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Portland Area Real Estate Blog - "Did I say that already?"

Information and random comments from real estate agents around the world. Sometimes helpful. Sometimes funny. Sometimes both or neither!

GPS Driving Assistants - Why did I wait so long???!!!!

By: Phil Anderson
Thursday, February 15, 2007 9:04 PM

I'm pretty tech-forward, but a few years ago I heard some negative remarks about the available GPS units for cars which gave directions for driving to specific locations, so I blew them off, waiting for better technology.

I read an article last week in one of the many real estate magazines I get (somehow), and there was kind of a "Consumer Reports" article in it about the newest GPS units.  I was surprised at how low the prices had dropped.  They used to be around $1000 to $1500, installed, and you needed a CD player, and maybe even needed to subscribe to a service.

Well, for those that don't know, now prices start around $200, and they are really just plug and play!   I am testing out the Garmin nuvi 360 now and just love it.  It's portable and priced around $500.  It's simple to operate (for simple me), with a nice bright display panel that is easy to read. 

I showed 14 homes today and only had one problem trying to find one new construction address that is not on any maps, so I can't blame this unit.  (Of course, the listing agent could have given some decent directions in the listing, but I'll save that rant for another thread.)

If you've not tried one, and have an interest, see if you can give one a test run (my store let me buy it, and I can return within 5 days). 

And all I can say is they can have my Garmin nuvi 360 back when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.... I am in love....  

 

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Comments

Gloria Losie
Member Since '06

Gloria Losie said:

You are so right.  I bought one a year ago and it has been the best investment I could have made.  You can even take this to different states and navigate perfectly.

Gloria Losie

February 16, 2007 6:08 AM
Emil Ratti
Member Since '03

Emil Ratti said:

I have been using Honda/Acura Nav system for about two years and it is the greatest!!!!!

But like any tech product, have a backup system.

February 16, 2007 7:26 AM
Ritu Desai
Member Since '04

Ritu Desai said:

I have it on my MDX and cannot live with out one. Even when my son was getting potty train it was easy to look up nearest 7-11. For business its the best thing. My clients love it because we don't waste time and gas driving around the area to find the home. Another advantage I save on printing direction.

February 16, 2007 9:04 AM
James Smith
Member Since '03

James Smith said:

Phil,

I got a TomTom 510 and love it.  I sometimes find myself second guessing it as old habits are hard to break when it suggest a route to take.  I have found that it does know the city better than me...

February 16, 2007 9:43 AM
Lew Corcoran
Member Since '03

Lew Corcoran said:

I have a Magellan - I almost want to say it's the best thing since sliced bread - but I won't.

My GPS is great! No more getting lost or trying to figure out where to turn.  It'll even tell me how long it will take to get there, I can call ahead of time for those who are wating for me and let them know when I'll be there.  

If I have to take a detour becuase of road construction or an accident, it will automatically draw up a new route for me.

No more trying to read tiny print on maps, and certainly no more guessing which route to take. My GPS will get me there!

February 16, 2007 10:06 AM
Nina Rocus ABR, ASP, e-Pro
Member Since '05

Nina Rocus ABR, ASP, e-Pro said:

I agree!  My GPS is the best investment I have made in this business.

Being a new agent I got the Garmin unit a few months after I started.

It sometimes might take you a little out of the way, but as long as it gets me there that's all that matters to me.  If you have clients in the car, you are trying to talk, read listing directions and drive at the same time.....!!!  These units will save us from a lot of accidents and also from a lot of lost time driving around trying to find a property!  They are the best thing ever for anyone in our business!  If you don't have one get one!  It's a safety issue!

February 16, 2007 10:28 AM
Mary Welch
Member Since '04

Mary Welch said:

My husband got me a Garmin GPS for Christmas, however, it had so many bells and whistles on it I made him take it back. I told need all the extras, music, etc. just DIRECTIONS, I was born without bearings so mine has helped me ALOT. I call her 'Miss Daisy" from "Driving Miss Daisy" as she gives me directions. One flaw, she doesn't understand when it has rained and a rural road is muddy, other than that it is perfect!! Highly recommend!!!

February 16, 2007 12:25 PM
Rick  Belben
Member Since '06

Rick Belben said:

I have had one for about 1 year now and it is the best thing I have bought in a long long time.  No more printing out directions from listing to listing. No having to look down at maps to follow the turns. This is a true timesaver!!!

I show homes in a wide range of areas and although i know the major roads i do not know all the subdivision ones but I do not have to with this baby!

I have a magellan  I think it is the 500 model and I just recently bought a second one (the 800) for my other vehicle so I do not have to take it in and out  between the vehicles.

I purchased both of mine at costco and the prices keep coming down.  They both have more features than I need - you can even download music and pictures to them.

February 16, 2007 2:48 PM
Phil Anderson
Member Since '04

Phil Anderson said:

Honest to gosh I showed 13 homes in a row today (client from out of state and we were ALL OVER the metro area!).  I'll bet I saved at least 1, maybe 2 hours using the GPS system.

And I'm SO much more relaxed afterward.  Still weary, but not from diggin' for the map, lookin' for signs, etc.  Just "work weary" like when you finish a nice work out at the gym!  

February 16, 2007 11:13 PM
June Mellor
Member Since '05

June Mellor said:

I agree! My Garmin GPS was my first splurge when I got my license 2 years ago. It certainly has made showings so stress-free.  

March 13, 2007 1:06 AM

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