Getting Started

Suggestions for getting up to speed with technology in Real Estate...

The Basics

1. Get the computer resources you need.

My suggestion for people new in the business is to purchase a laptop computer with the following minimal configuration:

• Windows XP Professional
• Microsoft Office XP (Including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher

2. Get the training you need.

As a real estate professional, I suggest that at a minimum, you have the following technology skills:

• Microsoft Windows
• Tempo
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook

SDAR teaches beginning and advanced classes to get you up to speed on these topics including:

Tempo

• Tempo - Beginning
  
• Tempo - Advanced

Basic Skills

• Windows Essentials
• Windows File Management
• Microsoft Word - Introductory
• Microsoft Outlook - Introductory
• Microsoft Internet Explorer

Advanced Skills

• Tempo Tax Mail Merge
• Palm & Pocket Real Estate
• Advanced Microsoft Office

Expanding your use of technology

After you have established yourself as a capable user of the technology above, I suggest you consider the following technologies to expand your business and keep you ahead of the pack.

• e-PRO® Internet Certification (NAR approved)
• Palm Pilot or combo Palm/Phone with at least 16MB of RAM
• Pocket Real Estate (MLS data on your Palm)
  
• Microsoft PowerPoint (Presentation software)
• Microsoft FrontPage (Web design software)

Advanced Users

If you are an advanced technology user, the following products may be of assistance:

• Top Producer (Complete Real Estate Suite)
• Wireless Router and PC Card for LAN
• Wireless Lan access