Technology for REALTORS®:
PDAs Link REALTORS® to the World
By Kim Shindle
As a REALTOR® waits to show her client a house, she can check her e-mail, snap a photo and download it to her computer, get directions to the next listing and log onto the Internet, all with a single device held in her palm of her hand. It almost seems like the only thing a personal digital assistant (PDA) can’t do yet is pick up the kids or clean the kitchen.
PDAs Eliminate Need for Multiple Devices
Many REALTORS® have upgraded from a simple cellular telephone to a PDA like BlackBerry™ or a Palm® Treo™ smartphone. Many PDAs combine several technologies into one, saving time, money and keeping information organized in one location. Many offer similar features and services so REALTORS® can customize the PDA to their personal needs.
Chris Murphy of Wexford started using his BlackBerry about three years ago. “I was carrying a cell phone and a PDA but the BlackBerry allowed me to eliminate a device entirely. It combines several things – my cell phone, two-way calling, Day-Timer®, mortgage calculator, e-mail and a wireless web connection,” he explains.
Murphy likes the handheld device because it requires little software and is versatile. “I believe that clients are expecting more and more from their REALTORS®. The BlackBerry allows me to be connected to my clients,” he says.
His company phone system also forwards his calls directly to his cell phone if he’s not in the office. “Basically I’m in the office without being physically in the office,” Murphy continues. “This is how I communicate with my clients unless I’m taking personal time or meeting with other clients. I give my one phone number so they don’t have to track me down using several phone numbers.”
Because the system syncs with Microsoft Outlook e-mail, Murphy’s e-mail can be directly forwarded to his PDA. “The PDA signals that I’ve received an e-mail and I can respond immediately, no matter where I am,” he adds.
The Treo also allows George Raad of the Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS® to access the Internet and provides a cell phone, message center and calendar. It also allows users to view Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint attachments.
For Murphy, the convenient Bluetooth® wireless earpiece connects to many PDAs, allowing the user to be mobile. “I can use it in my home or office and be hands-free,” he says. “Many vehicles have the Bluetooth system is already built into them.”
A Treo provides many of the same functions as other PDAs, however, in some MLS areas it will also unlock lock boxes on homes for sale.
Raad says he’s been using his Treo since December. “I find it to be very simple,” he says. “I’m not technically oriented and I’ve found this to be great to work with.” The Treo is compatible with the latest Supra locks and uses an infrared signal as an e-key. The lock then tracks who has entered the house.
“The Treo just makes my life a lot easier and more enjoyable,” Raad comments. “It allows me to conduct business in a more professional manner. And everything I need is conveniently all built into one device.”
Newer versions of the Treo have a digital camera option that allows the user to take photos and instantly e-mail them to clients. They are also able to be customized to add a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigator to the device.
GPS Locates Properties
Using a GPS has opened new sales areas to Bonnie Henderson of the Greater Harrisburg Association. “A customer came in from New Jersey to look at a property and he got to the property before me because he had a GPS. I went home that night and ordered one. I love it,” Henderson recalls.
“I’ll show in more areas now because I can find things more easily,” Henderson, who uses the Magellan 700, says. “It’s so much more accurate and play by play it tells you where you are. Then it gives you a warning at two miles, a half mile and where to turn.” She remembers that when she had to find a property located on a dirt road, several miles off the main road, the GPS gave accurate directions. “This property was really off of the beaten path and I couldn’t believe it was able to locate it,” she adds. “The GPS is such a great system.”
For information about selecting new technology for your office log onto www.realtor.org/technology/index.html.