Jesse Barron on Technology
I would go so far as to call technology one of my best friends. I will also happily label myself a “geek.”
I was the first kid in my neighborhood to have a PC. Sure, the operating system was floppy disks, and the only useful function was the word processor, but I wanted one so bad that my parents shelled out more than $2,000 need to purchase one back then.
I was on the Internet before it became an everyday word. My monthly Prodigy subscription only allowed for so many hours of access each month. Every email over the first twenty five I sent each month cost an additional quarter each. If someone emailed me a photo, I would have to use a separate program to decode and view it. Later, in 1995 or 1996, I was the first person in my neighborhood to have a broadband cable connection.
I was an early adopter of what is now called the Internet Age and I have never looked back. I am constantly on the search for newer and better technology to grow the Barron Team, and most importantly, better serve clients.
The Barron Team Web site is a great example of how I have adopted technology. By implementing real estate tools provided by Top Producer®, our Web site is both engaging and dynamic.
I do not think that a real estate Web site should start and stop at an “about me” section, listing information and a contact page. The Barron Team’s Web site has the same features as the typical agent Web site, but goes further in that it has a blog that I author, which is continually updated, free and unlimited Anne Arundel County and Maryland MLS searches available to all users, information about both buying and selling a home, home value reports, mortgage and community information, and by far my favorite feature, the free and personalized Market Snapshot, that is delivered in less than 30 minutes.
Just as I am a resource to my clients, I wanted the Barron Team Web site to be a resource to clients and prospective clients alike. I do not like bullying visitors for their personal information just so that they can access the cool features. It is not my practice to force my services on anyone and you do not have to worry about an awkward cold call from me.
In addition to the many features on Barron Team Web site, I have adopted these technologies to best service clients:
- Microsoft Exchange® Email Server – All of my email, anywhere, anytime that I need it. If I do not have my notebook computer with me, I can securely access my Outlook® from any Web browser.
- PDA Phone – Specifically the Motorola Q® by Verizon®, featuring Windows Mobile® OS.
- Anywhere Broadband Connection – Using my phone individually or connected to my computer as a high speed modem, coupled with the Verizon® high speed data network, I am able to connect to the Internet from anywhere at the same blazing speeds that I can at home.
- GPS - Any street, anywhere, anytime. Whether I am in my own community of fifty miles away, I effortlessly get to where I need to be.
- eFax® – Faxes sent to me arrive safely in my email Inbox. I am also able to fax from my email or the Web.
- All in One – In addition to having scanners, printers and fax machines at my real estate office, I also have an all-in-one machine in my home office. No matter what the hour is, I can scan, print, copy or fax, all from one machine.
- Color Laser Printer – I have a top of the line color laser printer in my home office that allows me to prepare sharp marketing materials sure to get people's attention.
- Adobe Acrobat® – This is like the Adobe Reader on steroids. Acrobat allows me to have a virtually paperless office.
- Notebook Computer – Any document I need is always instantly accessible and the Internet is always one quick wireless connection away.
- RELAY® Transaction Management System (TMS) – This system connects all of the parties to a real estate transaction online and provides a secure document library containing all of the contracts and documents related to a transaction.
- Top Producer 8i® – An online contact, listing and transaction management system designed for real estate agents helps ensure that my head does not get too cluttered.
- ZipForm® Online – I am able to prepare and print agreements and contracts anywhere I have an Internet connection, browser and printer.
- Digital Camera – I am convinced that my digital camera takes better photos than anyone else’s. It makes pictures come alive!
- PhotoShop® – This is the same software that professional photo editors use to make photographs look their best.
- Laser Measuring Device – You do not have to worry about me asking you to hold one end of a measuring tape. I hold my handy and nifty little device against a wall, aim the laser where I want it to measure to, hit a button and a second later I have the exact distance. You can be assured that your room's measurements will be included in the MLS.
There is even more technology that I use day-to-day, but I am sure you have gotten the point by now. Few agents are as connected and tech friendly as myself.
Would you rather have an agent that has a difficult time getting an email to you, or an agent that has the latest and greatest tools always available? Be sure to choose the Barron Team if you want an agent in front of the technology curve!
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