Any Real Estate Agents Out There?

[MiataRich]

I posted a similar message in the T|T and T|E forums. My apologies if this looks like spaming. Anyway...

My friend has a client who is a real estate agent that wants to start using a PDA to support her work in the field. Talking to her briefly, I not sure I get a full picture of her needs.

I know she wants a good address book/client database program. Being able to take digital pictures is somewhat important to her (although I don't know if it's for displaying on the web, from the PDA or for printed material). She mentioned wanting GSM capability/connectibility (although keyboard PDAs like the Treo don't work for her).

Is there anyone out there who can tell me how PDA's are being used in real (estate) life? What software apps are essential to the business? Thanks.

[Jenetta]

Hi,

I'm not an agent, but I work with them everyday photographing virtual tours and print ad shots in San Diego county.

The board here just converted their lockbox system to a new process which involves a keypad case designed around the Zire 71. It seems like a fancy way to put in your key code. Unfortunately, many of the agents I've met have really been struggling with getting the technology to work (and many blame the Zire 71).

We use DateBk5 on Zire 71 for organizing appointments, and I play a game or two while I'm waiting around on location. The camera is great for quick things - I used it to get a can of paint at Home Depot rather than write down all the info or bring in the can to match. But I would never use the camera for work. It does shoot at 640 x 480, which matches the MLS size required here, so I guess you could use it for that, if the lighting was good. The lens is not very wide, so you may have to walk a good distance across the street to get a good front shot of a home with it.

You could probably get more information about how the Zire 71 is being used for Real Estate in our area by contacting the board of realtors here. www.sandicor.com

[Wiley]

Probably the single most important cross platform application that is used in the business is a contact manager...such as: ACT! for Windows, PPC and Palm.

ACT! is arguably the most widely used manager out there and has a huge installed base. Lots of Help Forum users and ongoing updates and upgrades. Check EBAY for the best price.

The fact that ACT! integrates so well with Palm (and the PPC) has given the entire application legs. On a daily basis, the local multiple listings can be downloaded from the Internet, then properties matched to client specified requirements. AND...it fits nicely on the M500 series and up.

No I don't have any stock in the company, and virtually no other experience with the app other than it is what my daughter uses to manage her real estate brokering business. Coupled with her Compaq notebook, the Palm gives her all the reference she needs in the field.

I think ACT! handles photos in the database, but I'm not sure.

Give it a look