Bad memory? Use technology to compensate…

December 3, 2006

In an average week, I probably preview 20-30 properties on behalf of clients and simply to keep on top of the market. Some Realtors have a nearly photographic memory — they’ll spend 3 minutes in a home and remember it for life. It’s amazing to watch them in action. “This home was on the market 12 years ago, listed by John Smith of Smith Realty. It only had 3 bedrooms then, and the kitchen was falling apart. I think Jane Doe sold it, and I think it went for around $350K.”

Alas, I am not thusly blessed…but thankfully I can hack my way through Access reasonably well. So…I put together an Access database application that sucks in all MLS listings from the last 10 years and stores them on my laptop. When I go around previewing properties, I use the application to take brief notes about each property from the viewpoint of each client’s preferences. When tour is over, I email my clients the finds of the day, or, in some cases, upload them to Jotspot. Works great — I remember what I’ve seen, my clients get updated, and everybody’s happy.

I’m quickly finding other uses for my creation. I’ve started to track when offers are due, how many are expected, and how many actually came in.

Hmmm…maybe I should contact Redfin and offer to sell them these property reviews as a way to jump start their property-blogging efforts?

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Written by Kevin · Filed Under Real estate, Technology 

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