What is a Database and Why do I need One?

A Database is a list of people or businesses.

For our Real Estate Investing purposes it could include buyers, sellers, bird-dogs, prospects and other items deemed relevant.

The information usually contained in a database would usually include names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers and websites if applicable.

If you were to search “databases” in a search engine, you would find many, many different types with different features designed for maintaining contact with people or businesses, previous transactions and any other interest that they might have.  You would also be able to input data about the types of houses and locations that they prefer.  This is instrumental in referring back to your history with the contact and assists in managing these very important relationships.

Database Software

This type of software can help you to manage daily responsibilities, communicate more effectively and keep contact details in one place.

ACT! 2009 Contact Manager is a popular system and I’m told that Chaos Contact Manager and  Prophet Contact Manager are good ones to use also.

This software can help you to organize and automate your real estate business to a higher degree because it allows you to access files, refer to suppliers that you used in the past and keep your buyers and sellers at the forefront of your business plan.

It’s even possible to set up call reminders, birthdays and much more to help build and maintain those important relationships.

example follows