This week I'd like to tell you about a couple innovative pieces of technology you may want to consider. The Ricoh THETA is a pocket sized 360 degree camera. Certainly not the first time we have seen a 360-degree camera that can be used for listing photos, but it's very affordable and simple to use. I haven't had an opportunity to field test this camera, but a friend is having fun with it. For the broker who wants to add some virtual reality to their listings and cannot purchase their own Matterport system, this could be a nice addition to your toolkit. Look at theta360.com for more information.
Enhancing REALTOR® safety is one of the core standards required by the National Association of REALTORS®. This week the Wall Street Journal reviewed an inexpensive, plug-in, device that will summon help and notify your family if your car is involved in an accident. What differentiates this product from the original systems like OnStar is that it works with any car manufactured from 1996 to date and there are no recurring monthly fees. The device is called the "Automatic Pro". Read the article here
And now for a moment of gratuitous self-promotion...I need a home to rent. I'm currently renting a duplex in Eagle Vail, but my lease is not being renewed as the owners need to use the home themselves. Winter is coming and I don't want to live in my car. I'd prefer another duplex in Eagle Vail, but I'm willing to live anywhere from Edwards to Vail. 2+ bedrooms, garage preferred but I can live without. I do have Cooper, my 14# dog. Current landlord will provide a great reference and I'm willing to pay extra security if necessary. Many of you know he comes to the office daily and he is well trained. So...before you advertise a rental, please think of me. My timing is flexible; I can move this month or next or even early November, but I'd like to get this move over and done before snow.
CLICK HEREto see the classes coming up for the rest of the year.
MLS TRAINING
September 7th:
Client Portal
9:30am-10:30am
September 27th:
Statistics
9:30am-10:30am
October 5th:
MLS Touch
9:30am-10:30am
October 18th:
Customize Grids, Searches, Exports
9:30am-10:30am
Please email Patty Sandoval ([email protected]) to register for the following MLS training classes. Please indicate the class(es) you would like to attend in the subject line. All classes are held at the VBR Office.
TECHNOLOGY
Are you using a Windows Program? Check out this article: Fantom ransomware hides behind phony Windows update to infect your computer
There's yet another new type of ransomware out there. Fantom is a new form of the malicious virus that disguises itself as an important Windows update.
Ransomware encrypts a victim's files and holds them ransom for a fee - and cybercriminals are getting savvier in tricking people into clicking malicious links and downloading the virus.
Pending home sales expanded in most of the country in July and reached their second highest reading in over a decade, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Only the Midwest saw a dip in contract activity last month.
The
Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 1.3 percent to 111.3 in July from a downwardly revised 109.9 in June and is now 1.4 percent higher than July 2015 (109.8). The index is now at its second highest reading this year after April (115.0).
November 8th will be here soon... Are you registered to vote?
Voter registration time takes an average of two minutes or less to complete.
CLICK HERE to register today.
EVENTS - GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Tonight is the Riverwalk First Fridays last event for the summer!
Stop by and listen to some great music from the Delta Sonics. This band is k
nown far and wide as Colorado's most authentic Chicago blues band, The Delta Sonics bring howlin' harmonica and killer slide guitar together to recreate the sounds of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and more.
Free to attend and music starts at 6:00pm in the Riverwalk backyard.
CLICK HERE for more information on music at the event.
COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Searching for Visionary Leaders!
CAR Leadership Academy is an exclusive four-month training and development program designed to nurture future association leaders. It is focused on developing participants' industry and association knowledge.
