Why the Future of Real Estate is Mobile…
Real estate technology is headed straight to the small screen.
‘Nuff said.
For more background on this – read some of these earlier posts:
- House Hunting On The Go
- Mobile Real Estate can Thank the iPhone
- Apple Releases SDK Kit for iPhone
- Mobile Real Estate Search Paradigm Just Shifted
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Scott Jensen - Carolina Realty Advisors | Jun 12, 2009 | Reply
I totally agree, I can even look up homes on the MLS now on my blackberry, as well as respond to clients and even edit and send documents. I’m liking it!
Ian S. Greenleigh | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
Just about puts the nail in the coffin of doubt. Thanks for the post.
Marty Lachance | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
I’m really not convinced that Real Estate is ready for mobile. Nor do I think a large number of consumers are looking for this technology as a tool to help them search.
Utopria has created arguably the best multimedia iPhone platform on the market. It still has not had mass appeal even with our own customers. Even though it’s completely automated, they still struggle to understand it and the value it delivers.
There are a number of issues with believing it will be the next big thing. I have said this many times…I don’t believe that the technology will change how consumers want to view properties. In the home, rather than driving neighbourhoods is simply a ‘richer’ experience.
The multimedia component presents a challenge as well. Without getting to technical, the bottom line is that 3rd party companies who can produce a rich experience will need to charge for the service. In these economic times, Realtors are not able to afford the luxury.
I know many early adopters are coding for the future, Utopria included. But you simply can’t rush Realtor and consumer sentiment.
It will be several years before the industry clicks into mobile as a viable marketing outlet.
Marty Lachance
Utopria – President
Alfred | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
I agree with Marty. My philosophy about real estate (Especially the expensive New York City real estate that I’m involved with) is that quality pictures are very important. Phone screens are simply not big enough, nor will they ever be. I really think that both agents and clients need to get a feel for apartments through images, and a small image, no matter what the resolution, just can’t do that.
Chris Dowell | Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
I agree with this post! In the past couple months our mls has added the mobile BB search function and it is awesome!
Bob Stoneburner | Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
Mobile will have great impact in the real estate industry…but not in search. Mobile is becoming just one of many access points for cloud computing. As online presence is integrated into search sites, agents will be able to appear as ‘online’ and field incoming information requests via text, IM, phone, or email from their mobile device. Because mobile is an access point for cloud computing, it can be used to access contact lists, patch into calendars, ect. With developers building mobile components of CRM and transaction management applications, with cloud computing you’ll be able to access them just as easily from your mobile device as you can a PC. However, while mobile devices are becoming just another access point in the cloud (just like your PC) certain activities will always be difficult due the size of the screen. Search on a phone will always be a little rough.
Bill Skrypnyk | Jun 29, 2009 | Reply
Mobile is definitely changing the way people access information.
MyRealPage, a website and listings hosting company based in Canada has made its property searches available on iPhone and Android-based phones hot on the heels of the iPhone OS 3.0 and the “Cupcake” build for Android (HTC Dream and Magic). These phones now support geolocation in the browser and make building geo-aware applications a pleasure!
The mobile application is available as part of all MyRealPage cutomers’ listing subscription. It will geolocate the user, “follow” them as they walk and drive and update listing search results on the go. It also displays full details and photos, allows visitors to “star” listings, inquire about them with the service providing realtor, etc; it also provides users with access to their Virtual Office Website (VOW) accounts that lets them see and do more (including signing up for one). It can even let a visitor “teleport” themselves to an address of their choice.
More details on MyRealPage company blog.
Marty Lachance | Aug 2, 2009 | Reply
Bill, that’s great about ‘teleporting’. Pressing a button on your phone and being physically transported across the city to the next house… well quite frankly is a great idea. Beam me up Scotty.
I suggest this feature may be wasted on Real Estate though and perhaps would have some appeal in the travel/tourism industries.
Marty Lachance
Utopria Inc.
las vegas foreclosures | Aug 29, 2009 | Reply
It works out perfect for me because sometimes clients find homes for sale that we didn’t plan on viewing while we are out looking; we can stop and get the information right there and then on my blackberry. It makes me look good and I save on printer ink and paper:)