TECH  TIPS: CLICK ON TOPIC ON RIGHT

1. MS Word Tip: Spell Check - Right Click

   When your PC thinks that you have misspelled a word, it will underline or flag the word as misspelled. By using the built-in Instant AutoCorrect feature, you can right-click on a word that's flagged as misspelled to display the Edit shortcut menu. If Word has a suggested alternative, AutoCorrect will appear on the menu. Choose AutoCorrect and then select the correct version of the word from the submenu to create an AutoCorrect entry.

2. MS Word Tip: Word Count

   Selective word count. Need to know how many words, characters, paragraphs, or lines appear in a portion of a document? Just select the text you want to run the count on prior to choosing Word Count from the Tools menu.

3. MS Word Tips: Symbols

   Insert and format symbols. For instant access to thousands of special symbols, like foreign characters and wild and crazy icons, open the Insert menu, choose Symbol, and look through the selections available with different fonts and subsets of fonts. After you insert a special character or symbol, you can then select it and use [Grow Font] and [Shrink Font] on it.

4. MS Word Tip: Ctrl Z Function

   Don't worry about doing something wrong. You don't have to worry. Just get familiar with the program and experiment with Word features. If something looks wrong or funny, that's when you use the Undo feature. Press or type the wrong thing, try [Ctrl]Z to undo whatever you did. Always remember you can press [Ctrl]Z or choose Undo from the Edit menu (at the top of the page) to undo changes one at a time. Aside from deleting or failing to save a file, there's almost nothing you can do that isn't reversible.

5. MS Word Tip: Find Feature

   Don't risk missing something you're looking for. When using MS Word you don't have to visually scan and manually scroll through a document looking for a word or phrase. Use [Ctrl]F to open the Find tab and let Word locate the text for you.

6. MS Word Tip: Spell Check - Add to Dictionary

   Don't waste time during spelling check. You don't have to repeatedly click Ignore or Ignore All every time the spell-checker stops on a proper noun or a term that' you commonly use (like a client's name or a favorite website). Click Add (Add To Dictionary in Word XP) so you don't waste time checking the same words over and over.

7. MS Word Tip: Replacing Text

   Delete old text you're replacing. You don't have to delete text you want to replace with new text. Select the old text and start typing the new (this could be a single word or even a whole paragraph). The first keystroke replaces the old selected text. Don't waste time pressing [Delete] first.

8. MS Word Tip: Ctrl Backspace Function

   You don't have to press [Backspace] a dozen times to delete a word or phrase. If you type something and then change your mind, pressing [Ctrl][Backspace] to delete a word at a time is much faster. Only one thing is more wasteful: using the mouse to click on the beginning of a word or phrase and then pressing [Delete] repeatedly. (You can use [Ctrl][Delete] to quickly remove words in that situation.) If you get overzealous with [Ctrl][Backspace] or [Ctrl][Delete] and remove one word too many, press [Ctrl]Z to bring it right back.

9. Quickly creating new contacts in MS Outlook:

   A quick, easy way to create a new contact file in MS Outlook: When you receive an email from someone, without opening it, click it and drag it to the Contacts button or the Contacts file and presto, a new contact record will be started with the senders name and email address already filled in plus the original email will be attached to the contact as a note. If the senders other contact information is in the email you can simply cut & paste the information into the appropriate places.

1. Windows XP Screensaver

   You can change your screen saver in XP easily by first right-clicking an empty space on your desktop and selecting Properties. Then click the Screen Savers tab and select a new screen saver from the dropdown box. Easy! If you are looking for something a bit different than the pre-loaded screensavers that came with your PC, try an Internet search to find one you like. There are tons of free and for pay screensavers out there that you can download to your PC. When you tire of one you can always switch it back.

2. Windows XP Password Tip

   Win XP has the ability to create a disk so that if you ever forget your password you can easily use the disk to reset the password. You can make the disk by:
   • Click Start then Control Panel and double click User Accounts.
   • Click the account name you use to log on.
   • In the top box on the left look for Related Tasks, then click Prevent a forgotten password. On first page of wizard, click next.
   • Next page, choose the drive for where you want to create the reset disk. Type your current password.
   • Click Next
   • Click Finish
   Now if you ever forget your password, you can use this disk to start the Password Reset Wizard and create a new password. Then make another disk for your new password.

3. Windows XP Favorites Tip

   If you want to add your Internet favorites (web sites you have "bookmarked") to your Start menu here is an easy way to do so.
   • Click Start then Control Panel and select Taskbar and Start Menu.
   • Click the Start Menu tab.
   • Click the Customize button.
   • Click the Advanced tab.
   • Under the Start menu items, scroll to the Favorites menu and click it.
   • Click OK twice to close
   Now your Favorites, My Pictures, My Documents and etc. will appear in your Start Menu. Click the item in the Favorites menu and go to your favorite web site.

4. Don't forget to clean up your hard drive

   MS Windows comes with an easy to use Disk Cleanup utility that will delete unused files like old web pages and deleted items from your PCs precious memory. It can also help your PC run faster by freeing up space. You can run Disk Cleanup 2 ways, first by going to the Start Menu, choosing All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools and finally Disk Cleanup. The program will take a minute or two to decide which files are safe to cleanup. The other way to access it is by double clicking on My Computer, then selecting (right clicking) on the drive you want to cleanup (usually your C Drive) and clicking on the Disk Cleanup button. The program will show you a list of the files that will be deleted with a check mark, you can deselect

5. Where did I download that file to?

   Some times web browsers and other online programs will save files you download in to their default directories without prompting you for information. If this happens to you, or if you just forget where you downloaded a particular file to, try using "Find Files or Folders..." option from your "Start Menu." Rather than looking for a name, look for any file that was saved ("Date Modified" tab) within the amount of time it took you to complete the download.

6. Easy Backup of your Files

   If you are working with Win XP (highly recommended over prior Windows versions) you can make an easy backup of your files to a CD-RW (write drive) or any other drive by simply right-clicking on a file or folder and choosing "Send To" from the drop-down menu. This will open up a Wizard which will walk you through the steps of saving a copy of the selected files to the selected drive. For most of us, simply copying the "My Documents" folder on a regular basis will insure that you are keeping your important data safe. This technique will not backup your entire system, program files and all. However, since you can always reload programs from their original disks, this provides you with the most important data, does so quickly, and also enables you to easily move your personal data to another system.

1. What is a flash drive or thumb drive?

   If you don't know the answer to this one, you are missing out on one of the coolest gadgets to come along in a while. Flash drives are small keychain sized devices that connect to your PC via an USB port and can store from 64MB up to 1 GB of data. What does this mean? No more burning photos, brochures, Word docs etc. to a CD or disk to take them home to work on or to another PC to print. You simply "drag & drop" or "copy & paste" the desired files to the flash drive's icon or window on your PC & it is transferred to this tiny device that you can put in your pocket, on your keychain etc. They are a great way to transfer data to any PC with a USB port and prices start around $30 for the lesser memory models. You can find them at Staples, Office Depot, Costco, on the web etc.

2. Securing Your PDF Documents

   Sharing brochures, floorplans, sample contracts etc. via PDF Documents (Adobe Acrobat) has become one of the easiest ways for us to provide clients with quick information via email or the Internet. One hitch is that you can't always know what the person on the other end is going to do with the document - print it, email to another or worse change the document or use it in another transaction.
   
   Fortunately, Adobe's Acrobat PDF format provides a great variety of control mechanisms that allow the author of a PDF document to precisely manage what others may and may not do with such files. An example is posting a Residential Sales Contract Sample to your website. A great tool to educate prospective clients but you really don't want them to print the document and use it when they are FSBOing their home. Within the Document Security settings you can dictate that the end-user can not print the document, only view it online.
   
   You can change the security/control settings on a PDF document that you have created by accessing the File menu, and then choosing Document Security from the resulting drop down list. You may also use a keyboard short-cut by pressing the CTRL+ALT+S keys simultaneously when the document is open There aren't too many security issues in our business so the default security settings are often OK.

1. What is a USB Hub?

   A USB (Universal Serial Bus) hub us is an external device that allows you to connect multiple USB devices to your PC at one time. Most PCs come with at least 2 USB ports (located on the front or back) that let you plug in digital cameras, PDAs, printers, mouse & keyboards etc. When you start using many of these devices it can be cumbersome to unplug and replug different devices as you need them. A USB Hub (usually $30-$50) connects into an existing USB port and then lets you plug multiple devices into it instead of directly to your PC. If you are going to connect and charge a PDA or something that draws a lot of power make sure you get a powered USB Hub.

1. E-mail reply magic!

   Ever see an E-mail message with a funny little E-mail address that started with "mailto:"--usually in blue or some other fancy color? Ever wanted to make it really easy for a recipient of a message to respond to you-- even when the message may have come from a secondary address -- or even some one else? Here's a trick to do that in a flash! Simply insert "mailto:" (without the quotes) before your E-mail address and without any space. For example, if your E-mail address were: member@daar.com, you simply type in: mailto:member@daar.com Now a recipient need only click on this hyperlink (try it) and his or her E-mail message blank will open up all addressed and ready for message entry! This works with all of the major E-mail programs.

2. Replying to and Addressing Emails

   To send an email to someone and hide their email address from view use the Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy) button. This is useful should you wish to copy your Broker or another agent on some correspondence to a client but do not wish the client to see the other email addresses. To respond only to the author of an email, press the Reply button. To send a message to all of the recipients, press the Reply All button. You can delete the original message if it isn't a response and change the subject line.

3. What is an Email Drip Campaign?

   A Drip campaign is where you set up an automated system to "drip" your prospects predetermined email messages at a later date. An example would be setting up a series of messages to remind or "tickle" the prospect about your services. You set up the messages once, enter the persons email address once and the system automatically sends the emails out - you don't do another thing. Very cost effective as you aren't paying postage & printing, only the one-time cost of the system you choose (or you can even set up free systems with certain email software). Some examples to check out:
   • http://www.Intersend.com
   • http://www.goodergroup.com
   • http://www.ProAutoResponder.com
   • http://www.RealtyTimes.com
   • http://www.Russer.com: gives an online tutorial on how you can set up drip campaigns with your Microsoft Office software for free

1. Windows Printing Tip: Printing Multiple Documents

   If you are printing multiple documents and all of a sudden need one before the others in the queue you can simply change the order that they are printing and print the one you need before the others in line. Simply double-click the printer icon that appears in the system tray (or lower right hand corner of your screen on later Windows versions) or click Start, Settings and Printers to open the print queue. Each document you are printing will show up as a separate print job. To change their order just drag the print jobs into the order that you want. The only one that you can't move is the one that is on top currently printing.

2. Efax - Send and receive faxes from your email inbox

   This is great - get a FREE fax number which when used will receive faxes in your email inbox anywhere you are. You can also buy a local fax number (703 area code) for as little as $9.95 per month so that you can both send and receive faxes (there is a minimal charge for sending faxes). You can then forward the faxes as an email attachment, save them to your hard drive, convert them to .pdf files etc. For more information visit www.efax.com.

3. Windows Printing Tip: Printer errors

   If you have a document that fails to print sometimes it will prevent all other documents you have waiting to print as well. Assuming that you don't have a mechanical problem with your printer, simply double click on the printer icon in your system tray or click Start, Settings and Printers to open up the print queue. Then right-click the first document (the one that failed to print). In the shortcut menu that appears, click Cancel to kill that print job. The other documents then should print.

1. Cool search trick, find anything fast & easy.

   Ever stare at a Word document, spreadsheet or web page looking for a reference to a specific term but can't seem to find it? Here's a neat trick that eliminates any guessing or scanning aimlessly. Simply hold down the Control (Ctrl) and "F" Keys simultaneously. Up pops a box with a spot to type in the word you are looking for. Type in the word and hit "Find" or "Find Next" (depending on the program you are running). If the desired word resides in the document or Web page in which you are searching it will appear on your screen highlighted (after the located text is highlighted and, if necessary the page scrolls to the text's position)! Simply repeat this procedure to find the next occurrence of the word. This trick works in lots of programs such as Microsoft Word, Eudora Pro etc. This trick also features a replace option or a go to option.

2. Double your efficiency:

   Want to save some time when getting your real estate research done on the Web? Try opening two or more Web browser windows at the same time. You can have several pages open to different Web sites. This way instead of cooling your heels while waiting for a page to load you can just click to another open page. To perform this magic trick in Navigator, just click "File" in the upper left corner, then "New" then "Navigator Window", In MS Explorer, just click "File" in the upper left corner, then "New Window" or you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctl+N in either browser to accomplish the same trick!
   
   Website of the week: www.digitalcity.com - a very useful site which provides information about different cities including entertainment, cultural activities, sports and tons of other useful information for the relocating client.

3. Protect your system & help stop those annoying Pop-Up Ads

   Internet advertisers and computer hackers alike constantly try to infiltrate other people's systems. Here are a couple of basic steps which can help you protect your system from unwanted intrusion:
   
   
   1. Install a firewall, either hardware or software. Windows XP users can simple activate the firewall that is built into XP itself. (Search for "Internet Connection Firewall" in Window's Help). This is especially important if you are using a Broadband (high-speed) Internet connection.
   2. Download software designed to scan for and remove spy-ware software installed on your system. Popular programs such as Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoftusa.com (FREE) are fairly simple to use and will catch the most common offenders.

4. How to Google someone

   www.google.com has become almost the default search engine for our times. An interesting use of it is to "google" someone - that is type their name in the search field and see what comes up. You can often find out interesting and useful information about the person - great to see if that big-wig from out of town is really who they say they are. You can also type in a phone number and google will list all entries on the Internet where that number appears - including online yellow pages. Also a quick way to find fellow real estate professionals information such as email address, fax numbers etc. as more and more Realtors and service providers have web addresses.

1. How to add your Web site to your Listings in MRIS

   Go to mris.com, in the upper right corner click on the white link that says My Account, login if so prompted, click on Contact Information, type the URL into the field labeled Web site, click Update at the bottom. Printed courtesy of MRIS

2. How to create a shortcut directly to Matrix on your desktop

   • From the Desktop, right click on any blank area.
   • Click New, then click Shortcut.
   • From the Create Shortcut window, type in http://matrix.mris.com
   • Click Next to continue.
   • In the Select a Title window, delete the pre-filled field that says New Internet Shortcut.
   • Type in Matrix and click Finish
   Printed courtesy of MRIS

3. How to make Matrix your Homepage

   • Go to the Matrix login page, matrix.mris.com.
   • Using Internet Explorer as your Browser, click on Tools, then Internet Options. (The Address will say http://matrix.mris.com/matrix/login.aspx, reflecting the page you are on.)
   • Click the button underneath the Address box that says Use Current.
   • Click OKay.
   Printed courtesy of MRIS

4. How to Export to Microsoft Excel from Matrix

   • Click on the Search tab in Matrix . Below the tabs click on either Residential, Lot & Land, Commercial, Multifamily, or Cross Property.
   • Click on the General link.
   • Select your search criteria then click the Search button.
   • Choose the listing(s) you want by clicking the checkbox.
   • At the bottom of the page click the blue Export button.
   • Select Residential Default and click the blue Export button.
   • From the File Download prompt click the blue Save button.
   • When the Save As window appears rename the file with a .xls extension (ex: subdivision.xls).It should now automatically open in Excel when you open that file.
   T I P S:
   
   • The maximum number of labels to run is 5000.
   • The maximum number of records to return in
   • Statistics is 5000.
   • The SORT button is not available when the search results exceed 500.
   • Days On Market are calculated differently in Matrix. Now, when a property becomes non-active, those days are not included in the DOM value.
   • Legal Subdivision is automatically populated from the Tax Record in Matrix, not via agent entry through Data Input or Keystone.
   Printed courtesy of MRIS

5. How to Set up your Email Address in Matrix to email listings

   • Go to mris.com (you can click on the MRIS logo from the Matrix site).
   • Click on My Account. You will be prompted to enter your ID and password.
   • Click on the link for Contact Information.
   • Enter the email address you use for clients under Public E-mail.
   • Click on Update at the bottom or top of the screen.
   Printed courtesy of MRIS

6. How to Set up your Email Signature in Matrix

   • Click on My Matrix tab.
   • Click on Settings.
   • Enter a Signature and click Save.
   • If your email address and signature are already entered, then you are ready to email listings to your customers.
   Printed courtesy of MRIS

7. How to Email listings in Matrix

   • Run a search.
   • Check the boxes next to the properties you want to email.
   • Click on Email.
   • Choose the Contact from your list of Contacts, or enter email addresses into the To, CC, or BCC lines.
   • If you want a copy of the email, check the box Send to Me.
   • Type in a Subject.
   • Select the Format (type of report layout)
   • Modify the Message as needed.
   • Click on Send Email.
   Printed courtesy of MRIS

8. How to Add and Edit Contacts in Matrix

   Add Contacts
   
   • Click on the My Matrix tab at the top of the screen.
   • Click on Contacts.
   • Click Add Contact.
   • On the next screen, type in your client's first and last name.
   • Enter the email address.
   • Click Add.
   Edit a Contact
   
   • Click on My Matrix tab.
   • Click on Contacts.
   • Click on the pencil icon next to the contact you want to edit.
   • Edit any of the information for this contact.
   • Click the blue Save button after making changes to save the information.
   Printed courtesy of MRIS

1. Website of the week: www.DullesArea.com - if you haven't been there yet, GO! This is the official website of our association and features tons of useful information like education schedules, online course information, online Realtor shop and more.
2. Website of the week: www.Canale.com - the home of Stepehen Canale, a nationally recognized real estate speaker and trainer. Visit and sign up for his free email real estate newsletter and his free Palm OS mortgage calculator.
3. Website of the week: www.mortgage101.com - Looking to enhance your current website? Mortgage101.com gives you a FREE web page to add to your existing page with very professional looking mortgage tools including mortgage calculators, per-qualification info, different loan options, and more. Click on the "Add Mortgage101.com to your website" button at the bottom.
4. Website of the week: www.Russer.com - the home of Michael Russer, aka Mr. Internet, nationally recognized Internet real estate guru. Tons of great information tailored to real estate marketing with email, on the web and computers in general.
5. Website of the week: www.realtytimes.com - the online real estate news source, visit to research any real estate related topic, search technology tips, read about marketing strategies of top producers around the country & more.
6. Website of the week: www.brokeragentnews.com - A great, free email newsletter which features tons of useful industry news, marketing tips and general real estate information

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Supra Keys & Lockboxes

SUPRA SHOWING VALUE

ShowingValue is a free, optional web application that will be released on October 24th, 2005.
Your keyholders can receive emails automatically when they've had a showing. Listing agents can easily and instantly email showing activity reports, send listing updates and deliver showing feedback reports to their clients. ShowingValue also lets all keyholders send and receive showing feedback online, add feedback about listings for reporting to home sellers and receive email reminders to send feedback on listings they've shown. These features are available to all keyholders as part of our DisplayKEY and eKEY service at no extra cost. For more information click here.
 




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