Archive for January, 2010
Approximately two weeks ago I wrote here about an ambiguity in the Form 22A. By way of quick background, it was unclear whether a buyer in waiving the financing contingency using Form 22AR was also waiving the appraisal provisions of Form 22A. Most, if not all, of the real estate attorneys I spoke with thought that it would, but there was nothing in the form that indicated such. More on that below.
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This week every major tech blog has been buzzing about the iPad. Thank you to all the FOREM members who posted comments here as well as on our Facebook page. It was really exciting to see all the online chatter going on across the nation, as people waited to hear about ‘the big announcement.’ Whether the iPad will be a ‘game changer’ or not – especially for the real estate industry – is still up in the air.
In the meantime, I thought I’d add a little humor to the conversation. Enjoy!
Written by: Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Inman News
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On Wednesday, January 27, Apple will likely unveil the company’s long-rumored tablet device. Apple sent out invitations to selected media outlets yesterday morning, asking people to “join us for an invitation-only event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on January 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Rumored to be anywhere from $500-$1000 many Realtors will undoubtedly be wondering if they should make the switch to a tablet-like device. The launch of the all-in-one touch-screen tablet computer on will most likely spark the same excitement from agents and brokers that followed the iPhone’s launch in 2007.
What would the Apple Tablet mean for Realtors?
1. Portability
This may be the single biggest selling factor Apple will have when marketing to Realtors. A Realtor could easily slip the tablet into their bag or briefcase. If the tablet is as sleek and thin as rumored, it will be simpler to transport than a traditional laptop. Also, as agents are moving more and more away from a “traditional” office – something as light and portable as the tablet is sure to be enticing.
2. Paperless
This topic has been talked about for a few years at least – but the tablet may be the catalyst to make it happen industry-wide. The tablet potentially will have the ability to easily pull up contracts and receive digital signatures on the spot. If this is the case, a client would be able to literally ‘sign’ their contract on the tablet – much like how they accept a UPS package by signing on the UPS ‘tablet. ‘ In addition, there is certainly the ‘impress ability’ factor – clients will certainly be impressed by their tech savvy agent.
3. Easy learning curve
One thing I have heard over and over again by agents, is how easy the iPhone and other touch-screen smartphones were to learn. A short learning curve is key. The only downside I can foresee is that unfortunately, some agent website vendors and MLS still are not compatible with Safari. If the tablet sweeps the Realtor world by storm, vendors and MLS’ will have to sit up and take notice. As mentioned at Connect NYC – now is the time to take a hard look at your vendors and see if they are in line with the goals you have set for yourself for 2010.
I am curious about your thoughts!
Will you consider purchasing an Apple Tablet? Why or why not? A recent survey says 1 in 5 consumers will purchase one. Leave your comments here on the blog – thanks!
Written by: Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Inman News
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The difference in real estate activity in my office and my own business between December 2009 to January 2010 is like night and day. As one friend in my office put it: “someone turned on the lights!”.
I have been somewhat remiss on reporting on some of the issues that I used to write about. One reason is that the two NW Arkansas newspapers merged and now one must pay to read the newspaper on line. I personally think this is a bad idea and even if I would pay to read the newspaper, I don’t want readers of my blog to have to pay to get more information than what I am providing in my blog.
Thus some local issues have fallen by the wayside in my blog and the Fayetteville HS is one of them. However, the Fayetteville Flyer is a great source as well and has a good article on what’s happening.
It seems that money is limited for the Fayetteville HS renovation so there are 2 options as to what gets done first. Click on the link below for more information.
Human-scaled, creative development isn’t getting built because most of the money in real estate comes from institutional investors that prefer predictable, large scale projects like subdivisions and strip malls, says Neil Takemoto of CoolTown Beta Communities.
