Stefanie Hahn
By Stefanie Hahn
This video outlines the pros and cons of the iPad and covers the basics that all real estate practitioners should consider before they make their purchase.
Stefanie Hahn is the education director for Coldwell Banker Hearthside, REALTORSĀ® in Malvern, Pa. Visit her Web site: www.StefanieHahn.com.
Comments 10
I totally agree. I had the opportunity to use an iPad for several weeks and found that my Dell netbook was far superior in performing my day to day activities. I struggled with having to do a “work-a-round” to gain MLS accessibility, having limited use of browser functions (safari is not the same as explorer) when attempting to access certain sites and limited productivity without an add on keyboard and document storage. I found the iPad to be a great ebook reader, email checker and with certain apps a great “go to” device for a specific purpose (not much different than my feelings about my iPhone). Why not choose the best tool for the job…… in all circumstances and not one where you always have to be “thinking out of the box” to make it fit what you are doing? Oddly this submission is being input from an iMac….. and I love it!
Stefanie – Great post. I won’t buy an iPad because my kids have one. It was a gift from my father-in-law who earned it from a sales promotion at his sales company. I do play with it but for what I need to do as a Director of Agent Development, it would be more of a toy. I do agree with your advice that a Realtor would need to explore his/her options and understand the “why” of the pruchase before they would but an iPad just to be cool.
Ha thanks for commenting Alan! I meet agents every day that think an iPad can replace their laptop. They are awesome, but not as a laptop replacement!
Sorry guys I can’t disagree more! I’ve had an iPad 2 now for about a month and I have no idea how I ever survived without one. I have no issues with MLS access and the new Realtor.com app is awesome. Not to mention it comes in real handy as a distraction at thoese less than active open houses. Not to mention it makes Facebook updates and tweets so much easier than from my Blackberry! Check out the flip book app that’s where I saw this story and oh by the way I am posting this response from my iPad!!
Definitely not a laptop replacement but ironically it has replaced my laptop.
There are pluses and minuses and you really need to assess which options work best for you.
One big minus, I had to get off the couch and watch this video on my laptop as you can’t watch a lot of videos on websites on the iPad. Lol
Steve
Hey Sean … It is a cool toy and I really do get some work done on it. But I can’t do it all. Thanks for commenting! – SH
The iPad is not a replacement for a computer. It’s a substitute or add-on device for all the services and features you’ll find on your Smartphone, but larger formats and much easier to use — love the screen! Also… it’s small, light weight, so easy to carry.
Have no problem utilzing it when accessing the MLS (not going to run reports on it…) or when demonstrating in a Listing presentation the finepoints of my services or criteria about my client’s property and their community. Easy to do!
Have seen it utilized at numerous conferences recently — is great for looping marketing materials… or demonstrations. (also seen users watching full length movies on it… on flights)
Everyone has different business practices… yours could include this tool. Your choice.
Hi Jeff – thanks for commenting! I love that your iPad 2 is working so well for you and your biz. I hope I get there someday š
Hi Steve – thank you for commenting! We agree and the video thing … ugh! It can only get better!
Hi Marylin – thanks for commenting. I agree! An iPad can be a GREAT addition to your business. I just wanted to encourage agents to do their homework before spending the money. Happy Friday!
Thanks for publishing this video/article. It was right on time for me because I was considering buying an IPad simply because it would be less bulky to carry on appointments than my 17′ screen laptop. It’s a real monster to carry –but provides all the functions I need. After watching the video, followed by reading the comments, I know that I will postpone my purchase until I’m more tech saavy and have a better understanding of what “exactly” I need.
Thanks –belinda