Save a search, save to prospect, what's the difference? What does each one do? Aren't they the same thing? The answers: big, something completely different, and no.

Let's start with Save a Search. This is the one you want to do to save the search criteria for a prospect, or for any time you want easy access to specific search criteria. The search criteria is the list of fields that will give list the properties that match: status, area, bedrooms, bathrooms, features, etc. There's a Save Search option on the Quick Search screen, ProSearch screen, and even on the Search Results screen. Personally I like the one on the ProSearch screen the most (it's easiest), but any of them will get the job done.

Confusion can set in if you wait until the Search Results page to save your search criteria. On that screen are two options for saving: the Save icon (looks like the old fashioned floppy disk), and the Save to Prospect button.

Save to Prospect is an option that allows you to save a list of properties to a particular prospect. To use this, you have to have the prospect record already set up and saved. Check mark the listings you want, then click the Save to Prospect icon. Highlight the prospect's name, and click the Save button. The system will hold those listings in the # Properties column on the prospect's record.

So, the big difference between Save and Save to Prospect is what's being saved. The Save option saves the search criteria. Save to Prospect saves a list of properties to the prospect.

If you have any questions, please call us at 850-244-2411, or email susan@ecaor.com.

Susan Beck, MLS Director
Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS
Fort Walton Beach, FL

ECAR members are among the best around, and we want you to be recognized among your peers across the state. Florida Realtors® is accepting nominations for their 2012 Awards. If you know of someone who fits any of these categories, submit their name to ECAR so we can help them be recognized by Florida Realtors® for their contributions. *Self-nominations are encouraged, too.*

Individual Education Achievement Award – Individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the educational needs of Association members at the local, district, state, and national levels for the past five years. Awarded by Florida Realtors at Florida Realtors Convention in August.

Realtor® Environmental Award (ENVY) – Showcases residential OR commercial developments that celebrate Florida’s natural quality of life; residential developments must have a minimum of 30 units located in Florida and be available for marketing with a model home. Awarded by Florida Realtors at Florida Realtors Convention in August.

Newcomer Award – Newcomers have been Realtor® members for 3 years or less (as of May 31, 2012) with contributions at the state association; a high level of ethics and spirit of cooperation; community service; and a commitment to professional development. Awarded by Florida Realtors at Florida Realtors Convention in August.

Humanitarian Award – The Humanitarian Award focuses on Realtor® contributions through volunteerism within the community; honorees typically dedicate their time to one project or organization. Awarded by Florida Realtors at Florida Realtors Convention in August.

Realtor® Achievement Award – Honoring the one Realtor® (broker of record, manager, or officer of a company) who contributed the most to their community, local association, state association, and national association over the past three years. Awarded by Florida Realtors at Florida Realtors Convention in August.

Commercial Realtor® Achievement – Honoring a Realtor®, based on lifetime contributions to the commercial activities of their local association, state association, national association, and contributions to the community. Awarded by Florida Realtors at Florida Realtors Convention in August.

Associate Realtor® of the Year – Honoring an Associate Realtor® (serving their company as a salesperson) based on the nominee’s lifetime contributions to the local association, state association, national association, and community. Awarded by Florida Realtors at Florida Realtors Convention in August.

Realtor® of the Year – Honoring a Realtor®, based on the nominee’s lifetime contributions to their local association, state association, national association, and community. Awarded by Florida Realtors at Florida Realtors Convention in August.

Let us know who you think qualifies for any of these awards. Submit your nominations to Michaela at michaela@ecaor.com or 850-243-6145 by June 1, 2012.