Just last week, a fellow agent told me that gadgets will never replace a skilled agent. I absolutely agree. However, I believe that gadgets can make our lives as real estate agents much easier and inspire us to cater to our clients in ways we wouldn’t have dreamt of before! How? Let me show you as I guide you through the amazing world of the best gadgets for realtors. In these seven thorough investigative reviews, I will rethink the use of some already established gadgets and also introduce fascinating start-up ideas already in production for you. Let this article be the key to a fascinating series of articles about gadgets that will make your work as a realtor so much more awesome!

Phantom DJI 2 Vision + GoPro HERO4 Black

My inspiration for coupling these two product

Phantom + GoPro

s and using them as a real estate agent came from one of my favourite English actors, comedian and writer Richard Ayoade and his Channel 4 show The Gadget Man. As he flew the Phantom 2 over the medieval Leeds Castle, I could see myself doing the same over some of the finest houses I’ll be selling in Toronto. I believe that the marriage of drones and high-resolution cameras will bring a revolution to how we do our work.

The Phantom 2 quadrocopter is extremely easy to use. After you simply click the parts into each other, you can fly it almost straight from the box. Isn’t that just amazing? The Wi-Fi connection reaches over 300 metres. Moreover, you can also boost the reach by adding the Wi-Fi Range Extender. However, the original 300 metres should do the job perfectly without any trouble at all.

Phantom 2 sports a feature called stable hovering, which allows you to stop mid-air and take either photos or take a pause in the video and zoom in on some particularities. I found this extremely useful when analyzing the damage on some of the houses I was selling for clients, because this way, we didn’t need to call in the specialist to climb to the roof and we simply flew the drone up,

Jane Christensen, a former REMAX real estate agent who worked in the U.S. and later UK, comments.

The full charge will give you around 25 minutes of flight. I’d advise you to consider buying an extra Smart Battery that costs close to $150 CAD, and you can add 25 more minutes to your flight.

The basic model of the Phantom 2 quadrocopter will cost you approximately $625 CAD, which is a surprisingly low price, considering that you are actually going to fly a real drone! Can’t wait to try it out.

I’d also advise you to check your local rules on flying the UAVs before you do so, since some of the areas might have restrictions, as Josie from the OPCC told me. You can check the short version of the Canadian regulation here.

To get the best real estate video pitch, you need to mount the drone with a camera. My advice is to go big here, because the picture is all that matters. My top tip is the latest camera from the GoPro family – the HERO4 Black. The HERO4 Black takes Emmy Award–winning GoPro performance to a whole new level. Truth be told, I was still excited about the awesome properties of the older model, and GoPro has already released an even more awesome Hero4 version.

The biggest advantage of the HERO4 Black is the combination of professional-level resolution and a light and tiny build. Incredible high-resolution 4K30 and 2.7K50 video and high-frame-rate 1080p120 video enable stunning, immersive footage of any property of your choice — or even your own promotion videos.

Jeff from Digital Camera magazine told me about another useful feature of the new GoPro:

The feature I am very excited about is the SuperView™, a new video mode that captures wide-angle perspective like no comparable camera has before. I couldn’t compare the picture taken to anything else I have put my hands on before.

Naturally, HERO4 Black is also capable of taking high-resolution 12MP pictures at 30 frames per second.

The new GoPro has a built-in Wi-Fi connection that enables it to reach the Smart Remote, which allows you to control multiple GoPro cameras from distances of up to 600 feet (180 metres) so you can comfortably shoot wonderful 360-degree videos of properties.

GoPano Micro

GoPano Micro is a revolutionary lens for the iPhone 5 that enables you to create 360° panoramic videos. You just snap the lens to your iPhone 5 and tap to make 360° videos instantly. It’s an absolute game changer. You can also buy the lens for the iPhone 4S/4. The GoPano for iPhone 6 hasn’t been announced just yet.

GoPanoMicro Iphone

This project started on Kickstarter, but over the past three years, GoPano has integrated well into the iPhone user community. The dream of Michael Rondinelli to sell easy-to-use, widely accessible 360° lenses came true.

Jonathan Margolis from Technopolis TV says it’s one of the most remarkable pieces of technology he’s ever seen. It produces videos of a kind you’ve never seen before. Moreover, this is the first viewer-controlled video delivery image of 360° panorama ever attempted. It’s actually bordering on virtual reality!

Jane Christensen shares her view on GoPano:

I imagine this would feel great to a customer who wants to buy a new house. You can use the drone to fly over the house with the regular camera and shoot the interiors with GoPano. This will enable the customer to feel in control of the video as opposed to the feeling of being sort of restricted by the realtor’s view. Often, customers feel they are just being fed the “nice” parts of the house. With GoPano, they get to choose where to look.

Your video very cleverly uploads to the GoPano website and you can edit it. Whoever accesses the video can then turn the shot around to the camera to have a unique GoPano signature experience of the video.

You can get your GoPano Micro for $98 CAD in the online shop. GoPano also offered an option for a 360° panorama lens for regular cameras starting at $875 CAD. However, they have unfortunately been sold out for quite a while now. Clearly, this gadget became a hit the minute it showed up.

Pocket Printer by Zuta Labs

I think I can safely say that this gadget is something I have been looking forward to since I’ve started printing. An Israeli start-up that will fit a whole printer into your pocket is set to hit the market somewhere in the first quarter of 2015. After raising $487,000 CAD on Kickstarter, the company started to ship out its first printers that fit into your palm (still can’t believe the words I’m writing!) and are able to print directly from your phone, tablet, or laptop onto any size of paper.

Robotic Printer

Can you imagine that while you show your customers their new house, the printer will print out all the documents you need them to sign right on the spot? Without the need for electricity, installation, or heavy lifting, for that matter, I predict that this printer simply has to become an essential part of any realtor’s equipment.

The printer is activated by sliding a hatch at the bottom of the printer, which will reveal the inkjet. The inkjet lasts for over 1,000 printed pages and the battery lasts for over one hour per full-charge (three hours to charge fully).

The first version will print in grayscale. The printer comes in 2 colors — Mars black and Titanium white and will be made out of Polycarbonate. The dimensions are 10 centimeters high and 11.5 centimeters in diameter and the printer will weigh about 300g. It is estimated that the speed will be about 1.2 ppm. It is likely to cost $266 CAD when it goes on the sale in 2015.

Tuvia Elbaum, the firm’s chief marketing officer, described the product.

How cool is this?

With no other really portable printer on the market, the pocket printer offered by this exceptional group of engineers and designers from Israel is something to really look out for.

The minute I’ve first noticed the idea on Kickstarter, I knew that these guys have just revolutionized the way we think about printing. Their printer is just the thing I need as a business student. Whenever I need to print something out really quickly, like a draft of a contract, I want to know that I won’t be limited by my location,

Jonathan Mill, a business administration graduate from the University of Windsor, added.

Duracell Powermat

What I came to realize more and more as my client base started to grow was that my phone rings almost constantly. I talk to my wonderful family, my dear customers, contractors, potential clients, other realtors, and the list goes on and on. However, my smartphone’s battery often doesn’t agree with my busy schedule and simply decides to run out of power in the middle of my active day. I found that this phenomenon, with the accuracy of a sniper, always hits me when I’m busiest.

Battery Low

The reason I told you this story is that every realtor knows it to be true. We need to have our phones powered up at all times to be available to chat with our clients whenever they want to talk to us.

Duracell came up with an amazing idea that I simply adore — to make a cordless charging system called Powermat. To charge your phone, you just need to lay your phone down on the Duracell charging surface. When you’re on the road, there is an option for a portable Powermat to charge up your device.

With the wireless cases, you can also tap into the network of Powermat stations in Starbucks, McDonald’s, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. But this service is only available in the U.S. right now. Wireless power stations are expected to roll out to Canada, Europe, and Asia within a year.

Grab a cup of coffee and charge your phone!

Daniel Schreiber, the President of Powermat, a company implementing the wireless charging systems, says:

Powermat helps us create a world where our technology is mature enough to take care of itself so we can live our lives and not babysit the battery. We believe it’s time to do for power what Wi-Fi did for data. Wi-Fi meant that data just arrived at your device. With wireless power, power just arrives at your device.

You can get all you need to set up your home wireless power stations for less than $80 CAD. The Powermat for one device will cost you $44 CAD and a wireless charging case designed by Yves Behar (!) will cost you $33 CAD. You can keep the mat in your office, in the car, or wherever else you need it and just lay the phone down on it. I love the idea.

InReach Satellite Communicator for Smartphones

In the previous review, I emphasized the importance of our accessibility as a real estate agent, and I would like to offer you one more suggestion from the same category. InReach is a world-renowned company that develops satellite communication systems that let our customers reach us anywhere on the planet. Plus, I guarantee you are going to feel very cool just knowing you have this device.

Inreach Communicator

Even when you’re going away on a trip to the country where you can’t be too confident about the cell coverage or simply going north to more remote parts of our beautiful country to have a look at a lucrative winter cottage listing, you don’t want to lose your cell reception.

Chris from Outdoor Gear Lab, an amazing website for all kinds of outdoor stuff reviews, had a look at the DeLorme InReach for Smartphones:

This satellite messenger beacon is by far the best device for being able to send three different types of messages on its own. The area where it really shines is the ability to pair with your smart phone where it then becomes kind of like a back country cell phone service. You’ll be able to use your smart phone to send as well as receive messages, something that very few devices let you do. It also pairs with the phone so easily, unlike other devices where we run into problems.

The price of this small and very portable device is $249 CAD. Better communication, however, is not the only thing you will receive when you decide to buy the InReach system. It also comes with the DeLorme Topo North America GPS maps (full U.S. and Canada coverage) and NOAA (U.S.) nautical charts — something I’m definitely going to use a lot.

Bonus: Uppercup

No more one handed typing. No more spilling coffee. Have your hands free for your optimal texting, gaming and social networking pleasure.

This is how Ruben and Frank from the Dutch marketing agency Natwerk start to address their fictional customers in their hilarious mock pitch video for their even more fictional, revolutionary product, Uppercup. This is one of the best gadget publicity stunts I have ever seen, and also one that I have been quite disappointed about when I found out that the idea was just a publicity stunt.

Uppercup – The first cupholder for the iPhone from Natwerk on Vimeo.

Truth be told, although the concept is absurd and an additional 2 inch cover for my iPhone would be just about as handy as using my old phone from five years ago, there was something subtly appealing about the idea of freeing my hand while typing without the necessity of putting the cup down.

I hope this last gadget made you smile, just like it made me. Please let me know if you have any more ideas about the gadgets for us realtors. I would love to hear from you!

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Belle’s Easy and Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Some of you may already know this but our family are Chocolate Chip nuts. We have tried all sorts of recipe’s but here is our favourite and it is so easy to make. If you are looking for a great way to spend your shelter in place time during Coronavirus, try this very simple recipe.

Mix Together:

2 1/2 cups flour (575 ml)
1 teaspoon salt (5 ml)
1 teaspoon baking soda (5 ml)

Mix together:

1/2 cup butter (115 ml)
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar (17O ml)
1 cup brown sugar (230 ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla (5 ml)

Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Add 2 cups (460 ml) of semi-sweet chocolate chips (you could add variations of Chocolate chips as well: Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Butterscotch Chips for example) and 1 cup (230 ml) of nuts if you choose (crushed walnuts are best, I think). Mix well and spoon onto a cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 (190 C) for 16-18 minutes. For best results, shuffle the trays of cookies in the oven at the half time mark.

Remove from oven and place on foil or rack to cool.

This will make 24 soft cookies

If you like your cookies thinner and crisper, when they are on the tray you could flatten them a bit with a fork before baking.

ENJOY!!

Over the past weeks, we have started more and more to connecting with family, friends and colleagues (perhaps even dating) using Zoom.us.

Here are some important tips that you might want to follow to present your self in the best light:

1. Number one is definitely light. Make sure there are NO lights behind you, only in front of you. If you were on stage you would have blinding spotlights in front of you and Zoom should be no different.
2. Remember that although you are on the internet, you are having a face-to-face meeting and similar rules would apply. Hair should be combed and to get full value from both parties in a discussion you need to see the person’s features. Hats are not a good idea as they shade the face and make your features too dark. Pay attention to what is happening on the screen as it is distracting if you do not.
3. In the upper right hand of the Zoom screen, you can see an option between Gallery view or Speaker View. Play with that option until you decide what is more comfortable for you.
4. Keep the computer’s camera at the same height as your face. If you have an iPhone or Android that you are using, buy a tripod from Amazon and make sure you are looking at the camera.
5. Turn every other screen on your computer off, and of course, put your phone in silent mode.
6. If you have a list of points that you want to tackle get that list on the screen near your phone or on a note next to the camera otherwise you are looking down and up. If the camera is at the top of your computer or laptop move the Zoom screen as high up as possible so you are not bobbing your head.
7. Remember at all times that you are on camera, focus on the Zoom conference. Eat and drink before and after but not during. Don’t touch your hair of face and if you are using a Virtual Background stay still and don’t talk with your hands.
8. Are you on the strongest Wi-Fi connection available in your house and are you on the best computer? It might be a good idea to speak to your internet provider or order a better computer. Remember that Zoom or work-from-home options will be a new normal and as your clients and you get more used to it you may find it to be a larger part of your business technology. If your internet is being shared, as everyone else not to stream as it will downgrade the picture and you might lose voice and picture quality on your Zoom conference.
9. If you are using an iPhone or Android make sure it is in horizontal position otherwise in vertical you will have bands that will show up on the sides.
10. You may want to sign up for Zoom as they have free or paid subscriptions and the differences may be an issue for you. Also, there are lots of YouTube how-to’s available to watch. There are a number of Webinars and live training on the Zoom website.
11. You can add Virtual Backgrounds by clicking on the “Settings” wheel and choosing “Virtual Backgrounds”. Across from the “Virtual Backgrounds”,  you will see a plus sign and by clicking on that plus sign you can upload any photo on our computer. A great suggestion is to find something that is indicative of the location that you live in or any high definition photos that you may have on your computer. If you are a Realtor why not add some of the high definition of your listings. Imagine speaking to your clients from their kitchen or living room.
12. If you choose to record the discussion you can do so and as soon as you end the call it will convert the discussion to a file that you can save on your computer or in the Zoom cloud.

Visit the Zoom site as they are reducing some of the restrictions to assist in helping with coronavirus protocols.

I am sure that points have been missed in the rush to get this posted so use the comments tab below and I will update this list and thank you for your tips.

Interview with Kendra Connelly: The Connelly Group

Here is an interview just completed with Kendra Connelly of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada from the perspective of a 20-year resident of the Upper Beach area. What does she like about living in the area and what are some of the best parts of living there. Please feel free to chime in and add your perspective!

If you have anything to add please comment below and if you would have more information please click here or for the virtual walkthrough please click here.

We would be happy to hear from you in the comments below!

So, it’s time for a job change? Considering Real Estate?

Be aware that it is more likely a lifestyle change than a job change for the 20% of those who succeed. Before you even read further ask yourself if you have family and friends that are supportive and understanding. You will need their support emotionally and perhaps financially. The rule of thumb is that you will need six months to a year’s income in the bank to consider getting your Real Estate License.

In Canada, Real Estate and licensing are handled differently in each Province. If you are considering getting licensed, you should do your search for requirements by looking to the Provincial regulatory bodies.

In Ontario, which has the largest number of licensees in Canada, we are guided by the Real Estate and Business Broker’s Act which is under the Real Estate Council of Ontario. Please note that a “licensee” is anyone, registered with RECO and has completed all the requirements.

 

What’s involved in becoming a REALTOR?

However, to become a REALTOR, you must work for a brokerage that is a member of a Board or Association linked to the Canadian Real Estate Association. The brand REALTOR is licensed for use in Canada by the Canadian Real Estate Association, and of course, for each level of Association, there are costs: Local, Provincial and Federal. This can cost you up to two thousand a year for your membership dues and insurance.

The course is lengthy to become licensed and then in your first two years, you must finish other courses to prepare for your future. The classes have a lot to do with rules, regulations and laws that affect the Real Estate industry however they are not sales training. I suggest that in those first two years you put your head down, take every opportunity possible, work only on your own development and don’t be too hard when you have failures; they make you appreciate your successes. There are a number of companies that offer training for new Agents. Make sure that you shop around and do your due diligence. You are now self-employed, and these decisions are not the same as when you were a salaried employee. You are in charge!

What’s next in your journey?

If you love the business and are a course junkie there is a lot to learn. Some agents take their further studies to the broker level. One must be a Broker to manage a Real Estate Office and if that is your goal or if you want further credibility, then a Broker License is the way to go.  However, if the goal is to increase your income, the designation Broker after your name will have little more effect than Agent or Sales Person. Over the years, however, the title Broker has lost some of its shine in a myriad of confusion. Clients want to know more of your past successes and referrals than care about the courses you have taken. You are as good as your last sales and through Social media, good online reviews will bring more attention than having the title Broker or Salesperson/Agent.

Great Expectations? What lies ahead?

Please know that at the end of the day 20% of the Realtor Community is responsible for 80% of the business. It is a great job but a life changer. You must set boundaries for yourself, your clients, your friends and family. At 10 PM the phone and computer are turned off and not turned on until your morning ritual for you and your family have been completed.

While it is possible to work from home, the home office can be so seductive that you are seldom at rest and you will show the stress that your new venture has invited. This can also affect your success: clients are not enamoured when they see you trying too hard to sell and issues fall through the cracks. If mistakes are made and not handled properly, it can lead to RECO complaints as well as lawsuits and certainly affect your business. Gathering all the documentation after the fact can be gruelling and affect your focus and business.

Why consider a future in Real Estate?

So, ask yourself why you’d consider a future in real estate? If the answer is, “because I’d be my own boss”, shake your head. If you have three sellers and three buyers, you now have six bosses and you will only be successful by going above and beyond your competitors in providing service to your six bosses…

Real Estate is the only business I am aware of that you sit with your competitors every night and try to negotiate an agreement, knowing that you will not get paid till the closing (two to three months later). Until then you are working for free, and there is the chance that even with all your work and a good result, when your clients are about to sign on the dotted line, decisions get reversed. No closing, no payment and not only no payment but you are in the red for services you have agreed to pay for upfront as part of your commission.

At the end of the day…

With all that being said, forty years ago, I decided to get my Real Estate License and it has been an amazing ride. Don’t get me wrong: it is a wonderful life which has afforded me a lifestyle and business that is a rarity. I wake up everyday in abundance to see what the rest of the day holds and am seldom bored. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have survived and succeeded.

Knowing the journey over the past years, would I make that decision again? At the time that I started my career, I was convinced that I could not go back to my previous life. Having no other option is a big driver of success in newer salespeople. When your only option is moving forward you can accomplish more than you ever expected and be comforted by your success.

And in the end.

Closings become your applause and like all performers, the achievement is a drug that drives you to the next deal, and it all starts with the piece of paper called a Real Estate License.

You can also find information about Silver Burtnick & Associates on our website on Facebook

If you have more questions contact me directly at

With more than 24 years of experience in residential property transactions and real estate Petrus Engelbrecht brings a unique blend of talents to his clients, particularly in the area of negotiation. Thanks to his legal background, attention to detail, and commitment to guiding his clients towards finding their dream home, he has a proven track record of showing the highest possible level of service.

What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?

I’ve always been in real estate. In my previous life I was a property lawyer in South Africa. My first job articling post law school was at a real estate firm in 1993. Later I started my own property law firm and by the end of my tenure we were handling as many as 1,000 closings each month. I felt extremely comfortable in real estate, so when I came to Canada moving into real estate was a natural fit.

What aspects of the real estate business excite you most? Why?

As a property lawyer who was working more as a property developer towards the end of my time in South Africa, I enjoyed all the procedural aspects of making sure my team was doing a great job. As I enter the next chapter of my career, I feel the same way, enjoying all the procedural aspects of marketing and negotiating.  I love marketing, negotiating, and getting the sale.

What is the most rewarding thing about working in real estate?

Giving a client advice and having that advice followed. I see myself more as an advisor than an agent and property is all about the options I lay out, and helping my client pick the best option for them. Whether its on the sale or the buying side it’s always very rewarding to see that come to fruition.

What is the most challenging thing about working in real estate?

I have never worried about working hard, but it doesn’t matter how hard you’re working when you run out of time. You need to gear up to get things done, implement procedures to help lighten the load, and appoint a good team to assist you. At the same time, I enjoy the challenge of it.  I am certain many agents struggle with their success, since the more successful you become, the more people need your time.

What’s the best way for someone to explore a potential neighbourhood?

There is no better way than to have someone hop in the car with their realtor to guide them around the neighbourhood. Each neighbourhood has enclaves, often by geographical markers like a river or a park. Every enclave within an area has unique attributes that you can’t pick up looking online; instead you need to physically explore it and show why this area is something that they want to look at, or why it may not be a good fit. Together you can make a list of pros and cons that will help guide their final decision.

It’s very important as an agent to be an expert in a neighbourhood.  I believe no one can be an expert on all areas. My specialty is Oakville, Mississauga, and Burlington. On the occasions when I can’t educate myself on a neighbourhood sufficiently for a client, to give the best possible services, I would refer that client to another Sotheby’s agent to make sure they have access to all the ins and outs of this area.

Where do you live and what do you love most about living there?

I live in an area called South East Oakville. This area has been established for over 100 years since the first century homes were built. My area is demarcated by the QEW to the North, Lake Ontario to the south, 16 Mile Creek to the west border, and downtown Oakville is the east border, with close proximity to Mississauga. This is an established area with big trees, is close to the lake, with big lots, big homes, and a vibrant community. Downtown Oakville has a nice small-town feel. People love being close to the lake and it’s wonderful to walk by the lake with an ice cream cone in the summer.  The area is known to have the best schooling in all of Oakville. Not only is this a huge draw for buyers with children in school, it’s also important for resale value.

Watch Petrus’ video guides to life in Oakville on his Instagram account!

 

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On this edition of Faces of Downtown Oakville, I sat down with Visit Oakville’s ‘Best Brunch’ winners Ana and Eduardo from The Crepe Kitchen.They chat about how the restaurant came to be, their famous salad dressing and what they are excited about for the future of downtown Oakville! #Brunch #DTOakville #RevtializeDowntown #SupportLocal #petrus #thepetrusgroup #oakville #oakvillerealtor #sothebysrealty #success #canada_sir #sold #buy #oakville #luxuryrealestate #sothebys #sothebysrealtycanada #forsale #lifestyle #milliondollarlisting #oakvillerealestate #oakvillelifestyle #sellers #buyers

A post shared by Petrus Engelbrecht (@petrusgroup) on Jul 14, 2019 at 3:55pm PDT

Why did you decide to be a part of the EAN?

I appreciate the like-mindedness of all the members as it’s a very giving community with people who are happy to be sharing their wealth of knowledge, as experts in specific fields. I was recently in a panel with Richard, and it’s quite enjoyable to be able to enlighten my peers and to be the quality of agent who people turn to for their expertise. I feel very honoured to be a part of the group.

How does your law background help you as a real estate professional?

The fact that I’ve done literally thousands of negotiations on property transactions translates well to real estate. I feel so comfortable and natural in my day-to-day negotiations because of it.

What would you say are some of the most important things a person should consider when buying a home?

Finding the right agent. Now more than ever in the GTA in 2020 it’s clear that literally the first thing you need to look for when purchasing a home is getting an agent with a ton of experience, and who has your best interest at heart. It is a lively market and seems to have a similar look and feel to the market of 2017, and if you don’t have a good agent you won’t do well, particularly on the buying side.

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What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

I went from being a new agent, with Sotheby’s being my first firm, to a Senior Vice President of Sales within a year and a half of starting in the industry. I am very proud of this title and that I became one quite quickly.

If you need good advice in other locales please contact us. Here is a map of our Exceptional Agent Network of Sotheby’s Agents and we will make sure you are referred to the best!

EAN map