Nowadays, Google as a company is definitely more than just e-mail or a search engine. As of February 9, 2010, Google launched a new product called “Google Buzz”  - “a new way to start conversations about the things you find interesting and share updates, photos, videos and more.”

The great news is that Google Buzz is built directly into Gmail, so if you already have an account you can simply just get started following your existing contacts.

To learn more about Google Buzz, check out Google’s Blog at http://gmailblog.blogspot.com or watch the video below: Read the rest of this entry »

Redman is pleased to announce that Google Streetview has recently expanded its list of locations. As more locations are added to Streetview  a broader range of properties become available for prospective clients to view.   The following is a list of recently added locations on the Redman System.

Alberta: Lethbridge,  Red Deer, Spruce Grove, Airdrie.

Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw

British Columbia: Nanaimo, Prince George

Hundreds of other communities were added to Streetview across Canada as well.

Google Streetview offers numerous benefits to both yourself as a REALTOR® and to your clients. Streetview provides an additional means for prospective clients to preview the exterior of a home while in the comfort of their own home, out of town clients will have the opportunity to feel more engaged to a community prior to making a home buying decision and truly outstanding curb appeal will be showcased.

Just For Fun:

For you Olympic fans out there Google street view offers a unique view of some Olympic venues, such as Whistler mountain . The Edmonton Journal is quoted as saying “Olympics fans, skiers and snowboarders around the world can now pan across several Whistler runs as if they were there”.

*Keep in mind though that Google Streetview is not a real-time application and will not necessarily be updated frequently. Depending on when Google visited the city and shot the imagery will vary and thus seasons will too. Regardless of this fact, it is another fun and convenient tool. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Redman Technologies is excited to be attending the 27th Annual RE/MAX of Western Canada Conference February 11th through 13th. The conference is sure to provide the attendees with the “winning edge” by offering various activities such as a hot buffet breakfast, exhibitor’s showcases, and information seminars on various topics. This year the conference is showcasing breakout sessions by esteemed agents such as Redman client Terry Paranych.

For those of you coming in from out of town, Edmonton has many great opportunities for a wonderful experience. Read the rest of this entry »

Last week Redman Technologies attended Edmonton’s most recent DemoCamp to check out some of the latest in technology innovation coming out of our home city. It wasn’t the first time we’ve attended, but it is the first time we’re blogging about it.

For those of who haven’t heard of the event here are the basics of how it works: at each DemoCamp four to six individuals (or companies) showcase a working prototype or product in 10 minutes or less, with 5 minutes of questions from the audience. No powerpoint slides or sales pitches are allowed: the event is about showing off real, working technology. The event itself brings in a wide variety of spectators including students, venture capitalists, local bloggers, and technology enthusiasts. Afterward there is always a social component where many of the attendees will get together for a drink or two to discuss what they’ve seen (and anything else “tech” on their mind.)

So, why blog about this? If you have a general interested in the latest trends on the internet, it is worth trying to stop in and check out this free event every six-or-so weeks. It is often very inspiring to see how local businesses and individuals are innovating in areas you’d never expect. Edmonton isn’t the only city with a DemoCamp: several other cities including Calgary, Vancouver, and Victoria also regularly host similar events.

We’re looking forward to showing off our latest work to the local technology community in a demo of our own in the upcoming months.

On January 20, 2010 - Redman is looking forward to being at the Calgary Real Estate Board’s Conference and Tradeshow.

According to CREB, they have “designed an innovative conference and tradeshow program to shed new light on the ever-changing marketplace.   Key note speakers, panel discussions and interactive question-and-answer sessions will offer our delegates a truly engaging learning opportunity.” What an exciting learning opportunity!

Whether you are an existing Redman client or are curious about how we could assist you in your business efforts, please feel free to stop on by to say hi!

Redman is pleased to announce that Google Streetview which has recently launched in most of Canada’s major cities is now directly accessible on all your Redman Website Listings.

Prospective clients can view a 360 degree point of view of the entire neighborhood. This feature is currently available in Edmonton, Calgary, the greater Vancouver area and Saskatoon. As Google continues to add to their list of Google Streetview cities, Redman will continue to update additional websites to reflect this service.

Google Streetview offers numerous benefits to both yourself as a REALTOR® and to your clients. Streetview provides an additional means for prospective clients to preview the exterior of a home in the comfort of their own home, out of town clients will have the opportunity to feel more engaged to a community prior to making a home buying decision and truly outstanding curb appeal will be showcased.

Keep in mind though that Google Streetview is not a real-time application and will not necessarily be updated frequently. Depending on when Google visited the city and shot the imagery will vary and thus seasons will too. Regardless of this fact, it is another fun and convenient tool. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Do you want to become a successful REALTOR®? Then you must learn to ask yourself the tough questions, We’ve done a quick checklist for you to go over. Once you sort out the questions you should be able to get a great view of what you have to do in 2010.

1. How many listings did you take in 2009, what percentage sold?
2. How many houses did you sell in 2009?
3. How many referral fees from other agents did you receive?
4. How many total sales and listings in 2009 did you have?
5. How many leads came from (Initial Contact):Roughly

• Advertising         ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget
• Personal Contact     ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget
• Websites - Personal, Office Etc.    ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget
• Referrals from other REALTORS®   ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget
• Office referrals   ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget
• Word of mouth   ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget
• Farming a specific area or group?   ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget
• Open House       ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget
• Other _____________   ____ # of Leads ____ % of budget

What were your expenses in 2009 and what percentage were your expenses from your total income?

What is your goal projection for 2010, how many sales? How many listings?

What real estate activity do you like best?

• Marketing
• Followup
• Spending time with people one on one
  
• Presenting
• Management/Managing other people
• Closing
• Farming
• Open Houses
• Other __________
  

What activity’s are you currently engaged in?

• FSBO
• Cold Calling
• Flyers
• Advertising
• Center Of Influence Marketing (How many did you add this year to your contact list)
• Other ________

How would rate your skill set in the following scale of 1 to 10 (1 being poor, 10 being fantastic):

• Getting Listing Appointments
• Getting The Phone To Ring
• Following - up
• Closing A Buyer
• Closing A Seller
• Getting Customer Referrals
• Converting Web Leads

By analyzing what your strengths/weaknesses are, you will be better able to assess what you need to work on come January.  We will continue to provide updates/advice on how to further enhance your real estate career.

Until next time…

October has been a crazy busy month! As such, we thought it best just to update our blog with a summary of some of the things etc. that we have been working on/where we have been and what we are up to!

- Redman is pleased to announce that we have been continuing to grow our team - with 2 new additions again being added this month!

- Our Server upgrades are almost complete - this upgrade will ensure that our websites will operate quicker and faster and will allow for continued development growth!

- Redman had a blast at the Suites and Homes Tradeshow in Edmonton, AB  on October 15th- We set up our Video Camera (with our Videographer on staff) and interviewed many of Edmonton’s top Real Estate experts. Now the editing fun begins - stay tuned for the content (video) to be launched soon!

- Development, development…and more devlopment - many new releases will be coming soon. Both fun, useful and beneficial!

Stay tuned for continued updates!

Redman is excited to announce that we have released our new webmail program!

New features include:

• Drag and Drop Message Management
• Multiple Sender Identities
• Find as you type address book integration
• Spell Checking
• Available in 65 Languages
• and more…

If you would like to learn more or have questions about the following features, please e-mail us or call today!

“Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it’s not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.” - Barack Obama

Here are a few points to remember on your journey to success:

1) Be Aware and Keep Your Eyes Open To Possibilities

2) Become Skilled at the Art of Listening

3) Don’t deal in cheap things, but rather place value on quality

4) Use Your Time Wisely and Efficiently

5) Success is Not Just About Glory, But Rather The Journey To Get There

6) Be In The Moment - Be Available For Opportunities To Present Themselves

7) The Present Is Where We Should Live - The Past Is Gone and The Future Is Waiting To Be Shaped

8) View Failure Positively - Failure Exists To Teach You A Valuable Lesson

9) Say “Yes” - Don’t Hesitate When An Experience Presents Itself

10) Protect Your Time - As Your Time Should Be Your Highest Paid Asset

Over the next few weeks, we’ll break down these tips and points further. Until then…Happy Selling