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
|
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.
