed a 3 percent decline in 2009. Members licensed as brokers earned a median of $48,700 in 2010, while sales agents earned $24,900.
NAR members in the business for two years or less earned a median of $8,900, while those in the business for 16 years or more earned $47,100. Sixteen percent earned a six-figure income, reflecting the entrepreneurial aspect of REALTOR® businesses.
Fourteen percent of REALTORS® work fewer than 20 hours per week, 30 percent work 20 to 39 hours per week, 41 percent work 40 to 59 hours and 15 percent work 60 hours per week or more.
Median REALTORS® household income, which includes business income, any secondary income and spousal or partner income, was $91,700, which is above the national median of $50,000.
Members said the most important factor keeping potential clients from completing a transaction was difficulty in obtaining a mortgage, cited by one-third of respondents. “This underscores the importance of mortgage availability to creditworthy home buyers, and the need to return to the safe, sensible underwriting standards that were in place before irresponsible lending led to the boom and bust cycle,” Phipps said.
“As we reform lending policies, it’s important to not throw the baby out with the bath water. The problem isn’t with responsible home buyers making low downpayments, but rather the consequences of risky mortgages that should never have been introduced to the market,” Phipps added.
The survey shows the typical NAR member is 56 years old and works 40 hours per week; 57 percent are women, who account for 50 percent of brokers and 63 percent of sales agents. Three percent of all REALTORS® are under 30 years of age and another 4 percent are 30 to 34 years old; 22 percent are 65 or over.
Most members are sales agents: 57 percent; 28 percent are brokers, 17 percent broker associates, 4 percent appraisers, and 1 percent other (some hold more than one license). Eleven percent of members have one personal assistant, while 3 percent have two or more personal assistants.
There are two sides to every real estate transaction – one each for the seller and the buyer. Among REALTORS® members, the median number of transaction sides handled in 2010 was eight, equivalent to four full transactions, up from seven transaction sides in 2009.
Sixty-eight percent of REALTORS® are compensated through a split commission arrangement, 18 percent receive all of the commission and another 3 percent receive a commission plus a share of profits; 11 percent received some other form of compensation. Eight out of 10 members work as independent contractors for their firms. Three out of four REALTORS® receive no fringe benefits, although 20 percent are covered by errors and omissions insurance; only 5 percent receive health insurance.
Seventy-eight percent of NAR members focus on residential sales and 72 percent have secondary real estate specialties. Sixteen percent also offer commercial brokerage, 14 percent relocation services, 14 percent commercial property management, 9 percent counseling and 8 percent land development. Smaller percentages were also in residential property management, residential appraisal, international, auction or commercial appraisal.
Residential brokerage was listed as a secondary business for 10 percent of respondents who have other primary specialties.
One-third of respondents belong to one or more of NAR’s affiliated institutes, societies or councils; the most common is CRS (Council of Residential Specialists), identified by 12 percent.
Only 6 percent of members report real estate is their first career; most bring expertise and experience from a wide range of other fields. Previous full-time careers include management, business or financial, 19 percent; sales or retail, 16 percent; office or administrative support, 9 percent; and education, 7 percent. Twelve other categories were each 5 percent or less; 14 percent were other.
REALTORS® use technology daily or nearly every day – it’s key to their success: 92 percent use e-mail, 90 percent use computers, and 72 percent use smart phones with wireless e-mail and Internet capabilities. Less frequently used technologies on a daily basis include GPS devices, instant messaging, digital cameras, and PDAs without phone capability.
Sixty-two percent of NAR members have a personal website, operational for a median of 6 years, and nine out of 10 report their firm has a Web presence. Half of the respondents use social or professional networking sites and 10 percent have a blog.
The median-sized firm has 29 licensees with one office, the same as in 2009. Four out of 10 members are affiliated with an independent, nonfranchised firm, 33 percent with a franchised subsidiary of a national or regional corporation, 21 percent are with an independent franchised company, and 5 percent with a nonfranchised subsidiary of a national or regional corporation. Respondents have typically been with their firm for five years. Eleven percent of REALTORS® report their firm was bought by or merged with another during the past two years.
Ninety-one percent REALTORS® are homeowners. In addition, they often invest in real estate and own other homes in addition to their primary residence – 43 percent own at least one investment property and 16 percent own at least one vacation home. In addition, 10 percent own at least one commercial property.
NAR members are active in the political process – 92 percent participated in the last national election and 85 percent voted in the last local election. They are well-educated, with 48 percent holding at least a bachelor’s degree; 15 percent are fluent in other languages.
The 2011 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile is based on a survey of 54,758 members which generated 8,303 usable responses, representing an adjusted response rate of 15.3 percent. Income and transaction data are for 2010, while other data represent member characteristics in early 2011. The study can be ordered by calling 800-874-6500, or online at www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/Research. The profile costs $19.95 for NAR members and $149.95 for nonmembers.
Source: NAR
The study’s results are representative of the nation’s REALTORS®, who account for more than half of the approximately 2 million active real estate licensees in the U.S. The typical NAR member has 12 years of experience; nine out of 10 say they are certain they will remain in the business.
NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I., said the survey shows strong growth in professional training. “REALTORS® bring value to home buyers, sellers and investors with their experience and expertise, and 35 percent currently hold at least one out of six certifications in specialized training. That is up from 24 percent in 2010 and 16 percent in 2009,” he said. “The most popular area of training for NAR members, driven by the large share of distressed homes on the market, is the Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource Certification, held by 21 percent of REALTORS®, up from 12 percent in 2009.”
The second most popular REALTOR® certification is e-Pro, held by 11 percent of members to help them better serve the online needs of clients, followed by REPA (Real Estate Professional Assistant), 5 percent.
Paul Bishop, NAR vice president of research, said NAR members also are completing classwork to qualify for designations. “Thirty-six percent of REALTORS® have obtained at least one professional designation, up from 34 percent in 2010,” he said. “These designations give NAR members additional expertise in a variety of topics, helping REALTORS® serve the specialized needs of their clients.”
The most popular designation is GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute), held by 21 percent of respondents; ABR® (Accredited Buyer Representative®), 13 percent; CRS® (Certified Residential Specialist®), 10 percent; and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), 6 percent. Smaller shares hold one of 13 other designations.
The market has been tough for many REALTORS®, with the median income declining 4.5 percent to $34,100 last year, which followed a 3 percent decline in 2009. Members licensed as brokers earned a median of $48,700 in 2010, while sales agents earned $24,900.
NAR members in the business for two years or less earned a median of $8,900, while those in the business for 16 years or more earned $47,100. Sixteen percent earned a six-figure income, reflecting the entrepreneurial aspect of REALTOR® businesses.
Fourteen percent of REALTORS® work fewer than 20 hours per week, 30 percent work 20 to 39 hours per week, 41 percent work 40 to 59 hours and 15 percent work 60 hours per week or more.
Median REALTORS® household income, which includes business income, any secondary income and spousal or partner income, was $91,700, which is above the national median of $50,000.
Members said the most important factor keeping potential clients from completing a transaction was difficulty in obtaining a mortgage, cited by one-third of respondents. “This underscores the importance of mortgage availability to creditworthy home buyers, and the need to return to the safe, sensible underwriting standards that were in place before irresponsible lending led to the boom and bust cycle,” Phipps said.
“As we reform lending policies, it’s important to not throw the baby out with the bath water. The problem isn’t with responsible home buyers making low downpayments, but rather the consequences of risky mortgages that should never have been introduced to the market,” Phipps added.
The survey shows the typical NAR member is 56 years old and works 40 hours per week; 57 percent are women, who account for 50 percent of brokers and 63 percent of sales agents. Three percent of all REALTORS® are under 30 years of age and another 4 percent are 30 to 34 years old; 22 percent are 65 or over.
Most members are sales agents: 57 percent; 28 percent are brokers, 17 percent broker associates, 4 percent appraisers, and 1 percent other (some hold more than one license). Eleven percent of members have one personal assistant, while 3 percent have two or more personal assistants.
There are two sides to every real estate transaction – one each for the seller and the buyer. Among REALTORS® members, the median number of transaction sides handled in 2010 was eight, equivalent to four full transactions, up from seven transaction sides in 2009.
Sixty-eight percent of REALTORS® are compensated through a split commission arrangement, 18 percent receive all of the commission and another 3 percent receive a commission plus a share of profits; 11 percent received some other form of compensation. Eight out of 10 members work as independent contractors for their firms. Three out of four REALTORS® receive no fringe benefits, although 20 percent are covered by errors and omissions insurance; only 5 percent receive health insurance.
Seventy-eight percent of NAR members focus on residential sales and 72 percent have secondary real estate specialties. Sixteen percent also offer commercial brokerage, 14 percent relocation services, 14 percent commercial property management, 9 percent counseling and 8 percent land development. Smaller percentages were also in residential property management, residential appraisal, international, auction or commercial appraisal.
Residential brokerage was listed as a secondary business for 10 percent of respondents who have other primary specialties.
One-third of respondents belong to one or more of NAR’s affiliated institutes, societies or councils; the most common is CRS (Council of Residential Specialists), identified by 12 percent.
Only 6 percent of members report real estate is their first career; most bring expertise and experience from a wide range of other fields. Previous full-time careers include management, business or financial, 19 percent; sales or retail, 16 percent; office or administrative support, 9 percent; and education, 7 percent. Twelve other categories were each 5 percent or less; 14 percent were other.
REALTORS® use technology daily or nearly every day – it’s key to their success: 92 percent use e-mail, 90 percent use computers, and 72 percent use smart phones with wireless e-mail and Internet capabilities. Less frequently used technologies on a daily basis include GPS devices, instant messaging, digital cameras, and PDAs without phone capability.
Sixty-two percent of NAR members have a personal website, operational for a median of 6 years, and nine out of 10 report their firm has a Web presence. Half of the respondents use social or professional networking sites and 10 percent have a blog.
The median-sized firm has 29 licensees with one office, the same as in 2009. Four out of 10 members are affiliated with an independent, nonfranchised firm, 33 percent with a franchised subsidiary of a national or regional corporation, 21 percent are with an independent franchised company, and 5 percent with a nonfranchised subsidiary of a national or regional corporation. Respondents have typically been with their firm for five years. Eleven percent of REALTORS® report their firm was bought by or merged with another during the past two years.
Ninety-one percent REALTORS® are homeowners. In addition, they often invest in real estate and own other homes in addition to their primary residence – 43 percent own at least one investment property and 16 percent own at least one vacation home. In addition, 10 percent own at least one commercial property.
NAR members are active in the political process – 92 percent participated in the last national election and 85 percent voted in the last local election. They are well-educated, with 48 percent holding at least a bachelor’s degree; 15 percent are fluent in other languages.
The 2011 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile is based on a survey of 54,758 members which generated 8,303 usable responses, representing an adjusted response rate of 15.3 percent. Income and transaction data are for 2010, while other data represent member characteristics in early 2011. The study can be ordered by calling 800-874-6500, or online at www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/Research. The profile costs $19.95 for NAR members and $149.95 for nonmembers.
Source: NAR
NAR directors say ‘Yes’ to political initiative
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Board of Directors overwhelmingly approved the Realtor Party Political Survival Initiative (RPPSI) at its May 14 meeting and to raise NAR dues to $120, from $80, to pay for it.
Under the initiative, the $40 in new dues revenue will go to help fund and provide assistance to local, state and national political and issues campaigns. Although some of the funds will be used to augment the Realtors’ Political Action Committee (RPAC), a majority of the funds‚ 73 percent‚ will be used to bolster grassroots action. RPAC contributions are still critical, said former NAR President Cathy Whatley, who presented the initiative to the directors.
Also at the meeting, which closed the 2011 Realtors’ Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, the directors voted to add an opt-in provision to the “franchisor index and display” portion of the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy that the board adopted in November 2010. The provision, effective 30 days from passage, gives franchisors the right to index and display listing data from their franchisees’ IDX feeds on their national websites.
With the federal government exploring changes to the secondary mortgage market, the board passed a resolution supporting the continuation of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system to help ensure the availability of affordable and safe mortgage financing. The FHLB system makes funds available to its member banks, helping to keep down the cost of financing to consumers.
Other changes impacting local boards/associations and MLSs include:
MLS policy
New language in the MLS Policy Statement permits, at the option of the local MLS, the inclusion of price changes and days on market information in advertisements, including IDX displays, of the participants’ listings.
NRDS database compliance
The deadline for associations to meet the NRDS central database compliance batch upload and download programs was extended to June 30, 2012. The deadline had been Dec. 31, 2011.
Code of Ethics training
Modified NAR’s organizational standards criteria to include associations’ obligation to administer and enforce the Realtor Code of Ethics training requirements.
Association name changes
Also, the board passed changes to allow for quicker association name changes by permitting staff to approve names when the change is non-substantive and to allow for earlier mediation in disputes over association name changes.
Professional standards
In changes to Code of Ethics Article 17, associations would be given discretionary authority to require their members to mediate otherwise-arbitral disputes. The change would also include an amendment to Standard of Practice 17-2 that would enable parties to a dispute to reject mediation if all parties in the dispute chose to arbitrate or litigate. The change to Article 17 is subject to approval by the NAR Delegate Body.
Section 19 of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual, which references Grievance Committees’ review of ethics complaints, was amended to provide guidance to hearing panels in circumstances where, after an ethics complaint has been forwarded for hearing, it comes to light that the underlying transaction or event is also the basis for civil litigation, administrative or regulatory proceedings, or criminal litigation.
In other news, the board approved $150,000 to support three legal cases, involving classification of a brokerage administrative fee on the HUD-1 settlement form, whether an administrative fee violated RESPA rules on unearned fees, and allegations of price-fixing in violation of antitrust law.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Under the initiative, the $40 in new dues revenue will go to help fund and provide assistance to local, state and national political and issues campaigns. Although some of the funds will be used to augment the Realtors’ Political Action Committee (RPAC), a majority of the funds‚ 73 percent‚ will be used to bolster grassroots action. RPAC contributions are still critical, said former NAR President Cathy Whatley, who presented the initiative to the directors.
Also at the meeting, which closed the 2011 Realtors’ Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, the directors voted to add an opt-in provision to the “franchisor index and display” portion of the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy that the board adopted in November 2010. The provision, effective 30 days from passage, gives franchisors the right to index and display listing data from their franchisees’ IDX feeds on their national websites.
With the federal government exploring changes to the secondary mortgage market, the board passed a resolution supporting the continuation of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system to help ensure the availability of affordable and safe mortgage financing. The FHLB system makes funds available to its member banks, helping to keep down the cost of financing to consumers.
Other changes impacting local boards/associations and MLSs include:
MLS policy
New language in the MLS Policy Statement permits, at the option of the local MLS, the inclusion of price changes and days on market information in advertisements, including IDX displays, of the participants’ listings.
NRDS database compliance
The deadline for associations to meet the NRDS central database compliance batch upload and download programs was extended to June 30, 2012. The deadline had been Dec. 31, 2011.
Code of Ethics training
Modified NAR’s organizational standards criteria to include associations’ obligation to administer and enforce the Realtor Code of Ethics training requirements.
Association name changes
Also, the board passed changes to allow for quicker association name changes by permitting staff to approve names when the change is non-substantive and to allow for earlier mediation in disputes over association name changes.
Professional standards
In changes to Code of Ethics Article 17, associations would be given discretionary authority to require their members to mediate otherwise-arbitral disputes. The change would also include an amendment to Standard of Practice 17-2 that would enable parties to a dispute to reject mediation if all parties in the dispute chose to arbitrate or litigate. The change to Article 17 is subject to approval by the NAR Delegate Body.
Section 19 of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual, which references Grievance Committees’ review of ethics complaints, was amended to provide guidance to hearing panels in circumstances where, after an ethics complaint has been forwarded for hearing, it comes to light that the underlying transaction or event is also the basis for civil litigation, administrative or regulatory proceedings, or criminal litigation.
In other news, the board approved $150,000 to support three legal cases, involving classification of a brokerage administrative fee on the HUD-1 settlement form, whether an administrative fee violated RESPA rules on unearned fees, and allegations of price-fixing in violation of antitrust law.
Source: Florida Realtors®
NAR directors say ‘Yes’ to political initiative
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Board of Directors overwhelmingly approved the Realtor Party Political Survival Initiative (RPPSI) at its May 14 meeting and to raise NAR dues to $120, from $80, to pay for it.
Under the initiative, the $40 in new dues revenue will go to help fund and provide assistance to local, state and national political and issues campaigns. Although some of the funds will be used to augment the Realtors’ Political Action Committee (RPAC), a majority of the funds‚ 73 percent‚ will be used to bolster grassroots action. RPAC contributions are still critical, said former NAR President Cathy Whatley, who presented the initiative to the directors.
Also at the meeting, which closed the 2011 Realtors’ Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, the directors voted to add an opt-in provision to the “franchisor index and display” portion of the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy that the board adopted in November 2010. The provision, effective 30 days from passage, gives franchisors the right to index and display listing data from their franchisees’ IDX feeds on their national websites.
With the federal government exploring changes to the secondary mortgage market, the board passed a resolution supporting the continuation of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system to help ensure the availability of affordable and safe mortgage financing. The FHLB system makes funds available to its member banks, helping to keep down the cost of financing to consumers.
Other changes impacting local boards/associations and MLSs include:
MLS policy
New language in the MLS Policy Statement permits, at the option of the local MLS, the inclusion of price changes and days on market information in advertisements, including IDX displays, of the participants’ listings.
NRDS database compliance
The deadline for associations to meet the NRDS central database compliance batch upload and download programs was extended to June 30, 2012. The deadline had been Dec. 31, 2011.
Code of Ethics training
Modified NAR’s organizational standards criteria to include associations’ obligation to administer and enforce the Realtor Code of Ethics training requirements.
Association name changes
Also, the board passed changes to allow for quicker association name changes by permitting staff to approve names when the change is non-substantive and to allow for earlier mediation in disputes over association name changes.
Professional standards
In changes to Code of Ethics Article 17, associations would be given discretionary authority to require their members to mediate otherwise-arbitral disputes. The change would also include an amendment to Standard of Practice 17-2 that would enable parties to a dispute to reject mediation if all parties in the dispute chose to arbitrate or litigate. The change to Article 17 is subject to approval by the NAR Delegate Body.
Section 19 of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual, which references Grievance Committees’ review of ethics complaints, was amended to provide guidance to hearing panels in circumstances where, after an ethics complaint has been forwarded for hearing, it comes to light that the underlying transaction or event is also the basis for civil litigation, administrative or regulatory proceedings, or criminal litigation.
In other news, the board approved $150,000 to support three legal cases, involving classification of a brokerage administrative fee on the HUD-1 settlement form, whether an administrative fee violated RESPA rules on unearned fees, and allegations of price-fixing in violation of antitrust law.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Under the initiative, the $40 in new dues revenue will go to help fund and provide assistance to local, state and national political and issues campaigns. Although some of the funds will be used to augment the Realtors’ Political Action Committee (RPAC), a majority of the funds‚ 73 percent‚ will be used to bolster grassroots action. RPAC contributions are still critical, said former NAR President Cathy Whatley, who presented the initiative to the directors.
Also at the meeting, which closed the 2011 Realtors’ Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, the directors voted to add an opt-in provision to the “franchisor index and display” portion of the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy that the board adopted in November 2010. The provision, effective 30 days from passage, gives franchisors the right to index and display listing data from their franchisees’ IDX feeds on their national websites.
With the federal government exploring changes to the secondary mortgage market, the board passed a resolution supporting the continuation of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system to help ensure the availability of affordable and safe mortgage financing. The FHLB system makes funds available to its member banks, helping to keep down the cost of financing to consumers.
Other changes impacting local boards/associations and MLSs include:
MLS policy
New language in the MLS Policy Statement permits, at the option of the local MLS, the inclusion of price changes and days on market information in advertisements, including IDX displays, of the participants’ listings.
NRDS database compliance
The deadline for associations to meet the NRDS central database compliance batch upload and download programs was extended to June 30, 2012. The deadline had been Dec. 31, 2011.
Code of Ethics training
Modified NAR’s organizational standards criteria to include associations’ obligation to administer and enforce the Realtor Code of Ethics training requirements.
Association name changes
Also, the board passed changes to allow for quicker association name changes by permitting staff to approve names when the change is non-substantive and to allow for earlier mediation in disputes over association name changes.
Professional standards
In changes to Code of Ethics Article 17, associations would be given discretionary authority to require their members to mediate otherwise-arbitral disputes. The change would also include an amendment to Standard of Practice 17-2 that would enable parties to a dispute to reject mediation if all parties in the dispute chose to arbitrate or litigate. The change to Article 17 is subject to approval by the NAR Delegate Body.
Section 19 of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual, which references Grievance Committees’ review of ethics complaints, was amended to provide guidance to hearing panels in circumstances where, after an ethics complaint has been forwarded for hearing, it comes to light that the underlying transaction or event is also the basis for civil litigation, administrative or regulatory proceedings, or criminal litigation.
In other news, the board approved $150,000 to support three legal cases, involving classification of a brokerage administrative fee on the HUD-1 settlement form, whether an administrative fee violated RESPA rules on unearned fees, and allegations of price-fixing in violation of antitrust law.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Monday, May 16, 2011
Opt-in Provision Added to IDX Display Rule
The most vigorous debate at the NAR Board of Directors meeting Saturday did not center around REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative as had been expected but on a fairly new section of the association’s Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy concerning franchisors’ use of IDX feeds.
The directors voted to add an opt-in provision to the “franchisor index and display” portion of the IDX policy, approved in November 2010, that gives franchisors the right to index and display listing data on their national Web sites from their franchisees’ IDX feeds. The opt-in, effective 30 days from May 14, means franchisors can’t display listings without the listing brokers’ affirmative consent.
A couple of attendees rose to point out that national franchisors had already made changes to their Web sites based on the previous version of the rule. NAR General Counsel Laurie Janik also pointed this out.
“Franchise organizations relied on the policy in building Web sites,” she said. “There could be some financial exposure for those organizations that have invested in the new system.”
This prompted a friendly amendment to the motion that gave franchisors 30 days to adjust their sites in accordance with the new provision, rather than having it take effect immediately.
The decision to add the opt-in sprung from some directors’ concerns that the new policy potentially made listing information available to non-participants without brokerages’ consent. Brokers representing Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Home Services of America, and the Realty Alliance led the way toward the policy change; those companies oppose the new IDX policy and had backed a failed proposal to completely repeal the policy.
Brokers who opposed the policy generally argued that because they’re liable for the accuracy of the data, they need to have control over it. “If there’s any problem, hold me, the broker, accountable,” one member said at the meeting. “I’m the one supplying the IDX.”
Directors from major franchises, including one former NAR president and one former NAR treasurer, spoke against the repeal during the board of directors meeting.
Source: Robert Freedman and Brian Summerfield, REALTOR® Magazine
The directors voted to add an opt-in provision to the “franchisor index and display” portion of the IDX policy, approved in November 2010, that gives franchisors the right to index and display listing data on their national Web sites from their franchisees’ IDX feeds. The opt-in, effective 30 days from May 14, means franchisors can’t display listings without the listing brokers’ affirmative consent.
A couple of attendees rose to point out that national franchisors had already made changes to their Web sites based on the previous version of the rule. NAR General Counsel Laurie Janik also pointed this out.
“Franchise organizations relied on the policy in building Web sites,” she said. “There could be some financial exposure for those organizations that have invested in the new system.”
This prompted a friendly amendment to the motion that gave franchisors 30 days to adjust their sites in accordance with the new provision, rather than having it take effect immediately.
The decision to add the opt-in sprung from some directors’ concerns that the new policy potentially made listing information available to non-participants without brokerages’ consent. Brokers representing Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Home Services of America, and the Realty Alliance led the way toward the policy change; those companies oppose the new IDX policy and had backed a failed proposal to completely repeal the policy.
Brokers who opposed the policy generally argued that because they’re liable for the accuracy of the data, they need to have control over it. “If there’s any problem, hold me, the broker, accountable,” one member said at the meeting. “I’m the one supplying the IDX.”
Directors from major franchises, including one former NAR president and one former NAR treasurer, spoke against the repeal during the board of directors meeting.
Source: Robert Freedman and Brian Summerfield, REALTOR® Magazine
Friday, May 13, 2011
Realtors’ Facebook pages can now be tagged in Facebook photos
Facebook now allows business pages to be tagged in photos, which can help Realtors maximize their reach.
The business-tag function can also be used to help other local businesses that could, in turn, help you.
Experts say Realtors should take photos of other agents, interior designers, architects, builders, title officers, landscapers and others and tag them. Showing community support ultimately could translate into new business.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
The business-tag function can also be used to help other local businesses that could, in turn, help you.
Experts say Realtors should take photos of other agents, interior designers, architects, builders, title officers, landscapers and others and tag them. Showing community support ultimately could translate into new business.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
7 ways to market your business on LinkedIn
Realtors can benefit from LinkedIn in several ways – from obtaining recommendations from colleagues, clients, managers and employees to starting or joining industry-specific networking and discussion groups.
If you have a blog published with WordPress, consider syncing the blog with your LinkedIn profile, or allow LinkedIn colleagues to post listings and news on their profile.
Another approach: Use LinkedIn to ask questions or position yourself as an industry expert by answering questions.
LinkedIn also allows realty professionals to connect with events, such as market training and client appreciation; buy ads that direct users to websites or LinkedIn pages; and read news stories collected from a connections’ and groups’ feeds.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
If you have a blog published with WordPress, consider syncing the blog with your LinkedIn profile, or allow LinkedIn colleagues to post listings and news on their profile.
Another approach: Use LinkedIn to ask questions or position yourself as an industry expert by answering questions.
LinkedIn also allows realty professionals to connect with events, such as market training and client appreciation; buy ads that direct users to websites or LinkedIn pages; and read news stories collected from a connections’ and groups’ feeds.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
New apps post videos with ease
Although most video is shot on mobile phones, very few clips make their way online. It can be difficult and time consuming to upload video to YouTube or Facebook, and video size and format can make it difficult to send videos to people through e-mails and text messages.
However, new mobile apps are simplifying the process. Socialcam for iPhone and Android does not restrict the length of the clip and automatically uploads it to the company’s servers in the background, then allows users to determine whether to share via Facebook, Twitter, SMS, e-mail, Tumblr or Posterous.
Thwapr for iPhones allows users to share videos using social media, and it also makes it easy for videos to be sent via e-mail or text message by determining the recipient’s phone model and automatically converting the video’s data format.
Qik Video Connect, meanwhile, uploads videos from numerous types of smartphones, enables live broadcasts, and connects to most blog platforms. Built-in editing tools are available through Qik and Thwapr, and Socialcam permits imported clips that have been edited in Apple’s iMove or VidTrim for Android phones.
These apps can help real estate professionals post videos of home walkthroughs, but experts caution against creating lengthy videos due to viewers’ short attention spans.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
However, new mobile apps are simplifying the process. Socialcam for iPhone and Android does not restrict the length of the clip and automatically uploads it to the company’s servers in the background, then allows users to determine whether to share via Facebook, Twitter, SMS, e-mail, Tumblr or Posterous.
Thwapr for iPhones allows users to share videos using social media, and it also makes it easy for videos to be sent via e-mail or text message by determining the recipient’s phone model and automatically converting the video’s data format.
Qik Video Connect, meanwhile, uploads videos from numerous types of smartphones, enables live broadcasts, and connects to most blog platforms. Built-in editing tools are available through Qik and Thwapr, and Socialcam permits imported clips that have been edited in Apple’s iMove or VidTrim for Android phones.
These apps can help real estate professionals post videos of home walkthroughs, but experts caution against creating lengthy videos due to viewers’ short attention spans.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Did You Know Your iPhone Could Do All of This?
For iPhone Lovers
You may be surprised to find some hidden features and shortcuts with your iPhone. The iPhone’s latest operating system, iOS 4.3, which is available for the iPhone 3GS and AT&T’s iPhone 4, has several of these little-known features. The New York Times recently featured more than a dozen. Here are a few:
Screen grab: To take a picture of whatever is on your iPhone’s display, tap the home and sleep buttons at the same time. The screenshot will be saved and available in your camera roll library.
Voice control: In a rush and need to know what time it is? You can program your phone so that by your voice prompt alone (e.g. “What time is it?”), your phone will tell you the time in response. You can also use your voice control setting to get your phone to dial a precise number or tell it to connect you with people or places already in your address book (e.g. “Dial the Office”). You can even use it to control music (e.g. “Play music”) or even get it to play a certain song, all by your voice.
Save images from the Web: You may be looking at Web pages in Safari and want to save a photo you see. To save it, tap and then hold any image, which will then bring up buttons that allow you to save the image to your camera library or copy it to your clipboard.
Search shortcut: With the first home screen open, swipe your finger to the right across the screen. A search window will appear, which you can use to bring up your contacts, apps, e-mails, calendar appointments, and media all via keyword search. You can also use it to quickly search Google or Wikipedia. (Those are the final two options given on each search result, in case you want to open up your search to Google or Wikipedia and not just limit it to what’s on your phone.)
Give it a shake: Easily undo or erase what you just did. Shake the iPhone while you’re typing brings up the option to undo it.
Quick access to voice prompts: Hold the home button down while the phone is locked. A “Voice Control” option will appear. It’s a shortcut to make phone calls or use FaceTime--iPhone’s video call feature--or quickly use any of the iPhone’s other voice commands.
Learn more tricks to your iPhone.
Source: “Tips to Take Your iPhone to the Next Level,” The New York Times (April 28, 2011)
You may be surprised to find some hidden features and shortcuts with your iPhone. The iPhone’s latest operating system, iOS 4.3, which is available for the iPhone 3GS and AT&T’s iPhone 4, has several of these little-known features. The New York Times recently featured more than a dozen. Here are a few:
Screen grab: To take a picture of whatever is on your iPhone’s display, tap the home and sleep buttons at the same time. The screenshot will be saved and available in your camera roll library.
Voice control: In a rush and need to know what time it is? You can program your phone so that by your voice prompt alone (e.g. “What time is it?”), your phone will tell you the time in response. You can also use your voice control setting to get your phone to dial a precise number or tell it to connect you with people or places already in your address book (e.g. “Dial the Office”). You can even use it to control music (e.g. “Play music”) or even get it to play a certain song, all by your voice.
Save images from the Web: You may be looking at Web pages in Safari and want to save a photo you see. To save it, tap and then hold any image, which will then bring up buttons that allow you to save the image to your camera library or copy it to your clipboard.
Search shortcut: With the first home screen open, swipe your finger to the right across the screen. A search window will appear, which you can use to bring up your contacts, apps, e-mails, calendar appointments, and media all via keyword search. You can also use it to quickly search Google or Wikipedia. (Those are the final two options given on each search result, in case you want to open up your search to Google or Wikipedia and not just limit it to what’s on your phone.)
Give it a shake: Easily undo or erase what you just did. Shake the iPhone while you’re typing brings up the option to undo it.
Quick access to voice prompts: Hold the home button down while the phone is locked. A “Voice Control” option will appear. It’s a shortcut to make phone calls or use FaceTime--iPhone’s video call feature--or quickly use any of the iPhone’s other voice commands.
Learn more tricks to your iPhone.
Source: “Tips to Take Your iPhone to the Next Level,” The New York Times (April 28, 2011)
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