iThink - Apps and Resources for Your Ipad

With it’s mobility, ease of use and thousands of amazing business apps, the iPad represents a shift in the way that REALTORS® can perform business.

Rather than relying on paper printouts and scribbled notes in meetings with buyers and sellers, REALTORS® using their lightweight, instant-on iPads to gather customer information, share property images, find directions, research neighborhood facts, and look up competitive information at a moment’s notice. Photos and videos of properties are crisp and clear on the LED-backlit iPad display, and with just a pinch it’s easy to zoom in for a closer look at the details.

Not sure if an iPad is right for you? Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you decide.

Does the MLS work on the iPad? Yes, Simply, go to bayeast.org and click on the Paragon 5 icon to login into the MLS system.

Does the bigger iPad run faster? No. The size of the iPad does not affect the speed of the processor. However, you will notice a difference in the processor speed between the iPad 2 and iPad (Gen 3).

Do I need the Wi-Fi or the LTE 4G / 3G option? It really depends upon how you plan to use the iPad. The LTE 4G and 3G are really only useful for those who need to be connected on the go and in places where there’s no Wi-Fi available.

How can I transfer photos / files on and off my iPad? Many apps will allow you to use iTunes for transferring files between your computer and iPad. Visit the File Sharing part of the Apps tab in iTunes for information about which programs will allow this function.

If you would like to maintain a photo gallery on several iOS devices, check out Apple’s PhotoStream feature on your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. This free service will sync the last 1,000 photos to your devices and store them online for 30 days. To keep a favorite picture permanently, simply save it to your device.

Can I use the iPad to show properties to client? Absolutely, the iPad makes this easy. Real estate teams use a variety of business apps to get things done faster and better. They utilize Keynote for presentations, Fuze Meetings, Skype or FaceTime for mobile videoconferencing, and iBooks to present PDF tours of homes.

Evernote lets agents take notes, add photos and record audio for a complete customer snapshot or property profile. Plus, all of these features can be shared online or through emails with other team members.

Finally, zipForm®:, DocuSign® and TouchSign® enable agents to write contracts and collect signatures on the iPad. All of these apps are FREE to Bay East members and available through the C.A.R. website at http://www.car.org.

In a business where timing can make or break a deal, an iPad can provide a REALTOR® with a competitive edge over his competitor.