There are not many industries that haven’t been disrupted by the development of innovative apps. Some support the system from the sidelines (think the hospitality industry), while others find a home right in the center, like the numerous apps out there that can make the life of a real estate agent that much easier.
And not just agents. These tools are also useful for brokers, buyers, sellers, home owners, even investors -- anyone involved in real estate. Don’t leave home (or sell one) without them!
1. ZILLOW
Zillow is a multi-use platform, mainly used for property search. With a number of robust search filters and extra features (mortgage calculators, access to “hidden” inventory, property estimates), the site offers a good overview of the real estate market and available properties. Many listings include MLS numbers in order to facilitate your search.
Available on: Web, Android, iOS
Price: Free
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2. GOOGLE MAPS
Google Maps is a must-have for every real estate agent. When clients are ready to visit a list of potential properties, Google Maps is an indispensable tool in your pocket, guiding you to the next address.
Available on: Web, Android, iOS, Windows Phone
Price: Free
3. MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
Mortgage Calculator is a easy-to-use tool that helps you understand the repayment requirements a mortgage will require. Mortgage Calculator factors in a number of important parameters to provide the most accurate results, and tells you what your monthly or bi-weekly mortgage payments will be as well as your future payoff date.
Available on: Web
Price: Free
4. SITEGEIST
Sitegeist is one of those apps that can have a multitude of uses depending on what you need to know. Wherever you are, it immediately provides interesting data about the surrounding area: average age of residents, political contributions, average temperature, commuting trends, and popular nearby places. Sitegeist might just provide the facts your clients are interested in knowing about each spot they visit.
Available on: iOS and Android
Price: Free
5. VERT
Vert is an “anything and everything” conversion tool. Real estate agents deal with lots of different metrics: size, weight, volume, length, and sometimes even currency. Vert turns your smartphone into an all-in-one converter that fits in your pocket!
Available on: iOS
Price: Basic version is free, Pro version $1.99
When a client finally decides to move forward on a property, there is lots of paperwork to take care of. The following are a number of tools and apps that can help get through the paper stack faster, and in a more orderly fashion.
6. CAM SCANNER
Cam Scanner enables you to scan documents directly from your mobile device – and makes them look like real scans! Instead of rushing to the office to send out documents, you can now get this done on the go.
Available on: iOS and Android
Price: Free
7. DROPBOX
Dropbox is a simple way to store documents in the cloud and have them accessible from anywhere. As a cloud storage solution that works on pretty much any device one can imagine, it allows you to have your client folders in order and handy whenever needed. You can even share them with clients, lawyers, and other collaborators.
Available on: Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Windows Phone
Price: Free up to 2GB, premium plans available
During a sale, many documents require sellers and buyers to furnish signatures on a multitude of contracts and agreements. In today’s world, printing, signing, scanning, and sending them back (sometimes still via fax!) is just not practical anymore. Thankfully, there are a number of solutions out there that can bring this process into the 21st century.
8. PDF ESCAPE
PDFescape is the perfect solution for anyone who has a digital version of their signature on their computer that they would like to add to PDF documents, and it’s worth recommending to your clients and collaborators. It allows you to upload any PDF document, add signatures, text, and dates where necessary.
Available on: Web
Price: Free
9. DOTLOOP
Dotloop is an advanced online collaboration tool. As the agent, you can upload documents and pre-assign those spaces that need a signature from your client. When the document gets sent over, the client creates an account, verifies their identity, and is guided through the document -- without missing any important areas that need to be filled in. Signatures are e-verified and all data is secure and encrypted.
Available on: Web, iOS
Price: Starting at $30/month
10. SIGN EASY
SignEasy is great tool for those always on the go. Create an account, “draw” your signature, and start signing documents from any mobile device!
Available on: iOS, Android, and Blackberry
Price: Free, upgrade for premium features
Each of these apps should be a helpful addition to your current tool set. Are there any other helpful real estate apps you know of? If so, share them in the comments!
Read all of Melanie Haselmayr's articles on AllBusiness.com.
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