Experiments & Expressions

What exactly is the right technology to use in real estate? Well, I think we can all agree the Internet is one place to look. But what’s the most effective use of the Internet in real estate? Beyond IDX’s and maps, how can Internet technologies improve your real estate business?

It seems that the secret is with the “kids”. According to Sam Morgan (via New Zealand’s Daily Post) we need to be watching how children use the Internet.

Real estate is a rapidly changing industry, so the right technology is what will keep you ahead. By understanding the patterns of children and even the new real estate customers, the Gen-X’ers, we’ll be able to get on the bandwagon before it starts rolling.

There are many experts, gurus, and consultants that tell us that we need some kind of gadget or program to run our business better. Well with so many gadgets and gizmos out there, real estate agents can go crazy trying to decide which ones to get. For the mobile agent, these are some of the gadgets that I think are worth getting.

As you review each item, think about how each gadget would (or wouldn’t) work in your market. Also, try to think of other types of gadgetry that could help. I’d appreciate if you left your thoughts by posting a comment.

1. Smart Phone

   Smart phones are cell phones that have additional functionality of a PDA. There are many different smart phones available, but I think the Treo’s have to be the most popular. With a typical smart phone, you can do everything from surf the web, browse MLS listings, and manage standard MS Office documents. You can even make normal phone calls! Recommended Smart Phone: Treo 700w.

2. Tablet PC

   A tablet PC is a portable computer, like a laptop, that runs a special Tablet PC operating system. In addition to its typically smaller size, a nice thing about a Tablet PC is that you can digitally write on the screen. There are many mobile real estate applications including:

   • Marking up and faxing counter-offers.
   • Mapping out floor plans or taking notes about a listing
   • Having clients sign listing agreements

   Recommended Tablet PC: RED Tablet

3. Wireless Internet Card

   I’m not referring to a WiFi card, here. I’m talking about a card, often called an “AirCard,” that you can plug into your PC that gives you a direct connection to the Internet. You’ll be able to check email or update listing information from just about anywhere. Here are a few of the main providers:

   • Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess
   • Sprint Wireless Connection Card Plan
   • Cingular Broadband Connect

4. Digital Camera

   How can a real estate agent be without a camera? Even if you have a professional photographer, there are always shots that you’ll want to take. There are a wide range of cameras from point-n-shoot to Digital SLRs. Unless you’re doing high quality print work (and not using a professional), I’d use a simple 4MP+ point and shoot camera. Recommended camera: Any of the Kodak EasyShare or any of the Nikon CoolPix lines.

5. Bluetooth Headset

   You can stay truly wireless with a wireless headset for your phone. You can enjoy handsfree talking in the car or wherever you are (hey that rhymed!). Be sure you get one that works with your phone! Recommended bluetooth headset: Motorola HS850 / 98656

6. Thumb drive (a.k.a. flash drive, jump drive)

   Thumb drives are today’s floppy disks. You can use it just like any hard drive by placing it into your computer’s USB port. Currently the largest thumb drives hold about 8GB of information. You probably won’t need one that big, but they’re available. Recommended thumb drive: 1 GB Drive or larger.

7. Wireless keyboard for phone and Tablet PC

   If you’re sending short messages a phone’s keypad will usually suffice. But if you want to do anything at length, a full-size keyboard is the way to go. Wireless bluetooth keyboards can connect to just about any bluetooth device whether it is your phone or your Tablet PC. There are also folding options that can fit in a jacket pocket or purse. So get just one keyword that fits all your devices. Recommended keyboard: Stowaway Keyboard or for the really techie

If I could, I’d probably by every gadget on the market. However, I’d just run out of money too fast. These gadgets are my suggestions for the on-the-go mobile agent. If you have other items that you think would benefit others, please let us know in the comments!

There are so many real estate applications for GPS nowadays. You can use it to pinpoint borders of oddly shaped pieces of land, geocode your MLS listings and create driving directions for clients, and play real life monopoly.

Yep, Hasbro has conjured up a fun way to use GPS and tie it to real estate–Monopoly Live. Their marketing concept (turned successful campaign) has attracted many to virtually receive and make payments for different properties in London.

Monopoly Live is just like the traditional Monopoly game except the squares are properties located around London. The playing pieces, or tokens, were 18 cabs fitted with GPS systems. If your cab drops their passenger at your property, you get credited rent to your virtual bank. If your cab drops off their passenger at a property you don’t own, you pay. The player with the most money wins!

So what happens when you win? If you’re a daily winner, you get to enjoy one of the cool daily prizes. But if you’re the grand prize winner, you get one year’s rent or mortgage payments paid by The Motley Fool. Congratulations to Matt Dodd and the other Live winners!