In software development and tech entrepreneurship circles wise advisers speak of the MVP or minimum viable product, such that one may bring their business to the marketplace sooner than later. In other words, “What are the most essential, the bare minimum, inventory of tools needed in to competently complete job?”
My short list:
- Smart phone – mobile phone, email, calendar, social networking ($100 + $100/month)
- Gmail – mobile email, calendar, voicemail, + document collaboration (Free)
- Personal website – biography, client contact connection (Free via WP.com or $40/month)
- Dropbox – backup documents, files, and website (Free)
- Automated email marketing – passively deliver value to clients over time ($20/month)
- MLS membership – complete access to publicly available properties for sale and title records (~$300/year)
- Realtor membership – access to MLS, transaction forms, errors and omission insurance (~$100/year)
- Real estate salesperson license – Department of Real Estate approval to aid with the transfer of real property (~$300)
Total cost: $820 + $120/month
That sums it up. One does not need anything more than that. There may be shiny objects that will aid your efforts, but you don’t need more than what is listed above.