It was all going so well.
I’d created my account. Entered in all my personal information. Walked through the steps to get my site up and running. And then it happened.
“Incorrect Browser. You require Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher to use Point2 Agent.”
WTF.
I wanted to like Point2Agent. I really did. I like their Point2 Homes search site, despite its eye-burning color combinations. The fact that you can create RSS and Google Earth feeds of any of your searches is very cool and something that all real estate search engines should emulate.
I like fact they give away their basic package for free as a way to get agents into their system, and that they don’t cripple the feature set in the process. I was even willing to overlook the hyperbolic suggestion that they are “The Most Popular Real Estate Software in the World.”
But alas. I couldn’t even try their system. So Point2 gets no points from me.
Forcing your customers to use a single browser, particularly one as security plagued as Internet Explorer, is a serious impediment and makes Point2Agent a no go. Frankly, I’m a little surprised that a company that supports cutting edge technologies on its consumer site, is still forcing customers to use an antequated browser like IE to access its agent side.
I would urge Point2 to make its software more accessible. Until it does however, if you’re a Realtor looking to take your business on to the Web, I’d say you’re better off sticking with a competing platform like Ubertor.
Finally, if you’re still using IE – dump it. You don’t know what you’re missing out on – tabbed browsing, plugins, themes and most importantly a far more secure Internet experience. Try any of the alternate browsers out there, my personal favorite is Firefox, but Camino or Safari are good alternatives on the Mac and the latest version of Opera is pretty slick too. You’ll be glad you switched.
