How Are You Using the iPad for Real Estate?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Yelling Mule

iPad

The iPad 3G came out last week and a few people I know were waiting to buy until the 3G version came out. I assume this was the case for many buyers. Of course the 3G model has a $14.99 per month service fee for 250MB of data transfer or $29.99 for unlimited transfer. Whats nice though is there is no service contract:

“Best of all, there’s no contract. So if you have a business trip or vacation approaching, just sign up for the month you’ll be traveling and cancel when you get back. You don’t need to visit a store to get 3G service. You can sign up, check your data usage, manage your account, or cancel your service — all from your iPad.” – Apple.com

I’ll be honest, I don’t see a need for an iPad in my life. It may be partly because I’m not traveling as much as I used to or that I have a laptop, but somehow I’ve gone without buying one of Apples hot new products. In fact, I haven’t even played with one yet!

So with all the cool features, apps and possibilities the iPad brings to the table I am wondering: How are you using the iPad for real estate?

Comments (10)

Terry Lynch
LAR Notary and Closing Services - Saint Clair Shores, MI

I think any netbook would be more useful to Realtors. You can't print from an iPad or even save to a flash drive. You can get an aircard for any netbook to get internet access. I don't think the iPad was meant to be used in a working situation

May 03, 2010 03:01 PM
James Shiner
Yelling Mule - Boston, MA

I know - I'm a huge Apple fan and even I can't justify buying an iPad yet. Maybe if it had a USB drive, the ability to print and the ability to tether I may consider it.

This is a pretty cool use of an iPad - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsvog8tb8dc

May 03, 2010 06:31 PM
Ken Kelly
Benchmark Mortgage - Chesterfield, VA

I keep waiting for the next version to come out, the newest that'll have even more cool features, like, combining the I phone with the I pad, then you'd just need one cool tool to have! (don't know what you'd call it, maybe I-phad?)

May 04, 2010 04:24 AM
Robert Schwabe
EXP Realty - Orange Park, FL
Orange Park Real Estate

James - I really want to get an Ipad. I just can't justify why I should buy one though.

May 04, 2010 03:25 PM
James Shiner
Yelling Mule - Boston, MA

Ken - Like any Apple product I'm sure their next version will have the basics they left out in the first. The inability to print is pretty shocking if you ask me.

Robert - I'm in the same boat. I really want one just to play with.

May 05, 2010 06:04 AM
Kathleen West
Trademark Realty Group of Palm Coast - Palm Coast, FL
Flagler County & Palm Coast Realtor

I've been looking at this as well.  My husband is a big iPod Touch user as a PDA and handles the tech stuff for me.  It can offer benefits in the industry, but not as a standalone device.  You'll still need a PC/Mac.  I also don't see it as beneficial unless the user has the 3G version.  Most of the functionality and revelant uses can easily be accomplished on today's smartphones (i.e. iPhone or Droid).  So I don't see a real ROI with this. 

If one was to use it, they would definitely want to be set up with remote desktop and online file storge.  Both of which can be issues and throw process for a loop. 

May 18, 2010 04:58 AM
Curt Hess
ExecuHome Realty - Annapolis, MD
Luxury Home Consultant, Team Leader & CEO

I'm using mine every day...and I own a MacBookPro, a Win7 HP laptop, along with iMac, iPhone, and a desktop PC with XP. If I was permitted by the computer gods to only have one, it would be the MacBookPro (vintage 2009). But, for carrying around, using it anywhere, the iPad is a killer. But online life is getting to thepoint where I really NEED high quality bandwidth, regardless of other capability.

Yes, my BS-Computer Science and MSEE-Digital Systems has corrupted my mindset forever...but I'm having fun. I hear that Top Producer is "almost ready" with an iPad implementation. When that happens, the iPad will be an unbeatable RE tool.

Aug 25, 2010 12:13 AM
Jim Paulson
Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info - Boise, ID
Owner,Broker

@Ken, if you download a VOIP program like Skype you can create your dream "I-phad".  I love how quick mine turns on and off and the battery life.  Remember, if the IRS lets you buy one as a business expense and allows you to write it off in a single year, the shelf life is probably even less.  Great tool for only $500 and I just figured out how to access Supra Lockbox with mine.  Here is that video on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3_lj9fjvnU

Dec 16, 2010 08:59 AM
Phil Leng
Retired - Kirkland, WA
Phil Leng - Retired

I have been an ipad wannabe. Half of our office is now using them for real estate. Once I get mine, I will use it for the listing presentations.

PHil

Dec 26, 2010 04:25 PM
Christine McInerney
Great Life RE - Knoxville, TN
The McInerney Team, Knoxville TN Homes For Sale

I was lucky enough to actually win an iPad from my company from a listing contest :)

While I do use it, not sure if the price tag would have justified a purchase.

 

Nov 02, 2011 03:35 PM

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