It’s only been a month… but what a month.
By some estimates Apple is now selling over 200,000 iPads a week in the US. And international sales kick in at the end of this month.
People are realizing that there may in fact be a need for a device that sits between their notebook and their smart phone.
For real estate professionals this is even more resonant. Who really wants to lug around a huge, heavy laptop? And who really wants to hunt and peck on a tiny screen? Tablet computers morph magically from one task to another and, in nearly every case, provide a compelling experience.
My iPad has not left my side in over 30 days. Here’s just a few reasons why – 10 iPad Apps real estate professionals (or any mobile professional, for that matter) would do well to investigate:
1. Things ($19.99)
Spendy, yes. Invaluable? Without question. If you’re already using the desktop app or iPhone app, Things for iPad is a must have. It is an incredibly powerful task manager that helps keep your day on track. I keep it running next to my laptop all day as I check off my completed to-dos. Over-the-air background syncing between Things installs is the one missing piece to this puzzle however.
2. Gmail (Free)
Gmail is not a native iPad app but rather an incredibly slick web app. It provides darn near everything you need if you’re a Gmail acolyte. Labels and archiving – wrapped in a snappy interface – can help you get to Inbox Zero while you’re out and about. This one deserves a Home Screen bookmark all of its own.
3. Pulse News Reader ($3.99)
Pulse creates a visual mosaic of all your news sources. Scrolling both horizontally and vertically its a beautiful way to scan your morning headlines. Tap a link to get the full story. Right now the app requires manually importing your feeds, which is limited to 50 sources – but the developer is promising full integration with Google Reader in the future. I can’t wait.
4. WordPress (Free)
Ah-mazing. The WordPress app is clean, no-nonsense and intuitive. You can moderate comments and create or edit posts and pages on your WordPress blog straight from your iPad. Blogging has never been easier.
5. Sociable ($4.99)
Get all your favorite social networks in a single app. Twitter and Facebook are mainly what I use this for, but you can also add Flickr, Reddit and Digg accounts as well. I love that I can keep my social streams separate while keeping business (Twitter) and personal (Facebook) together in a single glance-able app.
6. Beejive IM for iPad ($5.99)
BeejiveIM rocked on the iPhone and the new design for the iPad makes it feel even better – like there’s more room to breathe. You can add a slew of IM accounts – AIM/MobileMe, MSN/Windows Live, Yahoo!, GoogleTalk, Facebook, MySpace, ICQ and Jabber – and yet manage them all in a single interface. Push alerts tell you when you colleagues come online or when you get a new message.
7. Penultimate ($2.99)
The virtual keyboard on the iPad was surprisingly easy to get used to. But sometimes you just want to scribble something down when you’re out in the field. Enter Penultimate – a virtual notebook that allows you to jot down your thoughts using just your finger. Couple this app with a Pogo pen and you have a winner.
8. Analytics HD ($6.99)
Analytics HD hooks into your Google Analytics account so you can quickly fire it up and check your website’s traffic. Also it’s great for meeting with clients if you want to show them how their listing pages are are doing online.
9. Memeo Connect Reader (Free)
We’re huge Google Docs users here at 1000watt and think real estate pros should get on board too. Memeo Connect Reader automatically syncs with your Google Docs account so that you can view all your Google Docs files in the cloud. The one bummer here is that the app is read only – so you’re unable to edit or create new docs – but this seems to be a limitation with Google itself and not the app. Still, it’s great for reviewing docs or pulling up a presentation when you’re away from your desk.
10. Keynote ($9.99)
Apple calls Keynote “the most powerful presentation app ever designed for a mobile device”. It’s hard to disagree. This app is a must for anyone who sits down with clients on a regular basis (like real estate pros!). Running a presentation is dead simple. And the transitions and animations will knock their socks off.
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This post is right on time! I just got my iPad on Thursday. I was hoping to find a better way to deal with Google Docs though. I see that you guys are running into the same problem I’m having…Nothing good yet… Bummer…
Great info though. Thanks!
There’s a new app called DaVinchi that’s designed for appraisers, but could be very useful for agents that want to evaluate a home. It’s sort of a Beta grade app at this point, but it’s free.
Also, Dropbox is an awesome way to store and present PDFs.
@SethS
Yeah – doesn’t seem to be a way to edit Google Docs on iPad – either through browser or any app that I’ve found. A real bummer. Maybe the Goog’s retaliation at Apple for rejecting Google Voice app?
@tcar
I had Dropbox and Box.net apps on the list – both of those are great apps. Had to keep it to ten though! I could have kept going… and going…
To be sensitive to the 10 app limit, let’s call Evernote for the iPad 10.1! Speedy search and platform agnostic sync make this a “must have” for me. Great list, Joel.
When I first saw the iPad, it didn’t seem very lustworthy. Have had it for several weeks now and am amazed how useful it is.
I won’t go into essential, but my favorite apps (duplicating several of yours) are:
Maps – Amazingly useful when showing homes – easy to spot the commercial areas (restaurants, cafes, etc.) because the satellite map shows them in gray
Keynote – So far, this is the killer app – I’ve migrated all my laptop presentations to the iPad – include builds, videos, etc. This is a MUST HAVE
Things – still learning it, but think it will be great
iBooks – for some reason a download rather than built in
Kindle – I thought the iPad would be a Kindle Killer. The reality is that Amazon has a much larger selection of books
Sunlight – I selected the iPhone version so i could use it on both iPhone and iPad – Great app for photographers – it shows you elevation and location of the sun throughout the year and time of day. Perfect to let buyers see where the sun will shine.
WolframAlpha – great for the inner geek
Goodreader – I’m moving all my “reference” PDF files into this app – When showing homes yesterday I downloaded the PDF which shows slide/earthquake zones in Berkeley. Was Amazing
I started a new google group for real estate/apple product users – open to all
Click on the link and it may tell you how to become a member. I’m already a member, so not sure what shows up if you’re not
http://groups.google.com/group/apple-product-real-estate-users
Ira
Google just launched an app that works well with google docs. I like drop box too and find paper desk invaluable for typing or writing notes. Love my iPad loaded it with apps for my clients. Like the email services on my blackberry the best. Have Davinchi not very helpful. Easier to access the MLS with the iPad and pull the comps in. less typing. I suspect that everyone can come up with a list of ten indispensable apps and I have several that you mention in this post. Seriously the greatest value for me so far other than the fun is that I can quickly show my clients information, no matter where we are.
Analytics HD ($6.99) is AMAZING – already took a bunch of screen shots to send my seller on a market update!
Might even start using Google Docs now that I have that Memeo Connect Reader
Thanks!
Dang! 10 more reasons I’m going to break down and get an iPad. Every day the force gets stronger… Thanks Joel!
The iPad has enormous gravitational pull. IMHO there’s no reason to NOT get an iPad.
Lustworthy? Oh, yes. I didn’t want one until I saw colleagues with them and played with fit. Great for showing photos of Costa Rica countryside and properties. Clients love it”
Photos
The light bright screen is just superb for showing photos – I’m now resizing all mine to fit the iPad screen. My art deco/neon photos just POP! when I show them on the iPad.
Video/Presentations
Embed your Keynote presentations with Build In/Out info and Video, and it’s also terrific for presentations.
Not Always The Right Tool
A friend quoted someone by saying “iPad is for Consuming, not for Creating” That’s apt – It’s perfectly OK (even good) for taking notes at a meeting, but not the right tool to edit a document.
Chick/Dude Magnet
Did I mention that it’s an amazing Chick Magnet? If I were single (I’m not – Hi Carol!) I’d get an iPad AND a puppy – and I’m not too sure about the puppy. Can’t wait to see the “I turned on the iPad and then …. ” wedding announcements.
Joel, I’m not convinced the iPad is essential for real estate, let alone ANY app. It’s fun, certainly makes a “cool” one-on-one presentation device, but I’m not sure I could make a good case for suggesting that this is an essential tool yet. That said, I love mine and wouldn’t want to give it up.
@respres. I would agree with you – the iPad is definitely not essential for real estate.
But…
For many of the minor digital tasks we face these days – brokers/agents included; approving blog comments, note-taking, checking news feeds, email; the iPad has definitely become a very useful tool. In fact, more than useful, it’s almost preferable to a notebook or smartphone.
In that sense, I think it’s way more that just a “cool” presentation device.
This was really meant to be a list of those kinds of apps.
AnalyticsHD is soooo good. I’ve been using his iPhone version for awhile. It’s very great on the iPad. It has some reports that you don’t get with the standard GA web interface too.
Great list.
I’d second the Evernote addition as 10.1.
Jeff
iPad Essential – No
iPad an amazingly useful tool – For Sure
In fact, I’m strongly considering dropping iPhone and getting a device I can make phone calls from
@Ira
I just ordered a brand new Droid Incredible on Verizon today because the iPad now satisfies my app needs.
I’m looking forward to making calls again! Perfect condition iPhone 3gs is now for sale!!
Good luck Seth. Walmart is selling the 3GS for $97 new.
@gahlord
I sadly read that today… Apple just can’t stop screwing us over!
I wish someone else would make cool, useful equipment. I feel good about switching to a non-Apple, open source phone. Hopefully one day I can do the same with my laptop and tablet.
I know. Those big jerks should stop making incredibly useful products!
I use my iPad in the field everyday and even for contract signing. First thing to get is a Pogo Stylus for signing. Then here are my essentials apps that I use daily.
1.) Goodreader – for document management across all IPad Apps.
2.) Dropbox – for syncing documents with my laptop and other devices such as my iphone.
3.) Iannotate – for signing documents and marking up PDF’s.
4.) Pages – For editing and writing word docs.
5.) Keynote – For presentations to customers.
6.) Numbers – For editing and creating excel files.
Get these apps and you can make yourself a mobile paperless machine!
Joel, I’m in agreement. Love my iPad and love the apps I use to access information. But the title of your post is “10 essential iPad Apps for real estate professionals.”
James… I also love my Pogo Stylus. Can’t really use Brushes app without it.
Plus, it’s a “grin” generator. Every time I use mine, I crack a smile. How many things do that?
FYI, Office2HD lets you edit Google Docs.
– Ed
Great list. I love my ipad and will go through your list in detail.
I am waiting for feo the I-pad to start selling in Latin America!!!
this is great news for real estate!!!
Perhaps the blog should become 1,000 purchases.
Just bought the Jeff Turner Special Pogo Sketch, also bought several other Apps people recommended.
Thanks – another great blog post from the wonderful people at 1000 Watt.
In addition to Pulse, Google Reader Play is a great way to get your news fix in the morning.
Just hit http://www.google.com/reader/play in Safari
When I see some real applications that can make my everyday life easier in Real Estate… I’ll buy one. Until then, it’s just another device to occupy valuable time!!
These are some great apps I downloaded most im loving that IAnnotate allows me to get signatures.
Any of Apps for ipad you would recommend? Thank you for this page
JC
Thanks for all the great info. I agree the presentation potential is powerful
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Love Love Love, Love Love Love….nothing it can’t do that isn’t done….Love Love Love – I love my iPad for my business.
Excellent write up. Nice to see a lot of useful ipad apps for Real Estate out there.
Great list – but I think iPad, like iPhone has a niche market in real estate.
I just posted a PDF of my two CRS 2010 Sellabration talks.
The first talk is about using Apple Products in real estate, the 2nd talk is about the iPad.
Here’s the link.
http://budurl.com/serkessharingideas
Right now it’s simply static PDF pages from my Keynote Presentations (each “build” of a slide shows up as a separate PDF page). I’ll update the link when I create the youtube video.
I STRONGLY recommend the 3G version – primarily because it has SUPERB GPS built in. In fact, I use my Verizon MiFi card rather than the AT&T network.
Of the 3G versions, I highly recommend the 64 GB flavor. Within 4 hours of bringing my iPad home, I filled 32 GB of it with photos and video.
Ira
PS
I played with the Wireless version for 3 weeks before my 3G came in. I thought it would be useful, but really wasn’t wowed by it.
Within a few days of getting my 3G iPad I realized what an astonishingly useful tool it was. It most definitely is NOT just a large iPhone nor is it a replacement for my 15″ Mac Book Pro.
It really does have its own place in my arsenal of useful tools.
The iPad is awesome for real estate. Just working on my Listing Presentation in Keynote. My Apple Store offered a one to one seminar, “MAC For Real Estate” where I learned about a cool free App to use with Keynote called Keynote Remote. Keynote Remote lets you see your current slide in Keynote while previewing the upcoming slide thus controlling the pace of your presentation.