This is the latest in a series of 'Buyer's Guides' that feature questions to ask and options to consider before making a new purchase. See our previous guides to purchasing a CMA,CRM, Document and Transaction Management, and Electronic Signature solution.

What are iPad Apps for REALTORS®?

Real estate agents are notoriously on-the-go, covering a great deal of ground in a hurry. Thankfully, technology has finally caught up with the realities of our industry – with mobile devices that provide key functionality no matter where you are. One of the most popular mobile tools for today's real estate agent is the tablet – Apple's iPad being the most popular, but with a variety of other developers throwing their hats in the ring. The applications (or "apps") that are built to run on these tablets can help real estate agents with many of the nuts and bolts of their trade.

Questions to Ask

There are some important questions to ask when buying any real estate technology product and some that are unique to choosing an iPad app.

First, let's look at general questions you'll want to ask.

• What are my objectives for this piece of technology and will this product help me achieve those objectives? Brainstorm your objectives by considering things you do on your computer that you would like to do anywhere, anytime.
• What is my budget?
• Does my broker, MLS, or Association have any agreements with any vendors that might help me obtain this product at a discount or for free?
• What kind of customer service and training programs are available? Are there webinars and, if so, are they recorded so you can view them at any time? Is the vendor's online help sufficient?