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5 Ways iPad Will Reinvent Real Estate for Agents in the Next 5 Years

By
Real Estate Agent with EXIT Pro Realty

ipad for real estate The Apple iPad was introduced by Steve Jobs this week. During and immediately after his speech, Bloggers the world over were dropping their 2¢ into the blogosphere about the iPad's features, it's pro's and con's, the likelihood of it ousting Kindle from it's book reader throne, and so on. I'd like to talk about what the iPad could, can, and will do to reinvent the way Realtors practice Real Estate.

iPad is part of a new category of mobile device

It's something between a smartphone and a laptop. Here are the important stats...

  • .5" thick
  • 1.5 pounds
  • 9.79" display
  • 10 hours of battery life
  • Wi-Fi & 3G connections

To make a long feature list short we'll just say that it is much like a large iPhone with Safari browser capability, iTunes, Video, Mail, the App Store, etc. It's like a Netbook was supposed to be. It has the functionality of a laptop with the usability and portability of a smartphone, but probably better at doing both. It includes an accelerometer and a full touchscreen experience just like the iPhone. Here's how I think it can change things...<!--more-->

Reinventing the way Agents practice real estate

1. Agents now have a useful, more intimate version of the laptop

Most agents use laptops in their office. Some even use them for presentations. Almost no one uses a laptop when they are out showing clients properties. At any level. An agent can use the iPad to quickly and impressively deliver and present information to their clients. You're buyer wants to see the tax records on the house you're looking at right now? Pull them up immediately on your iPad. It's either in your hand or in your briefcase.

2. True mobility and paperless systems for all agents are within reach

ipadThere's no need to go back to the office to look up additional properties for buyers. You can access CMA's and listing statistics while previewing a seller's home. Stay fully up-to-date on your social networks and get full, simple access to email, documents, and your CRM on the go. Paperless has been touted for several years in real estate. The iPad could actually make it happen. Apps with your state's forms attached should begin popping up. Now just have your client sign with a flick of their finger and their contract is fully executed... email them a copy of the original document. *sniff* I just teared up thinking about it.

3. Video will be for everything, everywhere

Video is already a major player in the real estate industry. Still, very few agents are using it and even less are using it to truly differentiate themselves from their competitors. The iPad will skyrocket video use by agents, vendors, and consumers. Agents that do not utilize video will simply be left in the dust. Consumers better have access to your listing presentation, buyer presentation, video home tours, and neighborhood tours on your website, video sharing sites, iTunes, or all of the above. They'll be browsing homes and Realtors relaxing in their easy chair after dinner.

4. iPad will bring the use of technology and social media to the masses

Meaning, the masses of real estate agents that still aren't using today's systems to stay efficient and relevant. Imagine Realtors easily reachable by any electronic means through any media. Response time on followup, deals, and inquiries will drop to near zero as agents become masters of multitasking. List a property and send out a new list of condos to your buyers at the same time. Create a new craigslist ad while hosting an open house. Yes, people do this with laptops and smartphones. This device and future devices like it will alleviate the barriers that keep everyone from doing it.

5. Instant access means instant gratification

What if you could chat live with your Realtor any time of day? Realtors that use a product like iPad (as well as their counterpart homeowners) will be there to convert the IEC (Internet Empowered Consumer) to a client because NOW is better than tomorrow, in an hour, or after lunch. These are just a few ways that I see the iPad changing the inner workings of real estate for professionals. If the iPad holds true to its predecessors, it's price will drop significantly over the next couple of years from between $499-$829 down to nearly everyone's affordability levels of $199-$299. It will make instant, portable, usable access a thing of the present and subsequently change the way that Realtors provide services because of the way consumers find their information. What other ways could you see the iPad or a similar next generation device transforming the way we do business?

View the original article and many more at TheExitPro.com

Link to this article using this URL: http://theexitpro.com/2010/01/29/5-ways-ipad-will-reinvent-real-estate-for-agents-in-the-next-5-years/

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Ingrid Laine
Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. - Virginia Beach, VA
Loan Officer

These iPads are going to be awesome! I have been on the waiting list. I cannot wait. Did you know you can run windows 7 on it too? There are already so many cool accessories available its sick! This is going to be big. -Ingrid

Mar 25, 2010 01:30 PM
Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

Thanks for sharing. I haven't got my ipad yet but it is the plan for the year.

May 30, 2010 06:46 AM
Ann-Marie Clements
Candidate for an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership - Saint John, NB
Ed.D. candidate, Innovative Proactive Principa

Hi Ben,  Can't wait til my charge on my new 32 GB IPAD wifi... I'll be playing with this device all tomorrow morning..  Thanks for the info... ;>))

Jun 26, 2010 02:36 PM
Patti Sampson
EngageMoreCRM.com & ExposedAgent.com - Scottsdale, AZ
We are Agents Helping Agents Automate & Organize

Ben, I just picked up my iPad a week ago and I am so excited about it's possibilities.  As a buyer's agent, I totally concur with you that this will be the thing that reinvents what we do as realtors on a daily basis.  I am tired of stacks of listings (paper) from a day of showings piling up in my office.  I keep them and recycle, but frankly, I am ready for the paperless office in every way.  I am currently in talks with a developer for a design for an App that will make a buyer's agent''s day to day life on the road with clients much more efficient.  I would love to hear from anyone who may have some thoughts about whether they would, or would not, buy an iPad if there was an App available to make your work day easier and, most importantly, paperless and efficient.  What kind of things would you like to see the iPad do for you? 

Jun 27, 2010 07:49 AM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

I saw a CNET clip that said the iPAD 2 may be announced next June. I am anxious for the new software release in November, too.

Oct 05, 2010 08:34 PM
Paul Gapski
Berkshire Hathaway / Prudential Ca Realty - El Cajon, CA
619-504-8999,#1 Resource SD Relo

only bad thing is u cant see flash video which is still the most prevalent.

Feb 24, 2011 03:45 AM
Tony Morganti
RE/MAX Crossroads in Cuyahoga Falls and Stow, Ohio - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
CRS, ABR, SRES - Cuyahoga Falls, Stow

Thanks for the info.  This is without doubt the future.

Mar 12, 2011 02:00 PM
Paul Gapski
Berkshire Hathaway / Prudential Ca Realty - El Cajon, CA
619-504-8999,#1 Resource SD Relo

did u get the new ipad 2 that just came out? I heard that thing is even thinner than the original. well the prices are still the same

Mar 18, 2011 10:55 AM