July 9th - 2007

Wired Office: Smartphones offer all-in-one solution

From getting listings to showing properties to closing sales -- REALTORS® are often away from their desks.

From getting listings to showing properties to closing sales -- REALTORS® are often away from their desks. For a growing number of real estate professionals, the need to access important information and communication whenever and wherever has made handheld computers such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and smartphones indispensable gadgets.
 
There are many pocket-sized devices available to help you make phone calls, organize your calendar and address book, play music, give directions, take pictures, check your e-mail, and do countless other things. But carrying around three or four handheld devices is cumbersome and impractical. The beauty of a smartphone is it’s one device that can take care of all of your handheld computing and communication needs in one, small package.
 
Meet your needs
Unlike many standard cell phones, smartphones allow you to choose which applications you want to install, configure and run. A smartphone offers the ability to customize the device to meet your personal and business needs. For example, on a traditional cellphone, you are basically stuck with the built-in calendar format whether you like it or not. However, with a smartphone, you can install any compatible calendar program you like. Smartphones are actually a combination of the two most common handheld devices today – cellphones and PDAs. A smartphone is usually either a phone with added PDA capabilities or a PDA with added phone capabilities. Using your smartphone you can:

  • Access MLS® property listings
  • Send and receive mobile phone calls – some smartphones are also WiFi capable
  • Organize your personal information including notes, calendar and to-do list
  • Communicate with laptop or desktop computers
  • Synchronize with applications like Microsoft Outlook or Apple's iCal calendar programs
  • Send and receive e-mail and instant messages
  • Run applications such as word processing programs or video games
  • Play audio and video files in some standard formats
  • Take pictures

The most popular smartphones in Canada include RIM’s Blackberry, Palm’s TREO, Motorola’s Q and Nokia’s E62. All of these smartphones offer similar features and a wide price range depending on those features. Pricing aside, you will need to determine what software will be compatible with your MLS® system and your home or office computer. Other things to consider include keyboard design and comfort, battery life, screen size and ease of navigation (touch screen or scroll wheel). Talk to the smartphone expert at your cell phone provider’s outlet for assistance and be sure to test drive each model before deciding on one. Also talk to friends or colleagues who already have a smartphone to get their feedback. There’s lots of information available on the Internet and many cell phone providers have comparisons online including prices. A smartphone may be the smart way to go. However, as with any new technology purchase, it pays to do your homework and comparison shop to get the best deal.

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For more information contact

Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Senior Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246

Ontario Real Estate Association
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The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.

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