If you are experiencing issues with uploading photos to your Point2 website, this is due to the most recent Java update. JAVA is the standard technology that powers programs like photo utilities – allowing your internet browser to deal with photos so that they can be uploaded, resized, and shared on the web.

Java is provided by Oracle, and the latest release has broken the functionality of our photo upload tools. Point2 is one of  many software companies that have been affected, and this issue been reported to Oracle. Unfortunately we do not have a definitive time-frame from Oracle as to a subsequent update to address this problem.  However, we hope this issue will be resolved in the next version of Java (update 25).

We realize the frustration and inconvenience many of our customers are experiencing. Trust me, we are too!

In the meantime, there is a work-around for this issue, and we recommend downgrading to Java Version 6, Update 23.

Downgrading is fairly simple for most Windows based computers.  Please follow these steps.

1. Click on the Start menu
2. Click Control Panel
3. Depending on your version of Windows click Add/Remove Programs or Program and Features
4. Click on Java ™ 6 Update 24 – click Uninstall
5. Once this program has uninstalled go to this webpage
6. Download the 32-bit version of Java by clicking the Download button located in the top right corner
7. Click Run Program and InstallJava
8. Once you have installed Java Version 6 Update 23, login to your Online Office and begin uploading your photos.

Apple / OSX Users ;

• We have extensively investigated options for downgrading the Java version in OSX, and have not been able to come to a solution.  We as well as our customers have been in contact with Apple Support, who have indicated that they are also unable to revert the most current Java update.

Lastly, we know how important it is to make updates to your website. This is not an ideal situation in the least, but rest assured we are here to help, and are actively pursuing a resolution!

If you are experiencing any difficulties, please contact our Customer Care Team at 1-866-977-1777 and we will help you get through this!

‘What is a good domain name?’

For anyone who is just starting, or may be looking to add another domain name to their repertoire, here are some things to keep in mind when deciding on a domain for your Point2 web site:

• Keep it short: You want your domain name to be easy to remember. Many domain registrars will allow you to purchase a domain that is upwards of 60 characters long, but that doesn’t mean bigger is better. (e.g. Smithsellsthebesthomesindenver.com)

• Avoid Acronyms: A common misconception is if the domain name is very short it will be easy to remember, but that is not always the case. You don’t want to use an acronym that is hard to remember, even if it makes for a short domain name. (e.g. rmsres.com)

• Keep Spelling in Mind: If you have an overly difficult or commonly misspelled name you may want to avoid using it in your domain name. (e.g. lisetrofimenkoff.com) It is also important to note that domain names can not be refunded or exchanged under any circumstances – once you purchase it, it’s yours! Be sure to triple-check the spelling before you hit the Purchase button.

• Make it Relevant: It can be useful for Search Engine Optimization to use a domain name that has keywords (e.g. Smithrealestate.com, denverhomes.com) this also helps people remember the domain name, as it is what the website is about.

• Avoid Trademarked Names: Make sure you are not using a Trademark in the domain name. (e.g. REALTOR®)

And lastly, don’t forget to market it! Once you have your domain name chosen and it’s working with your web site make sure to add it to your business cards and email signatures. Make your domain name synonymous with your name, even if they happen to be the same.

Jessica Kettner
Customer Care Representative

I decided to do some digging around to find out the ‘most asked’ in 2010 (which wasn’t too difficult because our CCRs keep tabs on all this stuff!)  So here it is – your top 5 support questions (in no particular order) of 2010…with answers to boot!

“I’m Having Trouble Uploading Photos”

• The most common reason why photos can sometimes be tricky to upload is because your JAVA needs to be updated on your computer. (JAVA is the standard technology that powers programs like photo utilities – allowing your internet browser to deal with photos so that they can be uploaded, resized, and shared on the web).  You may also notice an advisory message appear prior to uploading photos if you do not have the most current version.
• In most cases, a quick update of your JAVA will resolve any photo issues.  And it’s easy to do – and will save you from contacting support.  Simply visit java.com and click the ‘Do I Have Java link”…this will tell you if you have the most recent version, and provide a download link to update if you don’t.

Next, you wanted to know:

“How Do I Update My Billing Information?”

• Credit Card expired or do you have a new card altogether?  Updating your billing information can be done faster than you can say ‘Customer Care’ .  Simply login to your account, from the Admin section choose Account Management.  Select ‘Update Billing Information’ and enter in your new information.  That’s it, that’s all! If you want, view the FAQ right here.

Also on your list of frequently asked questions, is:

“How Do I Edit My Website?”

• This is a tough one to answer here, because there are several different areas of your website that sometimes require assistance – whether it’s your website title/slogan, editing content, or adding a new content section.  Or maybe you are having trouble finding the ‘Edit Website’ button itself.  So instead of a long winded response, check out these handy links:

Where To Find ‘Edit Website’
Editing Website – Beginner (An On-Demand Video that will answer all of the above and more)

“I Already Have a Domain Name, How Do I Use It With my Point2 Agent Website?”

• At first glance, the thought of using a domain name might sound complicated – but trust me, it’s not!  The key is to remember to add your domain name to your Point2 account once you’ve changed your name servers.  Also, domains do take some time to update throughout Internet-land – so be sure you’ve waited the at least 24-48 hours.  Step by step instructions can be found right here.

And lastly, it’s all about Syndication Dashboards…

“How Do I Activate My Syndication Dashboard?”

• Most of us have one, two, or even ten email accounts.  It can be hard to keep track of all the email you receive in a day.  Your invitation email to activate your Syndication Dashboard comes in the form of an email – don’t delete this one!  But if you have, or perhaps it got lost somewhere out in cyberspace – let us know and we can resend it to you.
• If you have received an invitation and aren’t sure where to go next, these steps outline exactly what to do.

Still not sure what the difference is between a Syndication Dashboard and a Point2 Agent account?  The answer is right here.

There you have it – your most asked questions of 2010.  Kudos to our fine Customer Care team for doing an outstanding job answering thousands of inquires this year!  And, to all our members – keep those questions coming!

Perhaps you’ve run into a technical issue, need a hand editing your website, want to know what the weather is like (freezing here), or just have a question about a Point2 feature.  Whatever it is, now you can let us know and get assistance right on the spot.

Introducing Live Chat  – with real LIVE Point2 humans – that’s right, there’s none of those so-called Live Chat ‘robots’ here – these are real people, folks!

So the next time you can’t wait for that email reply, and aren’t in the mood for the telephone – give this a try!

The feature can be accessed from our support page right here.  Simply click the icon, enter your login information, and in no time you’ll be chatting with us!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Some of our members may have noticed a change in the titles of those who help answer your Point2 Agent account-related questions.  Previously, the name of the team that our members were served by was the Customer Support Team.  Recently, they’ve changed their name to better reflect the relationship they build with our customers and are now the Customer Care Team.

Our Customer Care Team of 25 individuals are responsible for providing the first-line of support to our entire membership.  Not only are they answering issues that come in via email, telephone, and on the Message Board, but they are proactive in detecting any potential issues before they can affect our members.

On average, approximately 1000 email support issues are sent into our Customer Care Team on a weekly basis.  Our Customer Care Team strives to provide 24-hour response time for all members.  In addition to emails, they receive hundreds of phone calls each week (an average of 800!!!) from our Professional and Premium members.

As the team is continually expanding to provide the best level of support care to our growing membership, they had outgrown their previous office space.  So, they’ve been relocated to a newly renovated portion of the Point2 office building in Saskatoon, SK.  Last week saw them settling into their new space with a ‘house warming’ BBQ for the entire Point2 staff.

The Customer Care Team is a huge part of what makes Point2 Agent such a great success!