I am going to do my best to address one of the most asked questions:

What is the difference between a Syndication Dashboard and Point2 Agent?

The answer? It’s simple.

I’m not going to go into grave detail, but I’ll give you a quick lowdown.

Syndication Dashboard

If your MLS has signed up for Syndication with Point2, you will receive an invitation for a Syndication Dashboard. You’re not obligated to use it, but let me tell you – if you don’t, you’re missing out on some of the best exposure for your listings. Your listings are sent to us via a data feed from your MLS and distributed through the largest Syndication network on the planet. Meaning, they are being placed on some of the highest trafficked real estate search websites. Most importantly they are reaching the eyes of your potential buyers.  And what’s more – it’s totally FREE.

No, we do not have any control over your listing, nor do we own it. Your listing is your listing. All we do is deliver it for you. Think of us as a big tourist bus, giving you a free ride and stopping by some of the hottest attractions.  And if for whatever reason you don’t want to syndicate your listings (which would be kind of crazy, don’t you think?!), well – it’s your listing, you have control, and you can opt out. 

But what if Syndication isn’t enough? What if you want more? What if you want a complete website to accompany your listings online? What if you want to see exactly who your prospects are, what they are looking for, and how they found you? Wouldn’t it be nice to pinpoint your customer’s wants, and easily and affectively send them targeting messaging based on those wants?

Point2 Agent

That’s where Point2 Agent comes into play. Not only do you get the syndication, but you get a ton of tools to build that presence right were consumers are spending the majority of their time – online.  While the Syndication Dashboard gives you access to some very basic reports – it’s nothing like the detailed reports you receive about your prospects and more through a Point2 Agent Account.  Not only that, but if your MLS has signed up with Point2, your listings are imported directly into your Point2 Agent account – meaning you can spend more time with your clients, and less time adding listings to your account.

A Point2 Agent account starts at $19.99 per month and you get to try it out for 3 months free. We don’t ask for a credit card until you’ve completed your trial, there are no obligations, and we’re not really into contracts – meaning, you can cancel at anytime on the monthly plan. If you’ve received a Syndication Dashboard from your MLS, you can upgrade to a Point2 Agent account at anytime.  A Point2 Agent Account has 3 levels of membership – each one with even more features available.  You can see them right here.

I didn’t go into the entire comparison of features, because I would be here all day – and so would you (and you have real estate to sell!).

Want to know more?  Just click right here to download a handy little comparison chart.

I hope this answers some of your questions.  And, well, if it didn’t…give me some credit – it’s Monday morning, and I got a little too much sun on the weekend!

Sometimes we forget to realize that we stare at this stuff all day, every day.  So, naturally we think it’s pretty simple.  But for anyone that is seeing their Syndication Dashboard or Point2 Agent account for the very first time – it can be overwhelming, this I know (remember…I’m the one still struggling to use something as easy as Twitter!).  We’re working on simplifying things over here, and any of your questions can always be addressed by our Customer Care Team.  I can tell you – they are a lot more alert than I am on a Monday!

Have a great week!

I am also particularly excited for this week to be over because many of my colleagues are on holidays.  While those of us that are working are doing a mighty fine job holding down the fort…after a while, I really start to miss the people I work with.  Not to sound all sentimental (afterall, I do have the reputation of the ‘tough girl’ in the office to keep up), but I consider the people I work with almost like family.  It’s a good thing – I don’t know that many people that can say that they actually miss their co-workers!

But then, I started thinking.  It’s georgeous outside, and the few of us that are working are indoors busting our you-know-what’s all day, while the guys on holidays are probably at the lake and enjoying the sun.   Last time I dared to take holidays, I came back and they had pulled the ultimate desk prank on me – covering my desk in all sorts goodies from my LEAST favorite pop singer.  I couldn’t even see my desk under all the pink ribbons and glitter.  (Anyone that knows me, knows that I am not a fan of pop music, glitter, or things that are pink.)

See, now my sentimentality is turning into hostility…and I’m thinking this might be and excellent time to plot the revenge that I vowed I would get.  But what to do?

Maybe this?

Or this?

Of course, I’m open to suggestions.  One thing is for certain though, these vacationers are not getting a free pass! 

Happy Friday folks!

We know that not everything is as easy as it appears.  And we know that sometimes things are just downright frustrating.  Trust me on this.  Don’t tell anyone (because I work for a technology company and I’m supposed to be good at this stuff), but…do you have any idea how long it took me to figure out how to use Twitter?  In fact, I’m still not sure I know how to use it to its full potential.

Okay, I’m sure you get my drift.  But, the good news: gone are the days where we need to sit and stare blankly at a screen because it’s too hard to get help.  If the resources are there, why not get educated?  There’s literally a ton of features when it comes to using the software provided by Point2.  I’ll be the first to admit – some of them aren’t the easiest either.  Whether or not you have a full blown Point2 Agent account, or simply a free Syndication Dashboard, there’s plenty of help right at your fingertips…just in case you’re anything like me (and trust me, I need all the help I can get!).

We have a whole lot of neat stuff to help you get the most out of your account, and get the most ‘bang for your buck’.  It’s not a just a bunch of tedious 50 page articles on “How-To’s”…because let’s face it, none of us want to feel like we are in school again.  Unless, of course, reading is your thing – we have that too.  But in addition to that, we’ve also got a ton of videos, and live & interactive education sessions.  And the best part – it’s totally free.

So, with that being said – why not put some learning back into your life.  Our Education Specialists are pretty much waiting for you (literally, I was just down there and one of our ET’s, Ryan, was hitting the refresh button to see how many more registrants he has!).  There’s no need to be overwhelmed – we’re here to help.

Check out our training videos right here, and if you’re really gutsy and think you can put up with our Education Specialists, then sign up for a session right here.  (I’m just kidding…they are a pretty awesome group of people if I do say so myself! )

For a full list of sessions, check out the Education Site.  Simply click on the “Education Sessions” drop down and find the session that’s perfect for you.

I mean really, what have you got to lose?  Better yet, what have you got to gain?

I even have the game on my phone.  I’m not going to lie – I tend to dabble in a round of brain-busting feuding before I go to sleep at night.  But…no matter how awesome I may be at the quick witty answers, nothing beats this guy.

Here’s a clip from my favorite episode:

Have a great weekend!

If there are two things I love (besides my job, of course) – it’s music and comedy.  So when both of them are combined it’s just that much sweeter.

I saw this video a while back…and while it may not be hot off the presses on YouTube – it makes a perfect way to kill some time on a Friday afternoon.

I am a huge fan of the classics – especially Queen!  C’mon, I mean – who doesn’t know the song Bohemian Rhapsody?!  So when this guy took 25 of the most well known performers out there and combined them all in this 70’s anthem at a Just For Laughs festival, I couldn’t help but be entertained.

Check it out:

Ps…Have a time-waster you want to share?  Jokes?  Videos?  Random thoughts?  Email us at blogging@point2.com

Happy Friday!

Okay, maybe not…but I sure did.  That’s right, Inman Connect SF 2010 is fast approaching.  July 13-15th to be exact.  If you’re looking to keep up with what’s happening in the industry today and get connected with some of the top movers & shakers in real estate, THIS is the place to be.

Not sure if you can attend quite yet?  That’s okay – as a sponsor, Point2 is offering 25% off your registration fee right up until the day of the event.  Perfect for the last minute planners – just like me!

All you have to do when you sign up right here, is use the promo code “Point2″.  That’s it!

See you there!