in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• ABoR/AYREP Sip & Stroll • WCAoR West Side Story Bus Tour • HBA MAX Awards • Grand Haven Homes Ribbon Cutting • and much, much more!
Associates in Progress
Select Your Own Closer
page 27
page 15 TM
MAY 2012 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1
The world is your office: gadgets for the workplace on-the-go by Autumn Rhea Carpenter
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Printed on recycled paper.
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n a bygone office era, REALTORS were tethered to their fax machines, postage meters and landline phone systems. Today’s laptops and tablets offer the modern REALTOR an escape from the same four walls as well as an opportunity to accomplish daily tasks in ways that were once unimaginable. According to Sam Chapman of Private Label Realty, these tools have completely
altered the work landscape. “I don't even have an office any more,” he says. “I meet buyers at coffee shops with Internet access and show them properties from my laptop.” While these technologies are invaluable in automating everyday tasks, the element of human connection is still invaluable to a successful REALTOR. Despite rumors that technology will one day replace humans, without that handshake and connection with a client, gadgets alone will never make
a REALTOR a top seller. Technology trainer Chad Cardani at Cardani Group REALTORS, Keller Williams Realty has seen REALTORS attempt to replace personal interaction with technology tools. “Unfortunately, we see many agents wanting to use technology for absolutely everything, including all of their relationship-building activities,”
Front Page: Continued on page 24
Developer plans thousands of homes in Leander; City Council clears the way
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he developer of Crystal Falls West in Leander, Lookout Group, Inc., plans to expand the community by 2,000 acres. The five-phased plan is to be completed over 10 years with the first phase beginning in 2014. The community plan calls for a total 3,200 residential homes and apartments, retail, parks and three new schools. The project will be located close to the intersection of RM
1431 and Nameless Rd. Homes are expected to be priced in the $400,000 range. The first 430 acres will be developed to the north and west of RM 1431 in 2014 and 2015. The majority of the land developed in the first phase will be dedicated to single-family homes—273 acres. The remaining 157 acres will be used to build two schools, commercial space and parkland. RL
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