News & Views 3.29.2012

Deciding on which session to go to was a tough choice for many of the 100-plus attendees at the CAAR 2012 Spring Fling. The event, held on Thursday at Farmington Country Club, offered a completely new menu of classes with special emphasis on taking technology tools to the next level.

 

The day started off with 50 tech tips for MLS, including keyboard shortcuts and improving startup speed.  In the advanced MLS class, participants learned how to: set defaults for faster searches; use extended search features; and add an HTML signature to List-It emails.

Attendees also learned the dos and don’ts of working with digital cameras. Local professional photographer and instructor Victoria Dye reviewed everything REALTORS® need to know in photographing their properties, from what camera setting to use for the best results in shooting in fluorescent vs. incandescent and indoor vs. outdoor environments to composition and how to follow the rule of thirds (grass, house and sky).

 

“In a room, try to place all of the elements so it’s pleasing,” the award-winning photographer said. “You don’t want to shoot from the back of the sofa, because you’re going to trip over it when you walk through the space.”

 

William James brought attendees up-to-speed on cloud computing solutions. A national authority on handheld computing and mobile technology, Williams advised participants in selecting the right mobile apps tailored to the agent-client relationship. He explored a wide range of online tools at REALTORS®’ fingertips, such as building a client relationship management system; managing and collaborating on contracts and documents; and creating flexible, customizable Web-based calendars. Williams lead another session in the afternoon devoted solely to smartphones, tablets and other devices to create the ultimate mobile office.

 

The 100-year photographic history of Charlottesville, presented by professional photographer Steve Trumbull during lunch, was wildly popular with attendees.

 

Building your brand and business online was a hot topic in the afternoon. Marijean Jaggers, a reputation management expert and president of Jaggers Communications, shared valuable trends in social media and the benefits of managing an online identity. In particular, she emphasized research results that small businesses that blog regularly get 55 percent more Web site visitors.

 

“Drive people back to your home base from email and social media profiles,” Jaggers said.

 

“People are going to develop a trust with what’s behind the brand.”

 

The last program to wrap-up for the day covered the new Residential Standard Agency requirement for license renewals after July 1, 2012.

 

The Fluvanna SPCA is hosting Purrs & Paws, a mega adoption event, Saturday, March 31, 2012, 9am – 7pm at the Meadows Shopping Center beside PETCO, located at 1621 Emmet Street North,Charlottesville, near the intersection of 250 bypass and 29 business.

 

This adoption event is open to the public and admission is free. Families and adult individuals are encouraged to attend. The Fluvanna SPCA along with several other animal rescue groups will be present with dozens of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens looking for forever homes. The event will also feature pet merchandise and pet service providers, including photography, pet portraits, behavior training, and veterinary services. Obedience demonstrations will take place at 10am and 3pm.

 

The Fluvanna SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to rescue homeless pets and place them in good, loving homes. For more than two years, the FSPCA has been a no-kill animal shelter that also provides animal pound services to Fluvanna County. Events such as this one are vital to its goal of finding good homes for all healthy, adoptable pets. The ASPCA seeks to assist communities with ending needless euthanasia of adoptable animals simply due to lack of resources and awareness. The ASPCA has provided the FSPCA with a generous grant to make this adoption event possible.

 

For more information about the Purrs & Paws adoption event and on participating animal rescue groups, vendors, and service providers, please visit www.fspca.org.