Buyer's Guide: Cool Tools

BUYER’S GUIDE: Cool Tools

Virtual motivation

Planning and discipline are key when you work for yourself. The Performitor\System performance-management software develops a business plan based on your aspirations and helps you set and reach daily goals. The system includes a tracking tool that takes just a minute per day to use and generates reports that make it easy to see your progress in specific areas. $129.99 for software only; workshop and one-on-one coaching available for an extra fee. Performitor LLC, Ann Arbor, Mich.; 877/787-0100; www.performitor.com/realestate.

A calculated decision

Carry this in your pocket for fast answers to your clients’ financial questions. The Qualifier Plus IIIFX, a specialty calculator for residential and commercial real estate, figures the income required to qualify for a property, best- and worst-case scenarios for adjustable-rate loans, and cash flow for investors, among other features. $79.95. Calculated Industries Inc., Carson City, Nev.; 800/854-8075; www.calculated.com.

Leap to easier typing

Frustrated with how long it takes to enter contact information into your PDA? FrogPad, a one-handed keyboard that’s compatible with many mobile communication devices, could end your woes. About the size of an index card, FrogPad has 20 standard-size keys arranged so the most-used keys are easiest to reach. Left-handed and Bluetooth wireless versions are available. Starts at $99.99. FrogPad, Houston; 713/529-4474; www.frogpad.com.

Make front-page news

This customized 12-page newspaper looks and reads like the real thing. Choose the title and fill the pages with real estate stories and fun features from syndicated columnists—or write your own content. The back page is for listings and ads promoting your Web site or unique services. Exclusive mailings to your market based on availability. 42 cents per copy for orders of 5,000, including design, printing, and mailing; price adjusted for smaller or larger orders. Custom House Publishers Inc., Worthington, Ohio; 888/493-7059; www.customhousepublishers.com.

Perfect travel companion

Put StreetPilot 2620 on your car’s dashboard to find the shortest and fastest routes, directions, and your estimated arrival time based on your speed. The portable GPS navigator comes with MapSource City Navigator. Use the color touch screen to tap into a database of more than 5 million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, and gas stations, or plug in your own destinations. Turn-by-turn voice navigation lets you keep your eyes on the road, not the screen. $1,300 suggested retail price. Garmin International Inc., Olathe, Kan.; 800/800-1020 for local dealers; www.garmin.com/products/sp2620.

Prices are the manufacturers' suggested retail prices at the time of publication and are subject to change. NAR doesn't evaluate or endorse these products and isn't responsible for changes in company information.