By: Emma Miller

In today’s real estate market, the right technology stack can level the playing field for new agents competing against veterans with decades of experience. But with thousands of apps promising to revolutionize your business, where do you start?

We asked several Young Professionals Network (YPN) Georgia chapter members to share the apps they actually use (not just the ones they downloaded once and forgot about.)  Here’s what made their essential list.

RPR: The Swiss Army Knife of Real Estate Apps

When multiple agents independently name the same app as their favorite, you know you’re onto something. The Realtors Property Resource (RPR) app earned unanimous praise from this group and it’s a free benefit included with your NAR membership.

“Honestly, RPR. What can’t this app do?” says Al Hooker, president of Metro South Association of REALTORS® and associate broker with Legacy South Real Estate Group in Stockbridge, Ga. “RPR is one of those ‘Johnny-on-the-spot’ tools that’s valuable when you’re out with clients. From quickly generating CMAs to pulling up listing details and private remarks on the fly. It gives you real-time information exactly when you need it.”

Hooker particularly appreciates how mobile-friendly RPR is. “Whether you’re in the car, at a showing or standing in a driveway, you can access data quickly and confidently, which helps you look prepared, knowledgeable and professional in front of your clients.”

Cody Chembars, YPN Georgia vice chair and owner-broker of Anchor Real Estate Advisors in Dahlonega, Ga., agrees, “I love and use NAR RPR for everything. This is a free resource that is included with our NAR membership and I highly recommend all of my agents to utilize all of the tools that RPR includes.”

The app’s versatility means it serves multiple purposes: property research, comparative market analysis, demographic data and even social media content creation. If you’re only going to master one app, make it RPR.

Forewarn: Your Safety Should Come First

Kate Wright, an associate broker with Engel & Völkers in Atlanta, Ga., and a past NAR Advisory Board member and YPN Georgia chair, says her most-used app isn’t about productivity or marketing – it’s about safety. “Hands down my most used app is Forewarn which is a huge safety tool. If you aren’t using it, you need to download it NOW!”

Forewarn allows agents to screen potential clients before meeting them, providing crucial background information that can help you make informed decisions about your safety. In an industry where we regularly meet strangers at vacant properties, this app is non-negotiable.

CRM: Start Early, Thank Yourself Later

NAR YPN Advisory Board member, YPN Georgia chair, and owner-broker of WRKHORSE REAL ESTATE CO. in Augusta, Ga., Matt Kelly emphasizes that no amount of fancy apps can replace a solid customer relationship management system. “You cannot out-run a good CRM. Start early,” he advises. “Make sure you plug every closing into a ‘post closing drip campaign’ to start racking up reviews and referral asks outside of your daily calls.”

A good CRM helps you nurture relationships systematically, ensuring that past clients don’t fall through the cracks. As Kelly points out from his own experience, the person who chooses to go in a different direction today might call you back three years later, but only if you’ve stayed in touch.

Marketing Made Easy: Canva and CapCut

For agents building their brand on social media, two apps came up repeatedly: Canva and CapCut.

“I utilize Canva on a daily basis for my marketing and monthly newsletters,” says Chembars.

Kelly agrees, “Canva is a must for social users.” The app’s templates and user-friendly interface make professional-looking graphics accessible even if you don’t have a design background.

For video content, Chembars recommends CapCut. “CapCut is another app that I use often to make property tours and other videos for my business.” As video content becomes increasingly important in real estate marketing, having a simple editing tool in your pocket is invaluable.

Financial Planning on the Fly: PalmAgent

Kelly also highlights PalmAgent as “great for showing buyers a reasonably accurate financial game plan on the fly when looking at a property.” Being able to quickly show buyers what their monthly payment might look like (including taxes, insurance and HOA fees) can help them make more informed decisions during showings.

Don’t Forget About Member Benefits

Wright reminds agents to explore all the discounts and benefits that come with membership. “Outside of apps I find a lot of value in our other member benefits specifically all the nice discounts we get.” Many of the best tools are already included in your membership dues. You just need to activate and use them.

As Hooker notes, these tools help you “look prepared, knowledgeable and professional in front of your clients.” That confidence can make all the difference.

Emma Miller is a strategic marketing and communications professional with a dynamic skill set and a passion for effective communication. Serving as the communications manager for Georgia REALTORS® since 2023, Emma utilizes current marketing and communications trends along with creative tactics to convey a variety of messages for the association. With a heavy background in email and social media marketing campaigns, Emma uses engaging and targeted content messaging to connect with REALTOR® members across Georgia. She is assistant editor of Georgia REALTOR® magazine, staff liaison for the YPN Georgia Committee, and co-liaison for the Community Service Committee, Member Communications Committee, and Consumer Awareness Task Force.