Having said that, I figured it might be fun to show off a few Point2 Agent websites that were spiced up by a couple of the web designers who are a part of our Alliance Member Program.

(Click on the images to view the full site)

Here’s one by Kathleen Allardyce of Getting it Write Inc:

I chose this one mainly because… well, since the boss is in Vegas (I’m a tad jealous) it seemed fitting to check out some Las Vegas properties.  But aside from my own biased opinion, this website is jam packed with their own content and makes good use of different Point2 Agent features.  Using both a listings display as well as IDX, Las Vegas Properties makes it easy for potential buyers (and daydreamers like me) to find what they are looking for.

This one is from Kathy Stephens of Simple Sites Serious Success:

I didn’t just choose this one because Angela is from Saskatoon (well, maybe a little…gotta support the hometown!)…but this one is laid out in such a way that it doesn’t overload visitors with too much information.  The site is kept neat, simple, and to the point – making it even more customer friendly.

Or how about this one from one of our more recent additions to AMP, Nelson Cuesta of Cogent Web Services:

Not only is Texas one of my favorite places, but this site is just all around pleasant to look at.  It’s professional, classy, and easy to navigate.  The more I look at this site, the more I remember how much I enjoyed Texas earlier this year.  Hmm…as soon as I buy that winning lottery ticket…

Of course not everyone requires a website designer, and there are plenty of top notch self-designed Point2 Agent websites out there.  These are just a few of the ways a the template sites can be enhanced.  Word around the campfire here is that there are a few things coming your way to help increase the appearance of your website even more.

So…if you have a great website, feel free to send it our way!  Who knows, we might even show it off a little.  If you think you’ve got the chops to be one of the Website Designers in our Alliance Member Program, why not show us your skills?  We’re always taking applications, so really…what have you got to lose?

The Apple iPad has been available in Canada now for a couple months and no doubt, as was in the US, many real estate professionals are looking at the various options to see if it will work well for their business needs.

In fact, since the iPad was released in the US back in April, there has been a lot written about using this device for real estate.  So, I’m not going to reinvent the wheel and write about it here.  Instead, I’ve created a collection of links to some of these articles, tips, tricks, and lists of apps that might be able to help you put the iPad to good use in your real estate business.

• 10 iPad for Real Estate Tips & Apps
• iThink iNeed iPad for Real Estate
• The iPad and Real Estate: What You Need to Know
• iPad for Realtors – Part 1: Apps – It Will Be How They Find You
• iPad for Realtors – Part 2: Facebook and Google
• 5 Ways iPad Will Reinvent Real Estate for Agents in the Next 5 Years
• Is iPad a real estate tool or toy? (requires INMAN News membership)
• Apple iPad for Real Estate Agents

There are probably many more blog posts and articles about using the iPad for real estate that I have missed, so feel free to share any that you’ve come across by adding the links in the comments below.

I know that I’ve learned a lot about the Apple iPad from these other real estate specific experts.  Where before I had my doubts about the iPad being useful for business, after actually seeing and playing with an iPad I can definitely see the potential for use in real estate.   (Also, it’s great for playing games!)

I haven’t personally spoken to any real estate agents using an iPad, so I’d love to hear your feedback about how you’re using your iPad for your business.  What Apps are you using?  What do you find works great?  What doesn’t?

**Contest is now closed.  Stay tuned for more great giveaways from Point2 Agent.**  Don’t have an iPad yet?  Well, if you’re in Canada, we have good news for you.  You still have a week to be entered into a draw to win a brand new Apple iPad (16GB Wi-Fi + 3G) during our special promotion.  All you have to do is purchase a Spotlight Ad for Point2 Homes before July 31 (that’s just 5 more days, folks!) and you’ll be automatically entered into the draw.  Full promotion details can be found here.

Can I expect to see you at the NAR Convention this weekend?

If so, Point2 would love to host you for a little cocktail reception/technology discussion/focus group kinda thing on Sunday the 15th at 5:30.

What we’re hoping for is to gather a variety of opinions from REALTORS about the technology they use, they technology they’d like to use, and the technology they HATE USING!

(Just want to get your opinions – I’m not selling timeshares, Slap Chops, Snugglies or anything else for that matter, I promise )

If you’re interested, the beverages are on us, and we’d love to hear from you – please send me an email at feedback at Point2 dot com and I’ll get back to you with the details.

Point2 customers & non-customers welcome!

See you there.