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The iPhone and Real Estate

Did you know Apple sold 1,000,000 iPhones the first weekend they came out? This is the $64,000 question. "Do I need an iPhone for Real Estate?" Now I could be bias and say yes just because I own one, but I'll be neutral and just explain why I think you should investigate. There are many of us in the industry who have been looking for and waiting for a phone that does it all. Is the iPhone it? I had written this post over a year ago when the iPhone was announced.

So how do you pick the right tool, with the right carrier, and at the right price with minimal amounts of stress and anxiety? You Don't, it's not possible, but this information might shed some light on how specifically the iPhone might be helpful in your Real Estate Business and the Industry.

These are some of the features I really like about iPhone:

Don't buy one just "BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE HAS ONE!" but of course if you did, you'd be able to talk to everyone else for FREE. Hmmm....

You can even create your own iPhone Web Applications.

Social networking: I like and use these apps and tools for connecting with others remotely:

Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Google Talk. WordPress, Typepad, LinkedIN, Google, Instant Messenger, Skype and Ebay. All FREE applications you can download, then access on the iPhone when you travel.

Entertainment and Pleasure: These "NEW" tech tools for iPhone are simply incredible awesome:

Pandora, Jott, Simplify, PayPal, AOL Radio, YellAir, Showtimes, Remote, Shazam, YouNote, Labyrinth, Puluwai. All of these can be found at the iTunes store or on-line at the Apple iPhone Store.

Trulia just announced their new application for iPhone, a tool that can "Search For Homes" and look-up "Open Houses". There are literally thousands of FREE applications coming out daily for the iPhone. Is this the 21st Century, WEB 2.0 tool we've all been looking and waiting for?

If you own an iPhone already, you can call me FREE - 24/7/365, and any other iPhone users that you may know. This could be one of the greatest social media and networking tools in the industry in that it allows us to connect with others across the country on multiple platforms. Phone, email, text, audio, video etc. It could also save us thousands in phone bills. A National Share Plan, of course this will only last as long as AT&T has the iPhone Service Plan exclusively.

I phone, do you?

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Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager on 08/26/2008 08:47 PM

Comments (151)

iphone, real estate

Originally posted at: Real Estate 2.0 Technology : The iPhone and Real Estate

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151 Comments on The iPhone and Real Estate

AUG

2008

:( No - I Verizon.... sure wish I could I Phone....

But before the AT&T Iphone matchup I got EVERYONE in my family on board with Verizon..... Maybe someday.

The iPhone, BlackBerries, Treos, you name it - they're great tools...as long as one uses their features and is comfortable with them. A left-handed taco folder is a great tool...but if you're right handed, or don't eat tacos much, what good is it?

Brad, Are you selling iPhones on the side? Thanks for the update, will be watching for next years tech.

Brad

I currently have a Treo, but I have been looking at the iPhone, I think at this point my next phone will be an Apple.

Good luck and success

Lou Ludwig

For additional information about Lou Ludwig go to www.LouLudwig.Com

Shucks I wish I was born 20 years later...technology would be a snap, right now though its intriguing but hard to grasp!

SOmetimes too much info and too much availablity hampers your personal life...you do have a personal life, right?

iPhone is an amazing tool for sure and for those who do not have AT&T service in your area...don't forget the iPod Touch.

I am a mac fanatic and would sure love to get an iphone when my ancient treo finally goes kaput, only 2 problems:

1)ATT offers shockingly weak coverage where I live ( just 5 miles outside a major University town) and

2) WHEN IS Supra going to get on board!!

I looked at jumping to a blackberry a couple months ago, when I initially started tip toeing into the Internet waters. Decided just to up my minutes until I could figure out the best plan.

Way too much new for me to hazard a guess as to which provider, phone, plan to choose.

Still probably not ready to move, but soon.

Does the Iphone work on any network?

Richard

Can't use it as an eKey yet... So, pointless. Not on T-mobile... So, pointless. It is a cool toy, but generally I like toys with a bit more horsepower.

I've been thinking about getting an Iphone but I can's seem to get past that price. I think I will just go for the Dash or Blackberry.

I've had the Palm & Windows Based Treos and had many technical problems with both platforms, to the point I quit using them. Bought an Audiovox 6800 and do not have the ease of data entry I had with the Treo. Have had problems with this one too. I may get an I phone after AT&T's two years are up and if Verizon gets those then. If not, I may change carriers. My son has a newer blackberry & loves it.

No AT & T for us; too bad, I'd love an iPhone. I've been looking at blackberry's - I'm almost afraid to buy one! Another addiction.

iPhone is the only way to go (that's me overstating it a little). But, really, it is by far the greatest tech gadget I have ever had. I have had one since the first week they came out in 07 (serial early adopter). What I especially love about it is that it does so much and still remains the most user friendly phone I have ever had! (pda or not). I am curious about the new Google phone in September (like I said, I am a serial early adopter), but I won't give up the iPhone for it.

Thanks for the post Brad,

I'm waiting for my current contract to end....can't wait to get my hands on the new iphone

AT&T service coverage isn't the greatest where I live, so I'll have to wait for Apple to extend service agreements with other providers. Until then, I plod along with my BB... with envy...

I love the I phone. I am currently back on the blackberry becuase I ran over my I phone. It does pretty much everything my laptop does and its a lot smaller.

I still want one .. but this is the year of needs over wants so I will hold on to my tero for a bit longer

Hi Brad;

I do not have a I Phone but I am very much interested. I will check it out.

Anthony

THe Iphone has been on my mind for some time. I am going to get one someday.

Last week I finally gave up my AT&T Tilt which is a Windows based mobile device and went to an iPhone. I'll never look back, the iPhone is a tremendous piece of technology. eMail and internet access are almost on par with a desktop. It is an extremely intuitive device and just about anyone can use it right out of the box. I have found that I have to manage the power though. Oh yeah, I haven't had to reboot it since I purchased it last week. My Windows was good for two or three reboots a day.

If I could wean myself off of the AT&T call forwarding cradle (lets me charge my phone and/or forward the cell to my home phone and not use cell minutes), I'll jump on the i-Phone bandwagon. I'm not going to like the upgrade in service plan from 450 to ??? minutes that will have to go along with the change, but I'm sure I'll love the phone and its features.

I don't think I need an iphone for anything. The cost of playing with a phone can buy a lot of exposure and help my business in ways I believe are more important than playing with a gaget. So, a simple cell phone is all we need.

Hello Brad. I I Phone...I had to. I dropped my Treo so much and there were so many pieces that had broken off of it, I couldn't use my touch screen anymore. It was a tough jump since I was one of the first to sport a Treo back in "olden" days and I'm still getting used to that blasted touch screen but I think overall I'm pretty happy with it. Do you know if there's a way to cut and paste???

Brad, After 2 years of hemming and hawing I got a Blackberry and I now wonder what was I waiting for. I love it. I can see that IPhone is my next move up. Thanks for all your great information

Hated my Treo... love my iphone, but I didn't even know a lot of what you have posted here... thanks!

Would love to I Phone, not much I coverage though so we I blackberry for now.

Hi Brad,

"i" agree that this phone is cool and I must admit that I do feel that my "Gadget Girl" title might be in jeopardy since I don't have this toy in my arsenal. Unfortunately, until the service matches the phone I will remain a confirmed Verizon user. And don't think for one hot minute that I haven't sat and spit nails when I think about the fact that the perfect marriage was almost made and that doofus in charge of Verizon let this slip through their (and thus my) fingers.

So, I am condemned to gaze longingly from afar. But I do have to say that I am totally in love with my LG EnV2. No, it doesn't do all the cool stuff the iPhone does but it totally rocks at handling the things that I really need my phone to do... give me clear reception and just plain work whether I am in the depths of a building or in the middle of the Desert. And, it has a full qwerty keyboard which makes life easier.

Thanks for sharing about all the neat stuff that is available. I am confident that soon these apps will be available for more than just iPhone.

Take care, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!

Tisza

3g is the BOMB!!!!

I have had about every cell phone you can get (yes, I have a big problem) Last year ATT had to replace my Treo 750 six, yes six times. Last time they sent me a Tilt. Tilt is a very, very good phone for folks that need WM6 and do a bunch of MS stuff on the phone.

Have had a iphone for about two weeks. By far the BEST unit on the market. Price is cheap. service is great. Now it will be interesting to see what this new round of telephones will offer (looks like Google may have a very intersting product coming very soon)

I had an i-Phone for about two weeks or so. Decided that I didn't love it as much as my old beat up TREO - which I had to retire because I had dropped it one too many times. The i-Phone just didn't do things that I needed it to do, and I felt there were too many steps to take (hard to do while driving). I could handle the screen/keyboard okay, but also hard to do while driving. One thing I really disliked was that I couldn't cut and paste, and I couldn't keep different folders and categories in the notepad (unlike Treo's "Memos" section).

So, I did what no woman (or man) ever dreamed of doing after waiting for an i-phone..... I gave it up to my husband who was still waiting for his to come, and I bought a Centro. It has all of the features my beloved Treo had, yet its smaller which means it fits in my hand better so I won't be dropping it as much as I did the Treo!

I phones are nice. Now all it needs is infrared to open lock boxes.

Brad- After reading your blog I was convinced the IPhone was the way to go- I am not sure about the coverage in my area with AT&T and the fact taht is does not work with the eKey is a problem- Thanks for the info- It will help in choosing which way to go!

I am going to be looking at phones later in the year. I will have to check them all out

Thanks for the info. Might have to try a different service.

WHY can't it just open a lock box?? Please, I people, fix this!!! It is the only reason I keep my treo.

Kent - it's after dinner but you're making me hungrey here, cut it out! lol~

Susan - my wife and I used to be on Verizon when I had a TREO, my son down at Cal Poly say "iPhone Dad" so guess what I bought. I totally love it, the best phone I've ever had. It does more than my PC!! :-)))

Brad - well there are some compelling reasons for sure> I am reserving judgment, in part becuase I just got a new phone. We have a tech guy at our upcoming CRS meeting and I am anzious to hear what he has to say, as an RE practitioner. unfortunately have a real bias against AT & T with some not-so-good experiences. That alone would not bkeep me away but it enters into the mix. Blackberry is coming out with something very similar I understand. I will probably W8 & C.

Jeff

Pat - I'm not selling iPhones. lol~ But at 1,000,000 sales the first weekend, I sure wish I was!! :-O Next year there will be no tech, eerything will be by telekinesis.

Lou - I loved my TREO, it was great, but the iPhone, now that's a love affair! :-)

Hi Brad, read so much about IPhone and still thinking about getting one. Left my old cell phone on the plane while returning from a trip, so it's time to get a new phone anyway. Thanks for helping me make up my mind.

As long as I can get to my MLS to pull up the sq footage, schools, price, and so forth, then I'm happy. Nothing like the good ole days when most had a book to look through and you had to wait for a new one to come out. I've not been in business that long, but people tell me everyday about it.

GE supra is coming out with a converter for Blackberry, it will convert a bluetooth signal to a small device that looks like a keyless car remote and that will beam the infrared into the I-box. I would think if they can do it for balckberry that other phones won't be far behind.

Won't be doing anything like that until I can do it with Verizon. AT&T's service in the areas I need it are worse than useless (not crazy about having to stand in one square foot of my 55 acres and NOT lean my head left or right in order to carry on a phone conversation). The fanciest phone in the world won't do me any good if I can't make a phone call! ;-)

Sara - How do I do it? I have 3 boys, the technology is forced into our home! I have to learn this stuff, soon it will be their homework. haha... :-)

Kelly, are you kidding me? I work for ActiveRain!! lol~ You are my personal life....

Brad- I really wanted an iPhone, but the plans/coverage is not very good in my area. So, I went with the next best thing, The Blackberry Curve. It has a lot of these same applications, it is just missing the cool touch screen. It will even hold songs just like the iPhone. I know yours has a lot more cool gadgets & toys, but for now, until iPhone i more available and accessible, the curve will work very nicely.

I am going to have to find our if our mls is compatible with the iphone. I have seen a couple of my client's phones and they are remarkable. The other thing is coverage -- I have heard that some areas in NH can't get any service -- so I have some homework to do.

Hey, Brad. I love my iPhone, but didn't realize there were all these cool applications!

Sam - how is the iPod touch minus the phone? Does it have internet connection? Same features etc? I have an iPod, but it's the old 60 gigger from a couple years ago. Over 2000 songs on my iTunes and iPod but now I can listen to the entire librry from my iPhone without downloading a single song onto the phone. It's one of my favorite iPhone features. The app is called Simplify, it's the BOMB!! :-)

I haven't gone to the iPhone...yet. My Treo appears to be dying a slow death after faithful service for almost four years. Maybe I will replace it with an iPhone. Thanks for the terrific tips as always, Brad.

Myself and technology take time to get along looks like a great tool, but I will wait and see.

The iPhone is indeed the best smartphone EVER. Period. I had been a Verizon customer for over a decade until July 11th when I dumped them like a hot potato for my new iPhone 3G. I waited for the 3G and GPS for a couple of reasons. I was under contract with Verizon (which I paid to break to get the iPhone) and I wanted to wait until the ETF went down some. I used my Treo for streaming internet radio and my favorite station isn't yet playable on the iPhone (but with Simplify Media I can stream from my computer directly to my iPhone so its almost as good) and I often rely on GPS, which on my Treo was through a BlueTooth receiver. GPS on the iPhone is awesome and even though there aren't any turn by turn directions available it is much easier to use and I'm finding myself using it more often because it is fully built in. My old Treo 700p had started crashing on me all the time and I was getting so sick of it. The iPhone isn't perfect (and AT&T truly sucks), but it is the best available by far! What other phone can have you on ActiveRain one minute, then on your MLS system the next, then let you play awesome games like Super Monkey Ball after that? Answer - NONE! I love the iPhone!

Amy - I knew there was a reason I liked you! I too, love my MacBookPro, my iPod and my iPhone. Everything is seemless and simple, yet so powerful. Even today, we had a video conference meeting with the staff and the video and audio in the MAC World, and live on the internet, was absolutely phenominal. Here's a shot from my iPhone of my laptop with the guys doing a 4-way... very cool.

I'll save iChat for another post. lol!~

You know even though I am currently on Verizon I must admit the Iphone is by far the best Smartphone out there and is your one stop phone ever. You know they say that this generation is the Apple Generation and that Microsoft will lose to Apple, With Apple having such smash hit products I will agree 100%

One more word about AT&T. Their service here in Milwaukee is terrible. With my VZW service on my old Treo I pretty much never dropped a call and only rarely had "no service". With AT&T I'm in "no service" areas all the time and I'm dropping calls on a daily basis (sometimes multiple times in a row). However there is something extremely exciting coming along soon, VOIP on the iPhone! iCall just started their public beta testing today and I believe that their app will be available in the App Store soon, possibly as early as next month. Their service works over your WiFi internet connection, so I'll be able to forget about AT&T while I'm at home and at the office and make FREE unlimited calls over the internet. I'm so excited that I can't wait!

I just found this on Youtube, this is actually the old one that I have, it's not the new 3G. Great video!

Here's a guided tour Part 1

Oh Great Brad....now what am I suppose to do! LOL! I've got a Treo 700w (it's been replaced 4 times like others have said) and I've got Verizon. My contract was up back in September, and it's time to do something. But what? I don't feel I really use the features on a Treo/Blackberry enough to warrant the extra $50 I pay every month for the data plan. Have my eKey separate so my partner and I can use. What am I missing that I should be getting on my PDA?

I use Top Producer, but to get my e-mail on my phone is another $15 per month. I feel like right now I need to look at expenses. I love Verizon's service. But they need to do something to keep me! LOL! Actually learned from a Palm Sales Rep that if you call Verizon, and ask for the Retention Team, the will work with you.

Making that call tomorrow.

Brad - I know some folks that have the iPhone and are happy with the phone, but not happy with the limited service provider.

It seems as though AT&T is a little weak in this area and service can be very spotty. So when I decided to make the jump to an "all in one" phone I went with the htc PPC6800 (Alltel) and can do everything I need to do with it. Internet, mail, phone, office applications, camera, video, etc. And if I add you to "my circle" I can call you (or vice versa) all day long for free.

My plan is running $100 less than those I know with the iPhone. Guess I'm too frugal to make that jump - and since we are moving south soon I checked on the service down there and Alltel has great coverage so that reason to switch went out the window.

Here's Part 2

.....and Part 3

So the next question is "How long will AT&T have the hold on iPhone by APPLE?" My next adventure, be back with an answer shortly unless someone else pipes in who already knows the answer.... :-))

AUG

2008

@Brad - The initial rumors were that Apple had signed a 5 year exclusivity deal with AT&T. Beginning last year it would have expired in 2012. Word on the street lately is that there was only a 2 year deal but it has been extended by another year as part of the new pricing (subsidized) on the iPhone 3G, so they'll have it exclusively until 2010. Unless AT&T or Apple comes out and tells us officially though there's no way to know for sure.

How long is Cingular/AT&T Wireless the exclusive iPhone carrier in the US?

Here's what I found

Matt - I see you did some homework.... :-))

Richard - right now it only works on the AT&T network, but I harfly think that will last forever. I just posted a link in the comment above regarding AT&T's contract with APPLE and iPhone. I'm sure there's more info out there, but it's past my bedtime. :-))

Lane - I don't think there's a phone device out there with much more horsepower than an iPhone. I'm sure that SUPRA will have it eKey compatible shortly. It has actually been run on a t-mobile SIM card, but I'm sure APPLE took care of that in their firmware upgrade. Watch This

@Brad - Actually I'm just going from memory. I'm what you'd call a MacAddict, Macaholic, or "One of those Mac guys". I'm constantly up to date on just about everything that has to do with Apple.

If you're looking for horsepower in a smartphone you're going to be hard pressed to find anything that can come close to the iPhone. Its got tons of processing power as evidenced by the games that it can play. Its graphics are untouched by any other smartphone and they rival, and some say beat, purpose built gaming devices such as the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP.

Here's a "Sprint Instinct" that wants to take on the iPhone 3G... check out this site, this is very cool!!

Like some others have said, I don't want to switch providers, though I do appreciate the comment made by Thom? that I should call Verizon retention. Thanks for the tip.

wow! I currently us the VX6800 on the Verizon network. I use it for just about everything but the stuff you posted really put my phone to shame!

Did you write this to make those of us stuck with Verizon jealous? I have a contract that goes for almost another YEAR....then I'm getting on board with an iPhone. Those videos made me soooo jealous!

We don't have coverage here for the IPhone but I'm trying to be patient. Not one of my virtues. Thanks for another great, informative, delicious post!

Hi Brad, Just switched to a Blackberry several months ago from a Treo, which was a beneficial switch. Now after reading this I may have to break down and buy one. just need a nice big sale!

I love my iPhone and apps like Trulia's make it even more useful in real estate. Since they (Apple) finally added GPS finding open houses and homes for sale around you is even easier.

ZIPVO recently brought real estate video to the iPhone. Check it out - http://www.zipvo.com/Blog/?a=blog&post=126

Brad thanks for the tech update. It would be very beneficial if you could do more posts like this one.

Brad,

I love my iPhone. I also love my iPod, my MacBookPro, and I even loved my old iBook, iMacDVD and I even loved my old "beige" Mac Performa...and oh yeah there was a big old clunky laptop in there somewhere too.

Brad, it was not until about a week ago that I finally uploaded my additional applications. I figured they had to exist, but I just never took the time to look. Now that I have the applications loaded my my iphone, I love the phone even more. I have had the phone since it came out and do not regret it. I noticed one of your comments was about your iPod, iPhone, and macBook. I too am a BIG apple fan. The computers are SOO easy to use. If you have not purchased their website, I suggest it. We have a family website that we use each year. Its easy to navigate and I can add pictures from any Mac Computer, including my iPhone. They thought of everything!

I have an iphone and I love it...couldn't do without it! It has made things that once were awkard (like browsing online) simple and easy. I feel totally connected now when I am mobile. I have had a Blackberry and a Treo and this phone by far is the best of all of them....

Just do it! ;)

I totally iphone and have to tell you that for years I resisted the whole "Apple" thing. It's a long story but I s l o w l y came around starting with my first ipod in 2005, last year the iphone and next week I will take delivery of a macbook...OK I am hooked but the plain fact of the matter is that almost everything they build just WORKS. Right out of the box with very little hassle or need to be a techie master (my brain is not built to run on engineering mode). I am glad to see you post this and have become a fan of your posts for the straight forward and EASY help tips you provide! Thanks again, Russell

I'd love an IPhone - unfortunately, I don't love AT&T - their service is entirely too spotty to be used by someone who travels extensively and/or goes out to remote areas. I have Verizon and love the service. I also love the BB I have. When Apple decides that the IPhone can be used with any carrier, I'll jump right on that bandwagon.

Brad, stop making me jealous! My little blackberry curve is still handy for those without iPhone capabilities...

Te combination of the poor customer service at A T & T and the small screen size helped me make the decision to go to a Tablet computer and get a basic phone that only gets calls and receives text messages.

The iphone is at the top of my xmas list. My kids will go crazy of I get one. This is great info to share with m husband as to why the iphone is so important to my real estate business!!!=)

Hi Brad-I might get a iphone a long ways down the road. I still have trouble with all the features on my current phone which is basically glued to my ear. There is just so much information out there today that it's hard to keep up with everything especially when I'm not a high tech person but live in a high tech world with lots of knowledgeable techies who were in grade school and younger when I started in real estate. The times they are a changing at the speed of light and if you don't keep up you get left in the dark.

My phone is dying so I need to get a new one. I thought going to the Blackberry would be a step up but now I'm going to have to make another decision!

Verizon is the provider in the Fargo/Moorhead area. Sprint is trying to catch up. AT&T, T-Mobile don't exist!! Hoping they get here soon.

Iphones are the greatest phones out there. Only negative in my opinion is the slowness of the AT&T network as well as the fact you can not get insurance for the phone.

We bought one and returned it. They could not get our calendar to sink up. We were on the phone with Apple support and after 4 hours they couldn't get it to work. Went back to our Blackberry.

Brad, I just got a new Blackberry because I don't want to change my cell phone number and I am with Verizon. It is true, right, that if I got an I Phone I would not be able to use my Verizon number?

@Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit - No that's not true. You can port your telephone number to another carrier. I did exactly that with both my phone number and my wife's phone number. They were both originally Verizon numbers that we'd have for over 10 years and we ported them over to AT&T so they are now on our iPhones. Numbers are no longer tied to the carrier, they belong to you and you can take them with you. You can even take a cell number over to a land line, or to a VOIP service, or vice versa.

Diane - Matt is correct, I was on Verizon before I got my iPhone and I had the number ported over to AT&T/Cingular, it was no problem at all.

How the heck do people have time for all the twittering and younotes and facebook stuff? I like the look of the iphone and that's the only reason I'd get it!

I agree that the Iphone is the best smart phone ever made. I am also a Mac fan, and I love being able to easily sync all of my information. Also for those out there who still think you can not use the Mid-Florida Regional MLS system on your Iphone, that is incorrect. I have it on my Iphone, and I use it all of the time. You also can't beat the visual voicemail. How many times do you check your voicemail and and find that you have too many messages to listen to in the time you have? Maybe you're out with clients, and you're just waiting for one specific call. With the visual voicemail you can see the numbers or contact names of the people who have left messages, and only address the ones you need right away without having to listen to all of your messages. It is a fantastic tool!!!

Here's some more great guided tours and information from iPhone:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/guidedtour/?cid=CDM-NAUS-SHARE-IPHONEGT20080701

I like the Iphone, but I can't deal with AT&T and the dropped calls.

I also wanted to say that the current conversion application is great to have on your Iphone if you work with any international clients.

jana.jpsrrealty.com

Shannon - there is no cut and paste feature that I'm aware of just yet, but I'm sure it's coming in future firmware releases. I miss that feature from my TREO but all the other tools and features helps me deal with it! lol~ :-)

Hollis - that's great, as long as you don't need a calendar, internet access to your MLS, email, directions, contact information etc while you're out and away from your computer. A plain cell phone will work just fine for you and for those who work in the same type conditions as you do. Me personally, I couldn't compete or do business without it. 1,000,000 people buying iPhones in a weekend means probably and most likely they were consumers. Just because they are getting connected and buying iPhones, doesn't mean you have to. They will be possibly looking at your properties on their cell phones and hopefully calling you on yours.

Anna - you should forward this post to SUPRA along with your request. You are a paying member of their products and or service and have the right to share your thoughts with them. They may already have an iPhone platform in developement. It's worth checking into for sure! Thanks. :-)

Tisza - I too am waiting for the perfect world! haha. :-) I didn't know Verizon had a shot at being the exclusive service provider for the iPhone?? Thanks for sharing that tidbit of info, I know the AT&T contract jig is up soon, but no specific date has been determined as of yet. Hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather over there...and the great cell reception!

Tony - I've heard a lot about that new Google product coming out soon, I'll have to do some more research to see what else I can find out about it. Thanks. Hope all is going well my friend, great to hear from you. :-)

I have had nextel forever and I have not been happy over the last few years. An associate of mine just got the new iphone 3G and it is awesome. After reading this post I am leaning toward purchasing one myself.

I had one but I am now using the blackberry again! SORRY Apple

Being new to all this trulia, goolia, boolia stuff, I am having enough difficulty setting up accounts and figuring out what I can do on them. The features of the iPhone are nice, but if you are not using them, then what is the point? Make sure you know what you are going to use your phone for before making a huge purchase of something you will never use.

Troy - by all means, don't waste your time with the stuff you don't understand or know how to use, I agree. Just don't cut yourself short when you find the rest of the world going that way and then you have to catch up. I thinks folks should consider all the things they desire to do from the phone before ever making a purchase. As far as I can tell, the first 10 things in this post are things most Real Estate Industry professionals are using already. I know I do, the iPhone is just a way to have it all in your hands and mobile. :-)

Jeannie - your husbands a lucky guy! That was nice you gave it to him. :-) I put up a voting poll just to see if C|NET was right in their rating of the top 2008 phones. I wanted to see what our industry thinks. So far, this is giving me ad others some great information. Thanks for sharing about the Centro.

Sherry - make sure you have good coverage in the areas you live and travel first, it may be a while before AT&T let's up on their service plans with iPhone. Just a heads-up. I know they have a return policy, but check with others in your area who have iphones and that service first.

Brad has good advice. I switched to Verizon because there were a lot of "blank spots" with Cingular/ATT in my immediate area surrounding my home. since my office is in my home - its an issue. I have to have cell service at my home - that's an absolute. But that was 3 years ago and I renewed last year thinking it was going to take longer for the iPhone to come down in price - Ok - so I was wrong! Everyone says the reception has improved 100 fold for ATT/Cingular - but I need TO KNOW that I can get good reception before going for the switch to the iPhone.

Brad, How much do you pay each month for the iPhone?. I love the idea, but i don't want it to become a money pit.

Verizon has better connections, but lacks good support (addendum: speedy support) IPhones are good, but if you like to challenge yourself just get a pda of your choice. btw: the new iphone isn't that much better (so we've heard).

AUG

2008

another one to bookmark and my next investment in myself. Thanks for all the scoop.

I found an application called PocketMLS that not only works on the smartphones for search but it also has a patent for the alert feature. Consumers can be alerted on their iPhone of new listings that come on to the market to keep them engaged and not just having to search.

@Misty - If you're going to hold out for another price drop then you should expect to wait for at least another year. There is the possibility that there may be a storage upgrade within the next 4-6 months (as there was with the original iPhone) but the prices have been set in the agreement between Apple and AT&T. You won't see a price change until another new model comes out.

Brad,

Now that you bring this iPhone up, I guess I have to investigate how it could help me in my daily work. So much new tech is coming out that one can hardly keep up with it all.

the iphone sounds like a good deal.. to bad its just on AT&T... Maybe one day they will come out with one for Verizon...

The iPhone, and especially the new iPhone 3G, is the most successful smartphone ever in spite of it being on AT&T. If Verizon hadn't turned Apple down (Steve Jobs approached Verizon first and was turned away, then went to Cingular) just imagine where it would be.

One thing is certain. If several years down the road the iPhone does become available on Verizon I will be switching back, unless AT&T gets on the ball and upgrades their network.

I heard that by turning off your iPhone and restarting every so often, the reset gives you a better signal and locates any changes or upgrades so your phone gets the best signal and reception. This was actually emailed to me by Apple. Just a quick FYI...

the iPhone combined with iPhoto very cool!
Imagine a closing gift for a client using only photos of their home and neighborhood in a book format. I can see many ways that this will have a greater impact in the industry other than just being a mePhone iPhone.

Billie - you can get insurance for anything these days, are you kidding me? :-))

James - I saw the video from Zipvo for iPhone, this is just the beginning eh? I can watch all my youtube videos now on my iPhone as well. :-)

RuthMarie - they do have different plans available depending on your specific needs. I went and bought the phone and since I talk to so many members here on AR with it, I just send Jon the bill! :-O

I think they start around 75.00 - 100.00 a month and then there's data plans, and all sorts of other things if you need. Go to their website and see what kind of pricing they offer at AT&T. I know they are really trying to grow and better their network, Apple's iPhone may very well be the ticket to help them do that. Who knows?

Scott - I used to have PocketMLS on my TREO, and you make a great point.

Even if we as an industry didn't have iPhone's, we need to remember that it is very close to being the MOST popular phone by consumers, if it's not already. Using services from vendors like PocketMLS could come in very handy for those existing Verizon users on TREO's, a great way to connect and provide value to iPhone users. I Love when comments like yours get me thinking... :-)

Realtor has iPhone, Lender has iPhone, consumer has iPhone, you think there's a connection there? hmmm 1,000,000 the first weekend. :-O

AUG

2008

Here's what the PollDaddy survey results showed based on the votes in the link above. I moved it from my sidebar, and into the post for easier access.

I like the idea of the I-phone for a couple reasons:

1) You are walking around with a small computer. You can do a lot with that phone.

2) I have a mac, so for me it will be easier to integrate with my other apple products that I own.

Jessica - what do you say we start a MACRealtor group or a MACLender group for all us MAC and iPhone/iPod users? I'm in if you are, we would need a good moderator like yourself if you're interested?? :-) I have the MacBook Pro, the iPhone, the iPod, and the iCAN do it attitude!! lol~

@Brad - I like that idea. Let me know if I can help, I'll definitely join at the very least.

Brad - I'm up for it. But I'll probably need a little hand holding at the beginning. Let's chat when the holiday weekend is over. I'm sending you a PM.

OK - the APPLE MAC iGROUP has been created for all you APPLE / MAC lovers. More info on this coming soon.....very soon! :-)

apple

There has been a MAC group around for some time: Active Rain MacUsers Group

But... I'll have to join the new one, too!

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my MacBook Pro -- and should have made the switch to it a long time ago. I think the iPhone has some fun great multi-media attributes, but it just didn't seem like I really had a "computer" at my hands. It seemed more like a "glorified phone". I don't need a glorified phone, I need a PDA.

Perhaps over the next few months they'll be adding more applications that would make it more PDA0-like, but it just wasn't cutting it for me.

Brad,
Is there a good utility to Sincronize with Outlook? any good software for this?

I don't like the AT&T plans, I love the iphone, but the AT&T plans for me are not worth it. Depends the use and the work, for me is not worth it AT&T.

AUG

2008

Jeannie -

If you have a MacBookPro, then you do have the essential PDA in your iPhone. Address book, and iCal sync seamlessly to your iPhone (not to mention iTunes) I have GPS also on my iPhone. When I need to check my voice mail I can see who the message is from and pick which I need to listen to first. I have a phone book that will look up phone numbers and locate nearby businesses. I can even look up what movies are playing where ever I happen to be, see what times they are playing and even watch a preview. I can check the stock market. I can check the weather and look at the radar. I can surf the internet. I can even play several different games. And the list goes on.....

All this and I have not downloaded one single program that was not free!!

SEP

2008

Jeannie - thanks for letting me know about that group, I may have never found it there are so many on AR. Earleene is right, the combination of your MacBook and iPhone gives you more than a typical PDA and is an awesome "Personal Digital Assistant." I have everything I need in a PDA right on my iPhone. Just look at the list in this post. I had a TREO and it wasn't anywhere near capable of doing the things I can do on my iPhone.

Ray - I understand that AT&T has some service and plan issues, maybe one day that will change or they won't have the exclusive on it in the future. I'm sure if APPLE reads this post, they may see that there is a whole mass of people who would consider the phone if they weren't locked into AT&T. My plan works for me, but I understand that it won't work for everyone. Verizon seems to be one of the most preferred plans out there.

APPLE...are you listening? :-))

Earleene - I love the Voice Mail on iPhone. No more clicking through to get to specific messages. I can identify them now and have the convenience of listening to them without being charged for checking my VM. Having them on the phones hard drive makes them much easier to manage. That's one of my favs on the iPhone....I have many others too! :-))

SEP

2008

I have had my iPhone now for about 7 months and it is the best smartphone/PDA I have ever used. I have used the Blackberry, Treo and Sprint Mogul (PPC6800) and nothing has come close. The possibilites with the applications are endless and I cannot wait to see what is on the horizon. What would be nice is for an Active Rain app that would allow an iPhone to create and upload a blog with pictures and have it geo-tagged....

Brian - awesome idea about the app. Until then, you can always micro-blog with Twitter and shoot the photo up with it. I'll have to suggest this idea the the tech guys, I know that when I try to post using safari on the iPhone, I can't leave comments, I'd love to see that fixed too. An iPhone application would be awesome, can you design us one for us? Please? :-) Have a great week...

SEP

2008

I currently am using the Treo due to the e-key feature. Love it! When Apple picks that up I will absolutely be on board for the iphone!

SEP

2008

Danielle - I think SUPRA and the E-Key are the ones that will need to keep up with the newest and latest technology. Why is it that the E-Key only works with a TREO? Do they have stock in the company or something? It's been too long since they have done any kind of upgrade or enhancement to making other phones compatible with E-Key. Am I the only one who thinks it's time for SUPRA to step up their game here?

They better watch out for the competitor who is creating ways to open lock boxes using ANY phone, it's sad they have the control over REALTORS® and which phone they have to buy and use. That's just wrong in my opinion. I love the folks over at GE and SUPRA, but I can't stand what they're doing to my clients and friends in Real Estate.

SEP

2008

This is a huge subject and extremely useful -and timely - Have been considering the i-phone. but I usually wait a while after a product comes out. Also wanted to know how it benefits- specifically with Real Estate vs. other options.

I'll probably want to get back with a comment after about 12 hours of further reading.

Thanks Brad !

SEP

2008

Brad - I love my iPhone - the question now is, do I upgrade to the new one with 3G or just update my software on the old one? The only holdback on buying a new one is extending my AT&T contract 2 years from the purchase - they really aren't as good here as Verizon.

That said, I love my iPhone, and I didn't know that we could talk to each other for free - but then, every months I roll forward minutes that I don't use.

SEP

2008

Eric - looking forward to your comment after the 12 hours of research. lol~ Just go get one. :-)

Sharon - I just updated my software and my firmware. The 3G is great, but if you don't need the gps and few of the other upgrades, just keep the one you have. I am. The FREE calls, as long as you're on AT&T, we can talk anytime. I get great service in my area, but I have heard many say that Verizon service is better in a lot of areas.

SEP

2008

I have a Palm Treo.. which I love... There is nothing I can't do with it. Best of luck in your research..

SEP

2008

Pamela - I used to have a TREO 700P and a 700W and I loved them...then I got my iPhone. The time will come, and you'll eventually have one. Don't ask me how or why I know this, I just do. And when you get one, you'll remember this post and these comments, and you'll come back and say, "WOW!" and I thought there wasn't anything my TREO couldn't do, now I see all that it does that my TREO won't. (Big Smile) :-)

OCT

2008

Hello Brad, I have an iPod but not the iPhone. I'm having fun putting my MP4 video home tours onto the iPod and am very curious if these tours can be delivered to the iPhone while the prospect is at the home's flyer box. One thought I have is to set up a specific e-mail address for the home with an autoresponse containing the MP4 file's URL. Does the URL within the text (autoresponse) e-mail show up as a link that can be clicked on and played on the iPhone? (I have set up a test e-mail at: ar2844 'at' vipreply.com, if you have the chance to test the idea. I've also put a blog post asking for folks to test this as well).

Thanks! John

OCT

2008

John - I think it does, let me know how that works out. Would love to test is myself when I have time, just none of that left over right now. Thanks, :-)

DEC

I got one a few weeks ago and I love it. The Trulia app is awesome and I with addition of Google Maps with Street View and Google Earth I won't ever have trouble finding a house again.

I love my new iphone Brad. I'm still playing around with it but it is pretty remarkable.

The iPhone rocks. Not sure I could live or do business now without it.

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