The fast-changing technology landscape continues to transform the way Realtors and the business of real estate operates. Local Realtors are responding to these changes and eager to learn about emerging technologies and how they can enhance their business and better connect with their tech-savvy clients.
It's a must to keep up with the latest technology trends and applications if you want to be successful at what they do, according to Keith Walker, a Realtor with Intero Real Estate Services. Walker recently shared his knowledge of the best applications available for tablets with members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
These days when more than eight out of 10 home buyers are accessing home information on their smart phones and tablets, so it is imperative that real estate agents do so too, according to Walker. When purchasing tablet, Walker recommends going big and selecting one with Wi-Fi, cellular data and large storage capacity.
Walker noted what is important is not the number of apps you have, but having the right apps for your business. Having the correct apps can enhance your productivity and heighten your effectiveness, said Walker.
Here are "must have" apps that Walker recommends for Realtors and anyone who would like to make their business more efficient:
Dropbox – An online data base system that allows you to store your files, access them or share them with others from anywhere.
iAnnotate - Allows the user to highlight, type or write on any PDF. It is great for documents, inspections, contracts. When contracts are signed, just drop in Dropbox.
Penultimate - a handwriting app that gives you the natural experience of writing on paper. Take notes, keep sketches, or share your ideas in the office, on the go, or at home.
Evernote – Walker describes this app as the "the mother of them all" because it lets you take notes, access existing notes, sync files across your devices, save webpages record for you. Supports notes in the following types: text, image, audio.
Sticky Notes – Helps you organize notes and create a work list.
List – A reminder or checklist.
Genius Scan – Walker describes this app as a "scanner in a pocket." It enables you to quickly scan documents on the go and email the scans as JPEG or PDF. Scan photos, PDFs, receipts, create folders, upload to Dropbox or Evernote.
MLS Source - By MLSListings, Inc. for real estate professionals, home buyers and sellers, using GPS location based technology, you can easily find listings located around you or search by entering a specific location, view properties on maps, search and filter by price, beds, bath, etc., and easily see all property details, including multiple photos, price, property details and descriptions.
Home Snap - Snap a photo of any house in the country to identify it and find out how much it is worth. Once you select the appropriate address, you're privy to photos and details such as the home's sale price, square footage, number of bedrooms, and estimated taxes.
CardMunch – This app owned by LinkedIn automatically recognizes, captures, transcribes, and creates the contact in the user's phone, straight from a business card.
Keynote - Makes it easy to create, deliver, and share stunning presentations.
Prezi - Creates non-linear presentations and lets you zoom in and out of a map containing all of your information. Can video and do voice overs. Great for business presentations.
"Technology plays an essential role in real estate. Members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors want to give their clients the best service they can and staying ahead of the latest technology trends helps us do that," said David Tonna, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.