MACS4REALESTATE # VOL 2,ISSUE #3
RE_Forums
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MACS4REALESTATE # VOL 2,ISSUE #3 (USENET Edition)
If you enjoy our free newsletter, please feel free to copy it and
email it to others. Ask them to contact us at
edi...@re-agents.com to begin receiving their own subscription!
Have something to share online with fellow mac using real estate
professionals? Send email to macs4re...@marlowe.net
The MLS guide is being prepared now and will be available to list
members only.
If you are new to the forum drop us a line we have been
online since April 1st,1996. Many have been added recently and this list
now reaches almost 1300 realtors twice a month.
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This issue features an interview ith Win Singleton, Claris
Emailer announcement,More on Macs and Mls's, NetSuccess:How Real
Estate Agents Use The Internet, Information on RE_Computing Users
Group!!! and a second press relase on New Mac Forum Being Formed
For Appraisers.
For those interested in actually seeing and hearing my views on
real estate computing, and my recollections on RIN and the new
company RealSelect please check my interview on RETN (Real
Estate Satellite Network) next month on "Great Ideas in Real
Estate". I must say I made the best damn plug for Macintosh in
real estate history and no doubt the word is finally getting out
more and more to the masses.
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THIS ISSUE OF MACS4REALESTATE SPONSORED IN PART BY:
* If you are not reading headline real estate news everyday from
Inman News Features,you aren't in touch.Tune In to
http://www.inman.com for the daily broadcast.
* Your own real estate web site for as little as $99 a year and up.
Contact Pilgrim's Pages for details email <pil...@sanctum.com>.
* MacAssist Plus 2.1<tm> The only real estate solution for
Macintosh with its own CMA for details email mar...@marlowe.net.
* Classified Simplified <tm>, Brilliant new concept in real
estate advertising. Write powerful and effective ads faster than
you ever imagined. PC/MAC/PowerMAC Email mar...@marlowe.net
* To keep up on industry events, and get today's real estate news
today, subscribe to the IR Executive Report. For a free four-week
trial subscription to this e-mail only weekly news briefing, just
e-mail Frank Cook at: IRe...@REintel.com
* MARPAT,Inc. offers over 1200 real estate software products and
business consultation services to help you grow your business.
Pat Soltys is an expert on real estate business development and
operational issues. 800-832-4508 or mar...@marlowe.net.
For information on advertising in this forum please contact
Edi...@re-agents.com.
Copyright ©1996 Robb Russell 813-845-7675
Information: http://macs4realestate.sanctum.com
Comments:<macs4re...@marlowe.net>
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This Issues Topics include-
1> Interview: Win Singleton, SingleSource Software by Robb Russell
2> Claris Emailer is now in Public Domain by Robb Russell
3> More on Macs and Mls's by Sharon S. Majors
4> NetSuccess:HowReal Estate Agents Use The Internet
5> RE_Computing Users Group!!!
6> New Mac Forum Being Formed For Appraisers <Second Notice>
7> Count On RE_Forums To Get You and Your Agents
Ready For The Upcoming Technology Challenges in Real Estate
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Interview: Win Singleton, Single Source Software by Robb Russell,
November 6th, 1996 <Manassas, Va>
Note: This interview was conducted while I was on tour in
Northern Virginia and Win and I had not only a great visit but
also a productive one. What an interesting and talented guy!-Robb
Robb: I understand Single Source is now shipping MacAssist 2.1
and WinAssist 2.1.Why did you not release a 2.0 product?
Win: Actually the 2.0 version was my beta version. I can assure
your readers we carefully took out all the "ohs in our beta
release. Actual top producers producing 4 to 9 million in gross
sales were involved in the beta test. many of the beta testing
agents had two to even three assistants and were happy with the
simplicity this solution created. Much of what new users will
find in 2.1 is the result of the beta testing comments being
implemented in this new version. I am very happy that I chose
FileMaker pro and its new relational database that are truly
incredible! Thanks to the ease of FileMaker, I do not have to
offer much tech support for my products, since most users figure
how to use the product in the first few hours or days.
Robb: MacAssist 2.1, WinAssist 2.1 does this mean you have a
cross platform able product?
Win: Yes, actually the Windows and Mac versions are identically
alike and can be run on either platform. The product was created
with FileMaker 3.0 and the differences are as minor as mac disks
vs. Windows disks and a difference in font sizes required by
Windows. The product can be used by Windows 3.1, Windows 95,
Powermac and macintosh computers with ease.
Robb: What features can users now find in this software that
previously was not in a earlier version?
Win: The CMA solution has been redesigned to produce a fully
modifiable report with pop up menus. One thing that is constant
in my entire solution is that I made it possible for the user not
to be stuck with a stock version of software that the the user
conducts his or her business. The ability and ease to customize
it to suit the users way of doing real estate is what makes my
2.1 solution stand out amongst most of my competition including
Top producer, Online Agent and Realty 2000.
I have made the contact file the integral hub of the entire
database. names are entered once and always show up in related
files and forms, making double entry no longer an agent user’s
concern. Our marketing has proven that agents wanted to enter the
data only once and always have the data repeated in every phase
of the program.
The real time financials allow you to do a seller’s net or
buyers estimate of closing based upon the industry standard HUD 1
statement which also includes various FHA and funding fee and buy
down scenarios. A real estate agent can even do financial
comparisons for open houses or a buyer can compare three loan
programs with the actual homes tax and sales price data. Buyer
prequalification is now a breeze and any agent using version 2.1
can simply figure out front and back end ratios in no time.
Robb: Many products offer sales letters, how many letters does
your product ship with today?
Win : Version 2.1 ships with 32 sales letters for buyers,
sellers,neighbors, prospects and other agents. The software will
easily allow the unlimited importation of popular letter programs
like Dave Beson Letters and many others, without limitation to
the size of documents.
Robb: I have heard you have a great flyer module that ships with
your product now. How many different flyers can a agent create
and what kind of time is involved in making a simple listing
flyer?
Win: There are twelve different flyers, including a brokers open
and Open House Flyer. The agent enters the data once and then can
select from any of the twelve to print. If an electronic version
of the photo already exists on the hard disk, or an agent has a
scanner, or willing to glue stick an actual photo to the flyer
printout , then the first flyer can be printing after 5-10
minutes effort.
Robb: Anything else you can tell us about MacAssist/Win Assist
Plus 2.1?
Win: The program simply tracks a transaction all the way from the
initial contact with the prospect to preparing the multiple page
CMA, to the marketing and closing of the property. Every report
the broker or staff needs simply can be printed as a report from
within the solution. One of the biggest compliments I often hear
is that this solution “thinks” like a real estate
agent.Thankfully I am a agent first and know the difference if a
program was written by a propeller head or an agent. Remarkably
as a software developer and a real estate agent, I say I honestly
wrote the solution with the agent in mind first!
Robb: How can folks learn more about your product today?
Win: I have a software marketing agreement with MARPAT Inc. &
anyone interested in learning more about the product can easily
contact them by email at mar...@marlowe.net or by calling them
during business hours at 1-800-832-4508 or 703-330-9597. They are
happy to fax off more information, answer your questions or even
contact me personally to answer your concerns. Coinciding with
the new release of MacAssist Plus 2.1 and WinAssist Plus 2.1, I
am offering to send free evaluation copies for the next 30 days
via email to those who request it. For those who do not have
FileMaker Pro 3.0, which is required to run these evaluation
files, they can download a 30 day free trial version from Claris
Corp at http://www.Claris.com.
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Claris Emailer Is Now In The Public
Domain by Robb Russell
For those of you who have not heard Claris Emailer 1.1;is now
available for free download at http://www.claris.com . Claris
Emailer is one of the finest email programs ever wrote and it
runs on more then a macintosh system since it also runs on
Windows machines. For those hard corps Eudora 3.0 users who
actually think nothing else is out there that compares then
simply check it and compare. Take the plunge and discover a great
email program.
I personally enjoy the program for many reasons but primarily
because it allows me to act and use email as I want to and not
necessarily in the manner as many email programs force you to
uses them.I can open multiple accounts on CompuServe, AOL and on
the internet by opening them by a simple script and check all of
my mail from many sources at the same time one at a time. Since I
have 5 email accounts I find this one feature very useful.
Claris is now offering Emailer 1.1 free and will soon be
announcing the newer, even better 2.0 version. If your using a
email program you really are not happy with then how about
downloading Emailer today!
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More on Macs and MLS's <Sharon_S...@capmac.org > by Sharon
S.Majors
Do you know of any MLS 's that are using Macs? Does Altaira from
Interrealty have a good Mac option?
Austin is switching to Interrealty and we have been told there is
not a Mac option. Actually we have been told we will have Mac
access but will pay much more for much less. We need to find out
how Macs are faring in other cities.
Thanks for any information.
-- Capitol Macintosh User Group, Austin, TX, USA (512) 440-0025,
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NETSUCCESS: How Real Estate Agents Use The Internet by Scott
Kersnar, O'Reilly Publishers
Computers and electronic communication have become essential
tools for success in the real estate profession. During the past
year, the World Wide Web has exploded as a real estate venue.
Most agents now realize that, instead of digging in their heels
to resist traveling the information superhighway, they need to
learn how to make the Internet work for them.
The book begins by showing readers the value of email for their
business and getting them comfortable with being connected and
using online tools. Throughout the book, we explore the wealth of
real estate resources and useful information available on the
World Wide Web, including tips by two of the most respected
commentators in the country. The book describes some successful
real estate Web sites and shows what makes them work. It also
presents the pros and cons for building the Web site yourself and
whether you should take advantage of the multiplicity of service
providers ready to help.
NetSuccess demonstrates how being connected to the Internet can
liberate real estate agents from the limitations of time and
place and help them bring in more commissions. Through working
agents' stories and "A day in the life" scenarios, readers follow
some telecommuting agents to show what changes and what stays the
same when you make technology a full partner in your working
life.
You can order this book online now by going to:
http://mkt.ora.com/solution/russell/netsuc/netsuc.htm
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RE_Computing Users Group by Robb Russell
I have been playing with the idea of forming a users group in
addition to this list with the idea of getting bargains on
hardware and software (not just real estate).I am not exactly
sure if we have enough interest to get it started though.
If we formally form a users group we can all take advantage not
only of our own 1200+ size but also strength in being part of all
the user groups for purchase discounts.Seems if we actually are a
users group and not just a list serv we can gwet alot more
benefits to include updates from apple through the User Group
store etc.
If interests warrants actually forming the users group I will
actively seek discounts for the group on real estate software
too! I certianly have the connections in both the pc an mac
markets these days to make it work!
Discounts on web hosting and web design are already avalible to
any of ourt macs4realestate readers already.For details contact
edi...@re-agents.com .
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NEW MAC FORUM BEING FORMED FOR APPRAISERS <Second Notice>
The idea is simple get all the macusing appraisers in the same
forum.Exchange ideas like data parsing and using macs and
related equipement like digital cameras etc for use on the job.
We also have the perfect name for the forum too, MacAppraiser<tm>
and permission from Jeff Bradford of Bradford & Robbins to use
this great name .
In the last 30 days we formed Macbankers for the mortgage
industry and now Macappraiser<tm> to go along with this great
forum.The idea is to get all the mac users in related industries
to have the same focus and direction.
SPREAD THE WORD PLEASE!!
If you or you know some one interested in either MacAppraiser or
MacBankers Forums send me email to join them.
Robb Russell <macre...@sanctum.com>
Macs4Realestate 813-845-7675
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Count On RE_Forums To Get You and Your Agents
Ready For The Upcoming Technology Challenges in Real Estate
All About Our Free Forums
PC4REALESTATE-If you have a question about using a PC in the real estate
working place this is where you get answers. Join over 2000 real estate
agents as they share their real estate computing solutions.
Macs4REALESTATE- Join Robb Russell, real estate industry macintosh
automation specialist. Find out about the best kept secret in real
estate automation and about over 140 real estate solutions for macintosh
in the real estate workplace.
RE_Appraisal- New forum for appraisers interested in learning more about
their business and appraisal computing.
HomeBankers- Join host Bob McGregor as banking management, origination
and mortgage industry issues are discussed.
To join these forums send email and specify which forum to
Editor@RE_Agents.Com
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO RE_ISSUES AND RE_AGENTS
(Manassas, VA August 1, 1996) - Twenty Seven top consultants
(RE_Experts) to real estate brokerage from many specialties have
formed two email networks RE_Issues (Brokers/Managers/Association
Executives) and RE_Agents (For Real Estate Agents) which are
available by paid subscription only.
Brokers will be able to have answers to their questions from
experts in operations, management, legal issues, accounting, tax
issues, investment, recruiting, marketing, personnel and much
more simply by posting a question to the e-mail address of the
forum. Answers on the forum will be more general in content with
more specific questions answered addressed to individual e-mail.
Subscribers will have the opportunity to see all mail posted to
the forum and be able to add their own comments.
Real Estate Professionals can get to the heart of increasing
productivity discussing marketing, financing and conducting
referrals in the RE_Agents Forum.The RE_Experts offer their own
expertise to further improve agent production.
This service has been needed for a long time and will be a great
benefit to not only the brokerage community but additionally to
real estate professional associations, franchisers, and related
professionals. It is generally very difficult for a broker to
access the professional resources that they need quickly and cost
effectively. According to Pat Soltys, MARPAT, Inc., organizer of
the forum and a consultant specializing in operations, "The
consultants participating in this forum will be providing
information and resources, never before assembled in one easy to
access media."
The diversity of the consultants is the key ingredient to the
strength and e-mail the medium of quickest delivery. Although
consultants will primarily answer in their field of specialty, in
many cases, collaboration and multiple perspectives will be
offered in areas where there is overlap or a need to look at the
issue from multiple perspectives.
Each forum , RE_Issues and RE_Agents are uniquely different due
largely to both the forum design and the character of its own
subscribers. Those concerned in Brokerage/Management issues
should join RE_Issues and those concerned in agent issues should
join RE_Agents.
Meet The RE_Experts:
* Dr. Michael Abelson will address trends, human resources, and staff
selection.
*Jerry Anderson has taken the lead role regarding commercial brokerage.
*Jo Barkeley- Agent Productivity Issues
* Robert Bass will focus on risk reduction, E & O and other legal
issues.
* Craig Buck is a legal specialist in contracts and transaction issues.
* Mike Buzas specializes in accounting and tax issues.
* David Cocks is well recognized in the area of real estate compensation
and commissions.
*Tom Dooley is well known for his involvement with agency & future
Issues.
*Cec Daniels- Brokerage Office Policies & Management Issues
*Drexanne Evers work on the efficiencies, effectiveness and environment
of an office for productivity and profit. She has also achieved
significant recognition for her financial work.
*Dennis Gano will answer many franchise, business planning and
management questions.
*Allen F. Hainge, CRS,GRI-Well known real estate computing and Internet
specialist.
* Don Harlan & Gail Lyons brings expertise on agency and future issues.
* Carol Johnson helps you through recruiting challenges.
* Carole Kelby takes marketing questions to a more creative level.
* Scott Kersnar, author of “How Real Estate Agents Use The Internet”.
* Tom Martin is well known for his work in re-engineering companies,
associations & MLS's
* Pamela O'Connor will be the point for relocation issues.
*Steele V. Propp- Exclusive Buyers Agency Evangelist
* Max Pigman brings special assistance in the areas of automation,
networks and technology.
*Michael Russer, Real Estate and Mortgage Industry expert on internet
issues
* Robb Russell is a great resource in internet marketing & resources,
and Mac automation.
*Pat Soltys brings expertise to companies in operational and strategic
management areas.
* Debbie Stranigan will address builder relations, new construction and
development profit centers.
*Bob Thomas will focus on large and multi office companies, franchise
and marketing issues
*Greg Whedbee brings perspective on building related profit centers and
consumer based marketing.
All consultants are available for contracted engagements.
To join the forums, go to the web site,
http://www.RE_Agents.Com
What is the purpose of the Forums?
* Answer Your Questions
* Access Experts Who Can Help
* Share Insight and Expertise
* Learn New Strategies
* Solve Problems
* A Resource of information
Over 5000 subscribers
joined in 14 countries today!
Fill out this subscription form now
mail or fax it to addresses provided.
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phone: 813-845-0893 fax: 813-845-0304
For More Info Contact
Edi...@RE-Agents.com
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Know someone interested in real estate and uses a PC computer ask
them to join pc4realestate or send a message to
listm...@marlowe.net and in the body of the message put join
pc4realestate emailaddress.
Know someone interested in real estate and uses a macintosh
computer ask them to join macs4realestate or send a message to
listm...@marlowe.net and in the body of the message put join
macs4realestate emailaddress.
HomeBankers Forum for the mortgage industry was recently formed
and please pass the word on.To join Homebankers send email to
listm...@marlowe.net and put join homebankers email address in
the body of the message.
To unsubscribe send email to listm...@marlowe.net and put
leave pc4realestate emailaddress in the body of the message.
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Marlowe & Associates
We service the real estate industy in so many ways. Looking to
increase your business using the internet look to us for all your
needs.
Ask us about RE_Issues and RE_Agents Email Forums!!
http://www.re-agents.com
Macs4REALESTATE<tm> Copyright 1996 Robb Russell
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Send replies to: macs4re...@marlowe.net
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