Tablets, and more...

Microsoft's Surface, as introduced

     Next up will be putting together a guide to tablets for Realtor magazine online. It’s an iPad world so far, in real estate as elsewhere, but is that how it ultimately shape out with Microsoft’s announcement of its Surface, rumors of a Google Nexus tablet , and the many Android tablets already out there.

Tablets so far have repeated what was seen with PCs in real estate, where the abundant software catalog made this a Windows World. That’s part of the buzz driving users toward the iPad, then there’s the user experience......anyway if you’re using any tablet for real estate, I welcome your comments as I get to work on the story. Just email me.

Beyond The QR code

      The app guide should post on Realtor magazine online sometime soon, so here’s a shameless plug. There are many great apps out there, so many it’s fairer to present them as examples of different types of apps, rather than focus. on any specific app.        That said, One of the more intriguing apps I came across  and included is something called HomeSnap from SawBuck Realty .

This seems a great leap forward from the QR code. For rather than than using the code as the engagement point for delivering home info to potential buyers. 

      With HomeSnap, they simply snap an image of the house the system’s location-based services and sophisticated image recognition software serve up all the details. See for yourself, and you’ll glimpse the future of mobile searches. And, be sure to app buyers’ guide for an overview of the range of apps available to make your mobile career more productive.

Some Briefs:

     Alternative financing? In what it claims is a first for the lending industry, Money360 taps the reach of the Internet for a “ peer-to-peer (P2P) real estate lending marketplace,” matching qualifying residential or commercial real estate borrowers with its network of private lenders. 

     Site says, ”Borrowers find Lenders seeking to make loans based on their requested terms.  Lenders gain access to lending opportunities they would not otherwise see, and can conveniently review the opportunities that match their specified preferences.”  if you and clients have been frustrated with the traditional lending process, probably worth a look.... 

     If you’ve been considering other revenue streams until the market comes back, Picaboo.com might have a program for you. The digital book provider is targeting real estate professionals() with a program that allows them to capitalize on local market expertise as a local rep for its custom yearbook program. It might be a stretch, but if you’re feeling stretched, you might want to consider the program.

Smartphones and....

 Wrapped up the buying guide to smartphones recently and it should post on Realtor magazine online soon.

Even in the short cycle of online publishing it’s getting tougher to provide the most current information in a category like this. Smartphones are so hot, vendors seem to be talking up their next generation even as the most current products hit stores.

For buyers, this creates a real conundrum. The smartphone is a must have in real estate---but if you’re budget conscious when you choose your smartphone you’re making a commitment that typically runs two years. Computers and camera you can buy  a new model at will; most smartphones are sold locked to a service contract and can get very expensive when you buy outside that bundle.

So, the most important concern is getting a product you can live with that long. If you’re over 40, screen size and resolution should be a top consideration, as the display remains the biggest drawback to relying on the smartphones your primary PC in the field. Then you need to decide if that screen is worth the bulk that goes with it. Yes smartphones are thinner, sleeker lighter than ever before, but they are large compared to other types of cell phones.

But operating system trumps all other considerations....

Best Apps for Real Estate?

      It’s the apps which unleash the power of a smartphone.The June guide will take a look at this critical software category. What smartphone OS are you using, and in turn, which apps make yours a practical productive real estate tool?. I’m looking to talk to some Realtors about what they are using, and why, for this guide. If you’d like to be considered, send your thoughts to antoniakATdtccomDOTnet