It’s just been one short year since the Ipad tablet PC was released in April of 2010. Millions of apps later we’re already on the second version – the Ipad 2 and there is no question that this mobile PC has hit the market running. Sales figures indicate that in 2010, over 14.5 million units were sold and it’s sleek look, easy-to-use interface and high-tech moxie have made it the hottest tablet PC. Just as the Iphone revolutionized the smartphone industry, the Ipad is doing the same with tablet PCs. I recently had a chance to play around with an Ipad and I have to say, the potential of this device for use in real estate is huge.
First off, if you are at all familiar with the Iphone, think of the Ipad as a large version of it and you’ll be right at home. The base model comes with wifi capability but AT&T and now Verizon sell data plans that give allow true mobile access of the internet. The first thing to understand is: the Ipad is not a phone. So you won’t be able to replace your smart phone with one (I don’t think anyone really would want to as you’d look pretty silly holding one up to your ear and it’s a little large to slip into a pocket). However, the Ipad 2 has been enhanced with a forward-facing camera to enhance it’s VoIP capabilities – particularly for Skype video conferencing.
Another advantage of the Ipad is the huge viewable screen. If you’ve ever tried to look up a home on your Iphone you know the difficulties of trying to show photos to your clients on that tiny screen. The Ipad changes all of this and it’s crystal clear back-lit display is perfect for internet browsing. I can already see a great use of the Iphone for showings – there’s nothing that’s going to wow your buyers like handing them an Ipad with a showing card for the property all loaded up and on-screen.
Perhaps the biggest way the Ipad can revolutionize the way we do real estate is with the ability to fill out and sign electronic documents. The touch screen combined with a downloadable application allows the use of digital signatures. This means no more wasted paper – the contract can be filled out, signed and faxed from the device without one page of paper printed. This is also great for time-sensitive purchases where buyers want to get the first offer on the table for a hot property. The biggest hurdle to all of this is the price – between $400-$700. For agents that work with high end homes or want to be on the cutting edge of technology, this is an easy expense. However, many agents may see this as more of a novelty rather than a necessity. However it turns out, the Ipad is definatley cool and it’s only a matter of time before we’re all seeing more of it in the real estate industry.