So you've created an account and want to get started. Here's a quick guide to walk you through adding your first Smart Folder, and sharing it with your client.
First up, you need to add a client to Folio.
To do this, you can either approve one of Folio's suggestions, or manually add your own.
If Folio found a relevant suggestion, go ahead and approve it by selecting which side you represent.
If you're using the Chrome extension, simply click on the Folio menu button in your account, and select one of the suggestions. It'll appear gray in your folders list. The folder will be named after the client if we think they are pre-contract. If we think the transaction is under contract, the folder will show up as the property's address.
After clicking on the suggestion, you'll see a prompt like the one below. Simply click the relevant button to indicate which side(s) you represent, and you've added your first Smart Folder!
If you aren't using the Chrome extension, simply visit our website, and you'll find your folder suggestions at the top of your homepage. Click the ADD button under the suggestion, and select the side you represent.
If Folio didn't find a good suggestion, don't worry, you can manually add your folder. To create a Smart Folder manually, simply click the "Add Smart Folder" button. You can find it on the website pretty easily, and if you're using the Chrome extension, it's an option under the Folio menu button.
To manually add your own Smart Folder, fill in the relevant details.
Now you've got a Smart Folder!
If you've added a client under contract, Folio will prompt you for some basic information to quickly set things up.
First up, you'll be asked to identify all the people involved in the transaction or simply add your prospective client's email address(es).
This is your opportunity to identify and add relevant contacts too. You'll need to at least identify the buyer or seller to continue.
Don’t worry; this will not share anything with any of the contacts!
Next, you'll be asked to add the key dates.
For a buyer Smart Folder, the key dates are offer accepted and estimated closing. For a listing, it's those two, and the listing agreement signed date.
Adding in key dates help create the skeleton for the timeline.
Don't worry if you don’t have any dates yet. Click on the "Skip smart folder setup" or "I don't have these dates" option to skip this step. You can add the dates later.
Continuing from there will take you to the timeline website. You'll notice it has already pulled in a picture of the property from Google Street View, and has some of the information you've added already there.
And with that, you have a basic timeline website.
With a few small additions, it can become a valuable resource for your clients.
The key dates are there, but there's obviously a lot more to be added before the timeline is ready to be shared. Adding additional events to your timeline is easy. When you're viewing your timeline, look for the ADD DATE button located at the top of the timeline.
A popover will appear where you can add your event.
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Start with giving the event a name
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Add a relevant date or provide a time frame based on the offer accepted date
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Click Save
Folio makes it even easier by providing suggested dates, based on the type of smart folder you create. You'll see these appear on the timeline by default.
Clicking on one of the suggested dates makes it easy for you to simply add it to the timeline.
When adding events, you can provide all sorts of important information:
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Add a specific time for the event
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Annotate the event with a status (e.g. complete, in progress, etc.)
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Set a reminder to be sent on a specified date
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Add notes that might be useful to a viewer
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Set visibility options to limit who can the event (e.g. private events just for you)
You can learn more details about the additional options here.
When you feel good about the information added, this is a good time to send it to your client.
All you need to do to is click the share button.
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Find and click on the share button above your timeline
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Enter the name or email address of the person(s) you want to invite
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Choose how you want to share the Smart Folder: "view only" or "can edit"
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Review or customize the email message
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Click Send
Congrats! You have shared your first timeline.
Common Questions
What do recipients of a shared timeline get?
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They'll receive an email invitation (from your email address) to the timeline
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They can access the timeline from any device, and it works beautifully
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They'll receive email reminders to events that you've set reminders for
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They'll be notified when you make changes to the timeline
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They'll get reminder text messages to all events if they opt to receive text alerts
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If you opted to share with edit permission, learn more about that here
Will this share my emails or documents?
No, Folio never shares your emails or documents.
Can you preview what the timeline will look like?
Yes, you can preview the timeline by clicking on the eye icon at the bottom of your timeline.
How do I know who is shared on a timeline?
Click on the share button, and you will be able to see who the timeline is shared with and which permissions they have.
Can people on the timeline see other people’s email addresses?
No, Folio will not display anyone’s email address.
How do I unshare someone?
- On the timeline site, click on any of the avatars in the header. This will open the sharing settings.
- Click on the check (√)to the right of the person's name; it will turn into a "+".
- Click on Save Changes.
