The 5 Best Apps for Real Estate Agents [SlideShare]

One thing that makes a real estate agent’s job so different from that of our peers, friends and relatives is that we are constantly on the go. Each day takes us out in the field — we’re in our cars, looking at homes, inspecting properties and who knows what else. No day is the same, and a good agent needs to be equipped with the right tools to help them become better, more efficient agents.

In a world of quick responses, immediate dissemination of information and access to so much technology, our clients want all things real estate to be simple and easy. The following five free apps and tools — in no particular order — will help make your job a lot easier, provide your customers with a higher level of service and show them you’re on top of your game.

1. Dropbox

Every agent should know about Dropbox by now, but for those who don’t, you need to download it ASAP. With Dropbox, you can store and access documents, photos and videos in the cloud using your computer, smartphone or tablet. Everything is private by default, so you control who sees what. You can use Dropbox just like the files and folders on your computer. Get in the habit of using Dropbox instead of storing information on your computer — you never know when you’ll need to read a document, show a video or share photos with clients. If you keep everything in Dropbox, it will make your life as a real estate agent much easier. The tool is online, of course, but you can use the app to copy and edit files and photos, select multiple files and send large files using your smartphone or tablet.

2. Google Maps

This app is often overlooked, as most people think it’s just for getting directions. But there are other features of Google Maps that an agent will find useful. Want to set up multiple showings but don’t know the area like the back of your hand? Open Google Maps, add the showing addresses and save them. If you are signed in to your Google account, your saved locations will show on your smartphone or tablet. Google Street View is a helpful tool because you can quickly assess a block or location without having to actually go there. See a new listing but there aren’t any photos posted yet? How frustrating. Enter the address into Google Street View and voila — you get your first look. You can use Google Street View to look up and down the block and feel out the area before you attend a showing with your client. It’s a quick way to preview any location. The mobile app offers voice-guided GPS navigation, real-time traffic conditions and more.

3. Twitter

OK, people are either Twitter users or they’re not. Non-users probably don’t understand the value of microblogging; other agents like and understand Facebook and feel that it’s the only social media platform they need to use for their business. But there is more to it. You can leverage Twitter to get breaking news or to be in the know about all things going on in your local community. You can set up a Twitter account and never tweet. But while you’re waiting for a showing or have some downtime during your day, use the app to quickly learn about local politics, find out what’s going on in the schools or check the local news headlines. Following important local leaders, businesses or town departments will provide you with talking points and up-to-the-minute knowledge about your community. Don’t forget, real estate is a social business. Being a good agent means being engaged and knowing all things about the area you serve.

4. dotloop

For those of you who don’t use dotloop to sign and execute your real estate transaction documents, you are surely missing out. In the past, real estate agents met in front of homes and had their clients sign contracts on the hoods of cars. They would then go back to the office to fax the contract to the other party. It seems archaic, but it was happening just 10 years ago. dotloop has allowed us to speed up the transaction and provide our clients with a much better level of service. If you have to ask your buyer to fax you something, you will likely annoy them. Few people use faxes and nobody likes to print and scan. Using a tool like dotloop helps you work the way your clients work. Before you head out to a client meeting, download your related documents and then access them through dotloop's mobile app.

One important thing to note about dotloop: While this tool simplifies the transaction, you shouldn’t ask your clients to sign without describing and discussing what they are signing. A good agent will still walk their client through the entire contract before sending it off for signatures.

5. Evernote

Like Dropbox for files, Evernote is like a sticky note for your mobile devices. With access from your laptop, smartphone or tablet, the Evernote app makes sure any little thing you need to remember or jot down is available to you wherever you go. Use Evernote at an inspection to quickly make notes for follow-up, take down a phone number from a For Sale sign or add a reminder for something later in the day. For years, many agents I know would keep lists. Each day they would sit at their desk and clean up the list from the day before, reordering and reprioritizing what they needed to do the next day. Today, the desk is no longer home base, so the daily list shouldn’t live there. Evernote allows agents to be productive by letting them collect and find the information they need when they need it.

There are thousands of apps out there that can help real estate agents be more efficient or drill down on one particular task. You might find other apps that are specific to real estate — free or for a nominal charge — but the above apps should be the foundation of any successful real estate agent’s practice. With them, you can better manage your time, work the way your clients like to work and stay informed about your local community. These are the top traits that make a good agent a great one.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.