Fuzzy cell phone reception and a lack of broadband Internet choices doesn’t bode well for the future of apartment communities, according to a survey by the National Multi Housing Council, a national group representing apartment firms.

While 94 percent of respondents to the group’s Apartment Renter Technology Survey stated that technology didn’t have much to do with the selection of their current apartment, respondents said that high-speed Internet, good cell phone reception and a choice of service providers might be important choices when they move.

The survey of about 1,000 renters was conducted by SatisFacts Research LLC.

A new security product that aims to protect real estate data by eliminating password theft debuted last week.

Clareity Security has launched a new authenticator device for use with its SafeMLS product. TEXT-pass is a patented new technology that delivers one-time passwords to the end-user’s mobile phone as a text (or SMS) message. It is now available to the real estate, mortgage, title and settlement services industries.

The Pinellas Realtor Organization tested the Clareity product in January, the company said. PRO members currently use the keychain-sized SAFEMLS token device to generate one-time passwords for MLS access. TEXT-pass users requested passwords via text message instead of using the token device.

Q: I live in a 1940s flat that was once wallpapered with a heavily textured, old-fashioned, velvet wallpaper — probably red. The wallpaper was hung in all of the living areas of the home and has many, many coats of flat paint over it, which has covered some of the texture. But because the texture is so pronounced, the old-fashioned pattern of the wallpaper still remains. I would like smooth walls in the living and dining areas of my home, but because I rent, I don’t want to incur the expense or the big job of taking off the many layers or replacing the walls with new drywall. Would it be possible to use drywall compound to smooth out and fill in all of the patterns and texture of the wallpaper?

Until 2004 the Savanna Club Worship Service Inc. conducted its worship services in the Savanna Homeowners Association clubhouse or common areas. But the homeowner association received numerous complaints from its members regarding use of the common areas for religious services.

One of the reasons for the complaints was such usage was contrary to the stated purpose of making the common areas available for use and enjoyment of the members of the association.

After receiving numerous complaints, the association conducted an informal vote of its members. They voted 714 to 434 to prohibit religious services in their common areas.

When David Ursery began working as a buyer’s agent for Reece and Nichols Realtors eight months ago, he wanted to find a way to meet people and find potential clients. He found that solution through MySpace.com, a social networking Web site.

“I needed to find a way to network that wasn’t intrusive,” Ursery said. He said he found asking people to add him as a friend on MySpace less intrusive than knocking on doors or making cold calls.

When a friend request is made, a message is sent to the potential friend and must be approved before MySpace will recognize the connection.