Like all real estate agents, my garage is filled with carton boxes of file folders filled with past closings that we have to keep for several years. I weighed a typical closing file and it was 1 lb. 4oz. of paper. Add up all those files in those boxes and that is a lot of paper sitting around! So in the spirit of saving the planet, I purchased an IPad 64GB wifi and 3G.
I was already a Mac user when the IPad came on the market so I was excited from the TV ads and the hype. Before I made my purchase, I had to evaluate whether it would help me in my real estate business. Here are the basic features that made it worth it.
Super Fast Start Up! Just turn on the power button and you are in business. No, waiting for the computer to boot up.
Small and Easy to carry to showing appointments. Smaller than the clipboard I carried with all my listings and notes when showing a home.
Affordable Data Plan. The IPad plan is with AT&T and there is no annual contract. 250MB for 30 days for $14.99 or 2GB for 30 days $25. I am trying out the AT&T 250MB and it is enough for what I need when I am around town needing a connection and no free wifi is available. Depending on which cell phone carrier and smart phone you have, you can make your phone a wifi hot spot and get connected to the internet that way. I have my service with Verizon and have an HTC Incredible that has the mobile hot spot option that costs an additional $20 to your current plan for 2GB of data. I will give that a try sometime and see how that works. Considering the amount of driving we do as real estate agents, I recommend getting an IPad with 3G to have that option of coverage.
Consolidated MLS can be used on Apple Computers. This was the biggest factor on making the purchase of an IPad. We all had that moment with your clients in the car and they ask about a home you drive by. Now I can look up listings on the road instead of saying to my client," I have to check on that when I get back in the office." Information today is like fast food, we want it now and convenient. NOT all MLS can be used on an Ipad or Safari browser, so check with your local office.
Listing Presentations. Great for listing presentations. It has a "WOW" factor when meeting with listing prospects. KEYNOTE is the presentation program for Apple and it has more BLING and Flair than PowerPoint from Microsoft in my opinion. It can be hooked up to a projector or TV with AV jacks (extra wiring you have to purchase separately) for a bigger presentation.
Areas For Improvement
NO Flash Support - Besides not being able to watch video from websites, if you have an A la Mode website, you cannot edit or work on it on the IPad since it is a Flash Website. Your website only displays links to your listings pages and contact info.
Top Producer Website - The browser does display Top Producer to search your contacts but you can't use the Marketing Options ( to send an email, postcard, letter).
Apps, Apps, Apps - The IPad has access to a lot of apps (applications) available for purchase from the ITunes App Store. From Netflix to Rating Bathrooms in New York City, if you think it, there is an app for it or soon to be. There is a lot to choose from which can be the problem, because you have to sift through them, read reviews, and try it out. I bought a few already and some were duds and others pretty good. Most of the apps are a "lite" version of the computer version which means it has the basic functions but NOT all the features of the original program. The apps are fairly affordable from FREE to $9.99 or more. That is another blog to be shared in the future.
No USB - Can't easily transfer files on a thumb drive. You have some other choices of transferring files such as idisk, dropbox, and other file sharing programs.
Despite some negatives, It serves the purpose of an all in one portable computer that gives me access to the MLS, Sign Contracts, Help me in my listing presentation, and Saves Paper. I have already gotten in the habit of sending my documents to my IPad like my MLS listings for my upcoming showings, contracts and addendum's that I am working on. Those are just the current applications I use for work, for fun that is another BLOG.
Courtesy of:
Victory Home Inspections
786 Garwood Rd.
Moorestown, NJ 08057
856-235-0564
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