About a month ago I received an email here at RealtyTechBytes.com from a reader asking me to review a product that he has invented and is currently selling.

I wrote back and explained that I don’t do product reviews per se, unless I actually own and use the product.  He wrote back and offered me a free product in exchange for the review.  I wrote back and said that I couldn’t do that either, but I did offer him a way that we could work together in a way that would benefit both of us and you the readers.  More on that at the end of this article, so be sure to read all the way through.

The product is the Pole Pixie and the reader who brought it to my attention is John Hokkanen, who is not only the inventor, he’s also a real estate broker in San Diego! John created the product in order to give all of his listings the benefit of aerial photography without the expense of hiring helicopters.

The concept is straight forward, and the execution is exquisitely simple.  John has developed an adapter that screws onto the end of a painter’s pole (Or even a broom stick).  Once that is in place, you simply screw your camera on to the adapter using the camera’s tripod mounting hole.  The adapter has the necessary 1/4 20 screw in place.

There is also a foam “plate”  available that can be used to keep the camera from touching the ground when you lay the assembly down.  An added benefit is the bright “arrow” on the plate that helps you aim the camera when you are actually using the device. (This is an additional item)

Operation depends on your camera.  If your camera has a remote control, or remote trigger, then simply hoist the camera up, aim it, and press the remote trigger.  If your camera has a delayed shutter, you can use that feature.  Much more information (Including a gallery of photos showing “before and after” shots) is available at the Pole Pixie web site.  Although not mentioned on the site, the pole pixie can also be used with the Flip video camera.

If you take the pictures for your listings, or if you are shooting some video for your listings, I’d recommend that you get this device.  It’s small, it’s simple and it does what it claims to do.  And it’s only $29.95.  (If you want the foam plate it is an additional $19.95)

The prices I have quoted are from the Pole Pixie web site as of June 6, 2010 and may be different depending on when you read this.  Check the web site for the latest prices and ordering information.

Earlier I told you that I had worked out a way for every one to benefit from this review.  Here it is.  I asked John if he would mind if I gave it away to one of my readers.  He agreed, so here are the details. If you would like me to give you the review Pole Pixie (and Foam Adapter Plate) that John sent to me, simply leave a comment on this post, telling me that you would like the Pole Pixie. On Sunday, June 13th, I’ll pick one name at random from all who have commented and I’ll send you the Pole Pixie.  All you have to do is leave a comment.  I think it would be nice for the winner to also thank John as well.

Quick disclaimer, if you receive the Pole Pixie you agree to be responsible for any taxes that might accrue as a result of me giving you this device.  You also agree that I am simply passing the device along and that I do not warrant it in any way.

That’s it.  Go learn more at http://www.PolePixie.com

Even if you don’t receive the review device, you’ll still end up with information that can help you sell more listings!