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New "Blended" REA Verifiable Course Materials - Face-2-Face Meets The Web

  Buzzwords, buzzwords and more buzzwords, so now we add yet another. The thing is that this one "Blended Learning" actually generates a useful mental image. In this case we are blending the online model with the traditional "Face-To-Face" traditional learning model. Well, not exactly. In the e-Agent version, blended learning refers to a mix of online and augmented online (webinar style). So there is a face-to-face component, however, it is virtual and the matchup is with a content only side, thus we are "Blending" two different online settings. OK, so what are the Pro's & Con's? PRO's: Registration is via newsletter. No separate mass emailing. Capable of being embedded in just about any website/web-press environment. Responsive code allows mobile viewing. Reduced hesitancy by non-technical users. Low entry/production costs. CON's: Limited direct interaction, during production & replay. Webinars using recorded presentation have a hi...

The Easier Way To Access e-Agent - No, It Is Not Google!

 In life there are most often "Easy Ways" of getting to our goal, but there are also "Harder Ways". Now, sometimes we immediately "Know" which is the easy way and will take it, just about every time. The hard way, that is a different story. Most often, when I take the hard way, it is because I am simply unaware there is an easier way to go. Now, at age 77 (yes, I have a baby face; meaning only a new-born baby would think it attractive), but I still tend to do things the way I always have, until someone or something shows me a better way. Yes, I am that someone and today's is the better way day! HARD WAY: Never elect the hard way if there is an easy way to get the job done! EASY WAY: Step 1. Type e-agent.nz in your browser (Chrome; Safari; Firefox; Opera; Edge or other). Hit "Return or Enter" on your keyboard. Step 2. There is no Step 2... you are done! You are at the e-Agent Homepage, easy-pease. So, the next time you want to drop-in on e-Age...

Why The Rules & Regulations Of The REA Should Actually Please Agents...

  It is important to consider the relationship between regulatory requirements and successful marketing.  Customers and clients see professional behaviour as a positive sign, when seeking an agent. It is essential for agents to be aware of what they can and cannot do in order to maintain their license.  The New Zealand Real Estate Authority has specific guidelines that must be followed by all licensed real estate agents. These guidelines are there to protect both parties involved in the transaction, which includes customers, and vendors alike.  Agents should keep up-to-date with these regulations so they know exactly what is expected of them at all times. However, the bigger picture and from those of us currently on the "Front Line" or relegated to commenting on the ever changing real estate marketplace is very different from the experience of many Kiwi agents/salespeople. For far too many, the REA rules; regulations and codes of conduct requirements, just feel like...

New Trend: Smaller Kiwi websites are now being targeted for hacking; disruption & data theft.

 New Trend: Smaller Kiwi websites are now being targeted for hacking; disruption & data theft.  First they came for the government, but mine was not a New Zealand government site, so I did not take the threat seriously; then they attacked the banks , but we aren't a bank, so I noticed, but remained reasonably calm; But, suddenly this weekend, they (the overseas hackers) came for e-Agent's website (www.e-agent.nz) and for the next 24 hours I could not focus on anything else. So, what kind of attack was it? No, not your run-of-the-mill Denial of Service Attack, though they have tried that at times. This attack was aimed to scrape the site for code to steal, this triggered several old email scripts to run and send out old emails to clients.  At no time was the database at risk. e-Agent uses one of the best IT/Programming services ( JB Metrics Ltd ) to protect us, while acting as our program developmental partner.. and boy are we glad we made that decision!

Open Homes Timing - Perhaps It's Time for Another Look

  The prevailing wisdom has long been, that Open Homes should be held on Saturday & Sunday. The logic appears to be: Workers are most often available on weekend days. Part-time agents are usually only available to have open homes on weekends. It is easier for property owners to vacate during open homes on weekends. As is the case with most "Long Held" beliefs, there is truth in the above, however, it does not present the whole story. Let's examine each of these: Many retail workers now work half of their work hours on weekends. Part-time agents have been dropping from the agent's work pool in ever larger numbers. Forcing property owners to vacate for weekend opens, implies lots of cleanup & organisation. In addition, there are other market variables that can enhance "off-hours" open homes. Off-hours opens have few if any competitors for the buying public's attention. By not having to support more than one open, per weekend day, you could hold 1 h...

How long will New Zealand remain a one-direction property representation country?

  Clearly, something is out of balance in this photo. The party on our left, seems to have a distinct benefit by weight alone. Equally obviously, for a truly balanced outcome, someone is going to need to bring this to equilibrium. Then again, if you are the fellow in the blue shirt and you are representing the party on the left, this image probably looks about right to you, especially if you have a commission riding on the outcome. This rather transparent reference to the current New Zealand property environment is far from new. It is independent of price, because our point of reference is not buyer versus seller, as you might have expected, but rather the inherent benefit to the seller in the property purchase system. In New Zealand, but in few other English speaking countries, the seller has representation by definition and the purchase either represents themselves or traditionally uses a solicitor to try for balance. Indeed, even in the later case, the selling agent can and most...

More Big News: Now When You Want To Suggest An e-Agent Improvement, The e-Agent "Wish List" Is Waiting!

  More Big News: Now When You Want To Suggest An e-Agent Improvement, The e-Agent "Wish List" Is Waiting! The team at e-Agent is dedicated to not only providing the best eLearning system available, but to listening to suggestions from our users and making appropriate changes and improvements.  For us to receive such feedback, we needed to create a "Road Map" that provides you with an easy means for providing suggestions; a means for your fellow eLearners to show their agreement and to offer a measure of priority.  With this new road map, that we are calling our e-Agent wish list, you tell us what you would like to see added to our system; we review the suggestions that have support from other users and then make the magic happen.  The screenshot below provides a peak at this system, but the new ideas and recommendations must come from you. In order to reward your use of this system, any and all wish list entries, that end up being implemented, will receive one of...