By now we all have smart phones, and many of us tablets, too. But how we use them is the pertinent issue. Are you utilizing everything these computer-like objects have to offer – or are you still just using them for phone calls, emails and Angry Birds? Ok, so maybe that was a little harsh. But there really are so many ways to make our jobs (and lives) easier by downloading a few apps here and there – especially in the world of real estate. As real estate virtual assistants, it is a part of our job description to stay up-to-date on anything and everything to make
Show your clients that you are a true real estate expert and community resource using these surefire apps!
Every Block: Pull this app up at a showing, and you will instantly be loved. When looking for a home, the safety of the area or neighborhood is a huge factor to any home buyer. With Every Block, you can look up all of the recent activity in a neighborhood, including crimes, fire alerts, foreclosure homes, real estate listings, restaurant inspection reports and even local deals and coupons! If you haven’t tried this app yet, give it a go (after all, it’s free!). You will love seeing what you can find.
PowerOne Financial Calculator: There are many online calculators out there, but this one is available to you (for $5.99) at your fingertips. Having a mortgage calculator on hand will be tremendously helpful when meeting with a client who hasn’t been pre-approved or met with their lender yet. While it won’t 100% accurate and cannot be used as an alternative to an actual pre-approval, it will help you help your client know what they can afford quickly and efficiently – and get you out there showing homes. Along with being a handy mortgage calculator, this tool can also figure investment income, compound interest, and even perform complicated algebraic equations.
Yelp: You’re at a meeting with a client who is new to the area. After overhearing them discussing where they will go for dinner, you pull out your iPhone and quickly look up options on Yelp. They are amazed at your app abilities and just like that, they trust you even more. Maybe that is a little optimistic, but a simple app like Yelp can be extremely handy when working with clients. It helps you show off your community knowledge and makes you look like a true expert. One more thing – it’s free!
Around Me: Have you ever gone to a showing or open house where you weren’t super familiar with the area? Around Me is perfect for that. Look like a community expert even in unfamiliar surroundings by finding anything from banks, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theatres and more. Similar to Yelp, Around Me grabs your location and does the work for you. The app is free and will even give you directions from your location.
iWork Suite: More for the real estate agent and less for the client, iWork Suite helps you complete projects on the go. For just 10 bucks you can get Apple ported Pages, Numbers and Keynote (Word, Excel and Powerpoint on a PC). They may not have the complete functionalities of the desktop versions, but can definitely help you with anything on-the-go (and real estate agents are always on the go, right?) It can also help you when dealing with your clients. Show them your real estate marketing presentation with ease using Keynote – in your office or at a showing!
So which of these are you already using? Go beyond Facebook and Twitter and get equipped with these apps that can help you in both your career and everyday life. As real estate virtual assistants, we have the opportunity of staying up to date on anything tech or real estate. If you find yourself needing more time in your day, contact us for a complimentary needs assessment!
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