The future of real estate marketing, business productivity, and customer service is here. The iPad has arrived and if you think you don’t need another tech tool, think again. There are so many benefits of owning an iPad, both for personal and business use.
Let’s say you called all the local Apple stores today, managed to find an iPad just 90 miles away, and dropped everything to drive there on a mission (not even stopping to use the bathroom). Okay, you could have just added your name to the list on the Apple Website and waited patiently for a day or 2 (but what fun is that).
So you have the iPad now….time to put it to good use! To start, you need some apps. You won’t have the abundant choices like with the iPhone since it’s still early. But there are several iPad apps worth adding right away. Check out the following:
Zillow (free)- For home search and valuation. Strolling through a neighborhood with the map feature has never been so much fun!
Calc XT (free)- A side by side calculator and notepad. Make quick calculations on the jumbo calculator and scribble notes at the same time.
Keynote ($9.99)- Whether you use a Mac or PC, load, create, and share presentations.
Pages ($9.99)- The app I’m using at this very moment to type this post while I sip my coffee here at Starbucks. Use Pages to make lists, start docs, compose articles….and easily share your pages via email!
Photogenie ($3.99) &/or Camerabag ($2.99)- Two rockin’ photo editing apps. I have to say there are benefits to each. Photogenie offers a full suite of editing tools, while Camerabag has several filters and borders of which I’m a fan!
Houzz (free)- Beautiful photos offer design inspiration for just about any room in the house.
Tweetdeck & Twitteriffic (free versions)- If you’re a Twitter user, check out Tweetdeck for monitoring keywords and people. But I favor the actual twittering experience with Twitteriffic. For now, the free versions will suffice….but I’m really hoping Tweetie will be coming to iPad sooner than later!
Kayak (free)- Searching for and booking flights has never been easier because Kayak aggregates flights from Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, etc.
Now that you’re stocked with useful apps, that are also applicable to your business….you’re on the road to becoming a mobile agent! Go ahead and….
(1) Launch a listing presentation
(2) Preview property
(3) Provide your clients with a super cool tool while showing property
(4) Save and share important docs and forms
(5) Market your biz and listings on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
(6) Stay current with industry news and your favorite blogs
(7) Organize your to-do lists
(8) Bring the “wow” factor at your next open house or broker’s tour
MyTechOpinion
I actually have quite a few more ideas for usage that I will be expanding upon in future articles. But in my opinion, if you like useful tech tools and you want to differentiate yourself from the pack….it pays to be an early adopter of the iPad. If you’re thinking about scoring an iPad for your real estate business, you’re in luck because the iPad 3G was released today! However, the Wi-Fi enabled iPad may be easier to find. But, you’ll need a Verizon MiFi 2200 or Intelligent Mobile Hotspot to ensure that you have Internet access wherever you go!
Now you just gave me 7 more reasons to buy an ipad!
Do you know if Hootsuite available on the ipad? That is my all time fave app. I look forward to my next toy and thanks for the incentive. hehe!
I LOVE Hootsuite as well…but there is not an iPad app yet. However, you could access it via the Internet. It's still early so expect to see the release of more great apps over the next few weeks and months.
Hi Nik Nik I am a PC user and went to conference and saw this guy present it not impressed probably because I dont use any apple anything and I like to keep things simple but I do like your post and suggestions you rock!
Bridget- I'm actually a PC too! But after getting my first iPhone I became hooked on the functionality and design! So here I am 4 iPhones, 1 iTouch and 2 iPads later…..and lovin' them (so do my kids who have scored our leftovers). For me, it's mostly the ability to connect and share via a mobile device. And with all the great apps out there…going Apple for a mobile device makes real sense!
Hey Nicole,
I had to geek out and buy a 3G iPad on Friday. Stood in the line and all that
(I was like #40 in line)
Anyway, it's just such a cool toy!
Thanks for the post, I'm gonna check out a few of the apps you listed
Woohoo Matt! Congrats on your new toy! I hope you also scored yourself a case! When Reg and I got ours, the Apple cases we wanted were sold out so we got the Incase versions (which were actually rated higher)…but I think they are a bit bulky. Anyway, I stopped by our local Apple store yesterday….high-fived the peeps camped out in line and was also able to get the last 2 Apple cases I had originally wanted! Now what are you going to do when your kids want a turn playing with your new toy?
Bingo. I love mine and I'm with you. For the real estate biz, this will be the perfect tool. All the apps aren't in place, but it won't be long.
Without lugging around a notebook, you'll be able to instant on and search the MLS, check email, touch all your SM stuff, write a real estate contract – docusign it, send it, launch your listing presentation, while showing, instantly look stuff up on the internet, watch video, movies, listen to music, etc. and on and on.
It's has an amazing screen and the batteries last all day.
Super cool and useful.
Cheers.
The battery life rocks….among other things, and especially compared to the iPhone! There are some restrictions using the MLS with Safari right now….but there's another reason to LOVE what RPR is bringing to the table!
This is killing me, I've gotta get one! Just checked into some apps and pens available for hand writing – goodbye paper notebook.
The apps are a bit limited right now…but it IS early and we can expect iPad to rock our world as soon as more and more developers release new reasons to revolutionize our productivity!
iThink iNeed iPad for Real Estate – http://www.mytechopinion.com/2010/04/ithink-ineed…
RT <a rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/lisakenny">@lisakenny: iThink iNeed iPad for Real Estate – http://www.mytechopinion.com/2010/04/ithink-ineed…
I want one!! Just curious though re thoughts on the different models…16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB? How much memory is enough? Also, can ipad 3G be hooked up to a printer?
I was planning on getting the 32 GB and thought that would suffice. But for $100 more I decided the 64 GB was worth it! I also didn't wait for 3G, was planning to. However, I've been having issues with my Comcast service in my home office….so I opted to get a MIFI card instead. Now when it comes to printing…yes you can! I haven't yet tried that feature out myself, but I plan to check out Eurosmartz's "Print Central for iPad" (which is $9.99)….there is also a free app "Print n Share".
Definitely worth the expense, even if not for the business productivity of it (the personal enjoyment factors are huge!!!!).
You got that right! It's just a super cool toy to play with no matter how you look at it!
G'Day Nicole, you're just down right teasing us here in Australia. We don't have the Ipad yet and Apple tell us we're probably still a month away!. Can you imagine our envy and jealousy (and frustration!) every time we read another post telling us how great the Ipad experience is. I am so pumped about getting one and getting a great head start on the competition. Thanks for sharing your tips. Much appreciated!
Cheers!
Peter Brewer from Australia
facebook.com/petethepro
Well, look at the bright side….you will be so well-informed that once you do get that iPad in your hands, you'll be able to really have some fun, and make great use of it!
Quick question, is there a Zipform 6 App yet? Can we do contracts yet???
No Zipform 6 yet. It's really early in the game so plan on waiting for awhile for companies to catch up!
I love apple, and I was the biggest fan of the iPad when I heard about it. I thought it would be a game changer, but I didn't even expect this success. Great apps here, I would highly recommend getting and iPad for real estate!
AWESOME!!! Another great app that I'm loving right now is "Dropbox"….for easy access to all the files I need on the go!
You sold me! I am sending my assistant out to get one tomorrow!
Awesome! Can't wait to hear what you think! I must admit…my parents are brokers and they came over today for Mother's Day brunch….and left completely SOLD on getting one for their biz!!!
Hey NikNik,
i'm actually working on an iPad that i would love for you to help beta test. Would it be possible for you to send me an email at amachado @ gmail.com? I loved your write up and want to get your opinion about it.
Andrew
Personally, I am holding off and getting an Android device. More open, easier to work with and they OS is growing by leaps and bounds. It is the future of open, and it sounds like it will be paired with Verizon. So, you'll get a connection about anywhere.
D
Dave I was thinking the same thing. I love Google Docs and Google Chome/ Is there any reason not to wait,?
I keep seeing $9.99 for this app and $9.99 for that app. Am I missing something?
iThink iNeed iPad for Real Estate – http://www.mytechopinion.com/2010/04/ithink-ineed…
Nicole,
Great post, great list!
One thing I might add to it: Things for iPad: http://culturedcode.com/things/ipad/.
Keep on rockin’ in a free world! Can’t wait to have you on #RTB on the Radio on Tuesday! http://budurl.com/e8mu
Best,
Michael
iThink iNeed iPad for Real Estate http://tinyurl.com/25nq8bl
Real estate is one field I think the iPad can really help out in. I have the iPad and I could see it being very useful.
Using the iPad to do all my pre-listing presentation and my listing presentations. Sellers love it.
Hi Nik, you know what though, a tablet pc is an awesome alternative to the iPad. Here is a good comparison of the Ipad and a Tablet PC for anyone who is interested:
http://joshuamorse.com/2010/01/28/apple-ipad-vs-t…
I have a few specific tablet recommendations on my website: http://www.gopaperless.com/Products-New.aspx
The RED tablets come loaded with all the software you as a real estate agent need to succeed.
Check it out!
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Yes the iPad was geared to a mobile job description like a Real Estate agent. If I was out meeting with clients looking for properties, finding new clients, reviewing documents, and managing photos of properties the iPad would be a must have to keep pace. Additional piece of technology if you can find a wifi iPad is the new Sprint HTC EVO. This phone is pushing to be the 1st 4G smartphone, but better than that is that it has MiFi. Yes this phone allows for tethering right out of the box no need to jailbreak. You create a mobile hotspot instantly and can run up to 5 devices. I use this at work with my personal laptop all the time and works like a charm. Plus if your Client needs a connection to use their iPad or computer you can hook them up. Full service tech real estate agent – Bam! Bet they come back when they want to buy and sell again. They will see customer service, innovative, and always online working for them.
It's certainly my go to device at the end of a day staring into my desktop monitors.
I am not so sure that its a device for doing, all this speak of using it to sign contracts and rewriting the rule book for real estate technology seems quite a reach. I do think though that its a cute device to show clients your presentation on, and you can certainly wow them with your comfort with technology.
As a real estate web developer, you have to have one to check that your real estate sites display properly on it…thats my excuse anyway!
Sure that its a device for doing
REAL ESTATE
A customizable listing presentation foap for the ipad hmm now theres an idea…
I've been using tablets to do deals on for years. I've never had a problem getting people to sign a document on screen, in fact they can't wait to do it. I will be picking up an ipad2 or maybe ipad3?!? in the next 10-12 months as soon as mlxchange works on it and once webforms (a product used in Canada to save prepare and distribute contracts virtually). Everything else is rich creamy gravy but those two sites are the backbone of my business. I can hardly stand waiting for it. The idea of carrying something so light around is crazy good.
I just wish Apple would support flash already… I had to buy a Motorola Xoom to show agents our virtual tour product, because we have a flash-based viewer… Now we create YouTube video with our tours, partly just so that ipad and iphone users can view them… That issue aside, I like the iPad viewing screen better than the Xoom's – it's brighter… In my opinion, either of these two are excellent tools for Real Estate Agents.
Formulator is not compatible with the i pad. Also, the mls system does not run as fast since it’s not originally made for it. I will wait. It is more of a toy. If you can not look of listings quickly, download disclosures, and send e-mails with attachments without downloading an app, then it seems really unpractical for this business at this time. I am excited about Docusign though!!
I have a major dilemma at hand. I'm just entering the RE field…hope to take the state exam before Christmas. My laptop's motherboard recently fried and my other system at home is a 6-year-old desktop PC that I've hardly touched. I'd like to get an iPad, but I was hoping to wait and see what the "rumored" iPad3 will feature. I know I'll need tech for my new career, but what would be the best choice right now? Another laptop…or tablet PC…or go ahead with the iPad2? I'm pretty proficient with tech, so how to use it isn't the problem. I just don't want to buy a laptop and find out an iPad would have been better for RE, or vice versa.
We're looking for brokers that work on office leases to help us beta test a new iPad app.
Everyone who helps out gets a free copy of the application.
If you're interested in participating email us at ipad@RECDC.com
Thanks
Bruce
Is there an industry standard for the processor. Not sure whether to get the 16, 32, or 64 bit processor..
Check this book out “REO BOOM” has over 400 pages on the entire REO Process. Follow the “REO FARM” method to become a successful REO Listing Agent and start making $$$
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/2651/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_b_1_4_last
great article I’ll be passing on to all my RE clients, thanks for your hard work!