Tablets to Replace Laptops in Real Estate?

When we look at how technology has evolved over the past 20 years – real estate professionals have gone from an entirely paper-based process, to having computers in their offices, to having laptops, to today, where smartphones and tablets are small, lightweight devices that can fit in one’s purse or briefcase and are a convenient way to work on the go.

Professionals have slowly moved towards this technology – but as with anything there is a learning curve so some have taken some time to be swayed over to the mobile device “dark side” - although it is far brighter than that!

Gartner Inc. is one of the world’s leading IT research and advisory companies. They routinely release data with respect to the use of devices. In 2013, they issued a press release that looked at the previous 2 years of device usage and also forecast based on their trends and data, what device usage would look like over the next few years. Here is what they found:

Device Type	2012	2013	2014	2017
PC (Desk-Based and Notebook)	341263	315229	302315	271612
Ultramobile	9822	23592	38687	96350
Tablet	116113	197202	265731	467951
Mobile Phone	1746176	1875774	1949722	2128871

Source: http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2408515

As you can see, tablet use quadrupled over the last few years

In real estate the above trends echo what we see and hear at shows and from clients – many real estate professionals are now using tablets like their iPad to facilitate their mobile office while on the road. Gone are the days of driving back and forth to the office performing research and signing documents because using a tablet, all work functions can be performed from anywhere there is an internet connection.

Are you one of those individuals who is slightly overwhelmed by the thought of trying to do more on your tablet or simply would like some tips on how to choose and use different mobile apps? Here are some tips for getting started using a tablet in real estate.

Choose the right tablet. Training should be a consideration. For example – if you buy an Apple iPad you can go to any Apple store and receive help setting up your tablet and understanding its basic functionality.

Download industry specific apps. In real estate there are many service providers that have come out with mobile apps to make their services more accessible.

Some must have apps and why:

·         Evernote with Penultimate – this will enable you to make freehand notes on your tablet and keep documents organized

·         Dropbox – this will help you send and receive large files and store this data

·         ViMO – this app is only available to GeoWarehouse customers and enables you to research properties, market to clients and administer documents and other functions electronically

·         Social media – if you market actively on social media make sure you have all social site apps added to the phone to keep on top of your connections’ questions and comments. Where Facebook is concerned, make sure you have downloaded the Page Manager app to manage your business pages from your smartphone (this is different from the main Facebook app download)

·         House preview apps – there are many great apps for recording properties and loading up virtual tours of your listings

Mobile is here to stay. The faster you learn how to leverage mobile technology the faster you can adapt and become more competitive. For more about ViMO please visit www.myvimo.ca.