The Tech-Savvy Real Estate Agent [Paperback]

Galen Gruman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321413660 | ISBN-13: 978-0321413666 | Publication Date: April 1, 2006

Sure, you know how to use the MLS database, but do you know how to effectively establish a Web presence or do customer outreach via email or the Web? There are all kinds of ways you can use technology to market your practice and service your clients, but if you’re like most realtors you’ve probably only scratched the surface. In this easy-to-understand guide, author Galen Gruman draws on his more than 20 years of experience as a tech-industry author and journalist to show you how to become a better real estate agent by learning and effectively using current computer technology and tools in your business. You’ll learn what technology to use as well as what technology not to use,so that you’re certain to spend your tech dollars effectively. In major sections on marketing, communications, and transaction management, Galen covers everything from the elements of a good Web site to evaluating devices and services, working in multiple locations, creating transaction libraries, using digital photography, converting documents to electronic forms, and more.

 

This book also includes a CD-ROM for both Windows and Mac with templates, product and technology links, tryout and free software tools, and even quizzes for use in classroom and training environments.

 

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Sure, you know how to use the MLS database, but do you know how to effectively establish a Web presence or do customer outreach via email or the Web? There are all kinds of ways you can use technology to market your practice and service your clients, but if you’re like most realtors you’ve probably only scratched the surface. In this easy-to-understand guide, author Galen Gruman draws on his more than 20 years of experience as a tech-industry author and journalist to show you how to become a better real estate agent by learning and effectively using current computer technology and tools in your business. You’ll learn what technology to use as well as what technology not to use,so that you’re certain to spend your tech dollars effectively. In major sections on marketing, communications, and transaction management, Galen covers everything from the elements of a good Web site to evaluating devices and services, working in multiple locations, creating transaction libraries, using digital photography, converting documents to electronic forms, and more.

 

This book also includes a CD-ROM for both Windows and Mac with templates, product and technology links, tryout and free software tools, and even quizzes for use in classroom and training environments.

 

About the Author

Galen Gruman, a practicing real estate agent, has more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He has served as a senior-level editor at numerous magazines (including Macworld, Upside, and Computerworld) and has authored (or co-authored) 20 books on desktop publishing. As a consultant, he runs his own business using the techniques covered in this guide.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321413660
• ISBN-13: 978-0321413666
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,137,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Galen Gruman has written more than two dozen books, mainly on desktop publishing software: InDesign, QuarkXPress, and PageMaker. You can find more details on his InDesign books at www.indesigncentral.com. He has also was lead author for the Mac OS X Snow Leopard Bible. Gruman was a pioneer in the use of desktop publishing technologies in the mid-1980s and has covered and used all the major software in production environments ever since. In addition, he has been executive editor of Macworld, M-Business, InfoWorld, and Upside magazines, among other roles in high-tech publications. Gruman lives and works in San Francisco as a writer, editor, and consultant on high-tech and business issues. His Web site is www.zangogroup.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Short on Details but good on ideas, July 16, 2007

By 

D. Greenbaum "DoctorDave™" (Lawrence, KS) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tech-Savvy Real Estate Agent (Paperback)

While this book was primarily written for Real Estate agents, the technology advice is applicable to any self-interested person who works with an established client base such as a mobile salesperson. The advice covers not just the programs to use, but how to set up your home office, and even some tips on how to use your cell phone.

As a technology consultant, I agreed with about 50-60% of his advice, partially because any book on technology is outdated the day after purchased. However, most of the advice was structural and will stand the test of time regardless of what program is used. His advice was extremely biased and assumed his way was the only way of doing something. The author takes us deep into his business operations and the reader can either do it his way or find another way. Ideally, the book should have given the reader multiple option for achieving their technology goals, especially when there isn't universal agreement on the idea.

Unfortunately, like the agent who quickly moves you through a house you expect to live in for the next 20 years, the author gave only a brief overview and lacked in the specific details on how to do something. The CD wasn't much help either. For example, he went into great detail on how to modify your website, but gave no advice or direction on how to do it. The book is designed to make you "savvy" but not an expert!

I'd recommend this book to any agent who hasn't quite figured out how to put their cell phone on vibrate or is still using a AOL or Earthlink email address on their business card. Agents who understand how to use email to keep in contact with their customers, have their own domain (and know what a domain is), and know how to create PDFs would find this book boring and would scratch their head and state "Well, duh, that's obvious." This book is for the agent that didn't grow up with technology.

Pros: Gives a good overview of how technology can help any salesperson, but in particular real estate agents
Cons: Very simplistic and often lack details on how to do something, and the alternatives

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tech-Savvy Business Person, June 30, 2006

By 

Greg K. Kitchen (Clarkston, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tech-Savvy Real Estate Agent (Paperback)

I bought this book originally for a client. However, this book has great technology advice/info that many businesses could benefit from reading. I read the book cover to cover and bought an extra copy for my advertising business. Great Book!!!!

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Outdated and Biased, August 8, 2006

By 

P. Fox (West Hollywood, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tech-Savvy Real Estate Agent (Paperback)

This author claims to be an expert on technology but makes gross errors about the functionality of the Macintosh platform. I was unable to plow through the spelling errors and bias to get to the meat of the book so my review may be unfair but if you are considering this book, beware!