What are some useful real estate applications if you own a blackberry?
I'm a long time user (6-7 years) of blackberries (bb) but relatively new to real estate. I have tried to summarize some of the basic and optional applications I am aware of. Please feel free to comment, or add, if you are aware of anything else that could be useful in real estate. I own the 8703e version and I'm on the Verizon's CDMA network
1. Basics
- Email - This unit is specifically designed for email. I have a private and an business mail, both of which are pushed to my bb. Works terrific, I just wish I could get the mail instantly. It takes a few minutes before it shows up on the bb (I don't have the exchange server solution). I love the keyboard as I can type pretty fast with my thumbs.
- Phone- It's bulkier than a small phone, but the 8703 is pretty sleek. Great speakerphone
- Contacts - Love the fact that I can quickly pull up any contact quickly and then easily choose to send an email, text message, make a phone call, or an instant PIN msg (if they're a bb user).
- SMS - yes, you can send SMS (text msg) as well
- Calender, tasks - easily switch between agenda view and "normal" view
- Memopad - I use this a lot. For example to take notes, shopping list to the grocery store, ideas
- Calculator- use it sometimes, but it's only a basic calculator (no mortgage calc)
- Passwords (Neat and secure place to store all your user id/passwords). I use this a lot.
All of the applications above synchronize with outlook on my laptop.
2. MLS property listing
This works well as the internet connection is fast.
3. Broandband modem for my laptop
One of the better and useful features, for me. Through the built-in modem in the bb, I connect my laptop and immediately have broadband access anywhere. There's an extra $15 per month charge for this feature. The bb battery is charged when it's connected to the laptop.
4. 411Berry
This application is just fantastic and it's free. It allows me to find pretty much anything. A client was looking for a specific store and if they're open. The people around us had heard about it but weren't sure where it was. I typed in the name and instantly the address and phone number shows up on the screen. It even asks if you want to call the store. I did and let the client talk to the store. Amazing and pretty impressive. Here's the link
http://www.thebogles.com/blog/projects/berry411/
5. News, stocks, weather etc
With the blackberry you can of course surf the internet and get all kinds of info from the internet.
6. Google Maps
I haven't used this that much, but it sure looks impressive that you can even see pictures of homes from the satellite. I have downloaded google maps on my bb.
7. Mortgage calculator/affordibility calculator
I haven't found anything free, but I found a link to a basic one where you can download it for $10. I haven't done that. I use my own calculator and a couple of links to good internet calculators using my laptop.
If there are any other applications you've found useful for the blackberry, or any links to useful applications, or any neat tricks/tips, I'd very much appreciate it. Many thanks, /Goran
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