To-Do
The A List
The B List (back)

The C List:
The last grouping of technologies all have value, but are far below the "A" and "B" lists in terms of what they can add to the typical real estate agents income, productivity and time savings.  This is not to say that you should avoid these technologies, just that they should not be addressed until you have fully exploited the more important, and productive, technologies above.

• Scanners - In terms of creating the "paperless office" the scanner cannot be beat! However, most agents can still function for quite a while to come with good old-fashioned paper files and folders. As long as you're using a digital camera for your photography, a scanner can wait.
• Desk Top Publishing - One of the biggest technology traps that seems to ensnare real estate agents is Desk Top Publishing, (DTP) software. Whether you're considering PageMaker, MS Publisher or another DTP program, don't.  Few agents are competent graphic artists, and fewer still can spare the precious hours needed to become competent in creating effective marketing pieces.  Given that Top Producer and PREP both come with comprehensive, and customizable, marketing flyers, brochures, postcards and even door-hangers included within their software, there's little to be gained from pursuing desktop publishing.
• PDA's & HPC's - While Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and Hand-held Palmtop Computers (HPC) are wonderful next generation technologies, they don't offer much in the way of productivity enhancements for the typical real estate agent. If you're an agent with multiple assistants who schedule your events and appointments for you, then one of these miniature computers might very well be a great tool for you; most of the rest of us should wait a while longer.
• Mapping & Demographics - One of the great benefits of the computer age is the ability to purchase electronic information. Every day the availability of software for mapping, demographics, school information, and public records increases. While all of these categories lend themselves to providing greater customer service and personal efficiency, they do not represent products that provide the immediate return on investment that most real estate agents are looking for. Additionally, these types of information can often be found on the Internet, and at not cost.
• Electronic Forms - Quite a few companies now offer software that will convert you paper documents, typically sales agreements and the like, into "electronic" forms.  This type of software represents a great use of technology, and can be a real timesaver to be sure.  But, until you're adept at using a notebook computer with a portable printer, the added value is questionable; at least when compared to the other more productive technologies available.

Stephen M. Canale, CRB, CRS, GRI, RAM is a real estate educator and trainer from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In addition to serving on the GRI faculty for the Michigan and Tennessee REALTOR® Associations, Stephen offers a wide variety of seminars on sales, technology and marketing.  For more information on his educational offerings visit: www.canale.com or contact him at either 734-481-9000 or Stephen@Canale.com