so after thinking this out, why not provide THE real estate app for everyone? there are multiple sources online, craigslist, zillow, realtor.com, tons more, that provide free information and data.

what does the app need? there was an earlier post that explains in detail the ultimate app that an agent needs. in short:

being able to pull in a listing – there will always be “fill in the blanks” such as mls numbers, but essentially pulling in public records such as the address to autopopulate the app.

you should be able to map out your drive from one location to the next with waypoints.

you should be able to sign and print the forms as well as send them via email. basically removing paper work that has been busy work and duplicate work for years.

electronic signatures are already used everywhere and this can/could be a simple addendum to the contract.

in order for an app like this to “take off” it needs to be a community app, meaning input needs to provided by the community that includes specific features you would want.

there are many sites that allow for the community to donate money to which begins the process of n
building the actual app.

ive built a few and can estimate a project like this runs 7k to 15k given my resources. if you, the community want to build a REAL app thats made for you, that takes paperwork out of the equation, leave us your comments and suggestions. i think this is very accomplishable with today technology.

ps. sorry for the lowercase but i was using my ipad to post this!

iPad giveaways have been popping up over the past few months from the release so theres plenty to be ‘had’ out there. If you enter enough times you could just find yourself a winner sooner than later!

On long distance flights, today’s traveler is stuck watching the airline’s chosen movie on overhead screens or screens near the bulkhead. On some flights, the in-flight entertainment system features slightly more convenient back-of-the-seat options that give travelers a small selection of movies and low-quality games to play during the flight. An in-flight iPad entertainment option would make it possible for travelers to play better quality games, watch first-run movies and even read e-books from the comfort of their seat.

The key to making this successful is Bluebox Ai, a software program that allows travelers’ iPads to wirelessly accesses the media options while on the flight. This, in theory, replaces the typical entertainment system on airplanes, giving travelers more freedom to choose the way they spend their time. To date, details on the program are not widely available. Bluebox Ai will, apparently, allow guests to download apps from the Apple App Store, play games on an in-flight casino, and access e-books and online magazines.

The software that Bluebox Avionics is adding to the device contains a security package that allows users to access the iPad and most of its features, even during times when use of electronic devices is not typically allowed. In other words, from the moment they settle into their seats, travelers will have something to entertain themselves with. This could, in theory, make long waits for takeoff less troublesome.

So have any airlines actually signed up for the service. Bluebox is not releasing any names, but sources indicate that at least one international airline has purchased the service. Bluebox Ai is expected to make its debut in July, and only time will tell whether or not it will take off as the next big thing in the world of airline entertainment. If the popularity of the device is any indication, demand for the Bluebox Ai program could be strong.

What is the reason for this delay? According to Apple, the demand for the device has been much, much greater than the company anticipated. Thus, the original manufacturing order has not kept up with the surprisingly high demand. While this could be the case, it is also possible that the company simply failed to make enough of the tablets. After all, most of Apple’s newest gadgets have been hot, with waiting lines and overnight camping before launches, so the company should have anticipated the demand.

This is not the first time this happened. In fact, the initial US launch was supposed to be in March, but because Apple couldn’t meet its own shipping schedule, the launch was pushed back to April. Similarly, the international launch was bumped from April until May. In early May, just three days after the 3G model first launched, the device was sold out in 49 of 50 stores, according to an article on cnn.com. In fact, several stores sold out of the Wi-Fi only model as well the first week of may. Because of these delays in the US, many have been left to wonder whether or not Apple will be able to supply the necessary number of iPads for a successful international launch. Others wonder if the demand will be as high internationally as it has been here in the states.

So what does this mean to you, as a consumer? If you are in the US, you will just have to order online and wait a little longer to get your hands on an iPad, or you will need to go to an Apple store and hope that you get lucky enough to find one on the shelves. If you are in one of the international markets that is looking to get the iPad at the end of the month, then now is the time to preorder it online, as online ordering in select markets is now available. This will ensure that you get your device as quickly as possible when they are finally released in your market.

And the insider was right, because last week London’s Berkeley Hotel announced that it will be giving guests in its luxury suites an iPad loaded with themed apps to help enhance their stay. The iPad will have games, videos, and comic books for families staying in the hotel with children in tow, whereas business professionals will have the Wall Street Journal and their local newspapers loaded onto the device. Local attractions will also be mapped and explained.

Of course, the iPad is not yet available in the UK, so this will be quite a treat for those able stay in the hotel, at least until the product launches in the market at the end of May.

So what benefit does purchasing a few iPads give to the hotel chain? The devices aren’t cheap, of course, so besides increasing customer satisfaction and potentially increasing bookings, are there other benefits?

Well, many, if not all, upscale hotels offer complimentary newspapers to their guests. By using newspaper and magazine apps on the iPad, hotels can continue this service while broadening the media available to their guests, yet eliminating the paper versions. This saves money over time, because newspaper subscriptions can get expensive, and the hotel also has to pay a staff member for his or her time distributing them.

The iPad can also simplify the concierge experience. The hotels’ concierge can use the iPad to give guests directions to and information about local attractions. The device can also be used to download recommended books and games to help keep youngsters entertained during a hotel stay.

In theory, the iPad can replace in-room computers or laptops that some luxury hotels supply. There is, of course, the temptation for guests to steal the tablet, but this can be eliminated by a waver that states, “if you steal or break the iPad, even accidentally, replacement cost will be billed to your credit card.”

So is the iPad going to make an appearance in luxury hotels across the globe, becoming standard fare for elite travelers? Only time will tell, but for sure you will enjoy yourself if you are one of those lucky enough to get one in your room!

• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Spain
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

If you live in one of these countries, you can pre-order your favorite iPad model from Apple’s online store starting Monday, May 10. The iPad will officially be available in these select markets on May 28.

If US sales are any indication, the iPad is going to be an international sensation very quickly. Since its launch in the US less than one month ago, the iPad has sold over 1 million models. This huge number has taken the tech world by storm, making the iPad one of the industry’s fastest selling new gadgets. In contrast, the iPod took 74 days to reach the 1 million mark when it first launched. In addition, buyers have downloaded over 12 million apps from the App Store, which they can conveniently connect to via the iPad’s web browsing option.

These nine countries are just the beginning of the company’s quest for global domination for their new tablet. In July, Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and Singapore will enter the scene as countries where the iPad can be purchased.

So how much is an iPad going to cost? Apple posted prices for consumers in the UK. Wi-Fi only versions will cost £429 for the 16GB model, £499 for the 32GB model and £599 for the 64GB model. Apple’s 3G iPads will start at £529 for the 16GB version, with prices going to £699 for the 64GB option. In the UK, consumers will be able to purchase iPads thorugh Apple Stores and some Apple resellers. Orange, O2 and Vodafone will be offering iPad dedicated data plans, but the cost for the 3G plan is still unknown.

This international launch could prove to be pivitol for the tablet’s success. While it has been incredibly popular in the US, in order to revolutionize compuitng, as some say it might do, the device must become internationally popular. Apple is banking that the depand for the product on May 28 will be as strong as it was when it launched in the US on April 3.

So who wants to buy my “In Mint Condition” iPad 16GB WiFi only model? I’m sure I’ll be upgrading soon enough. In the meantime, enjoy the reviews that are piling up in the real estate market that I’m reviewing.

Did you detect the sarcasm in the last sentence? I guess I’ll need to create my own. Stay tuned!

Which leads me to ask you…..what features and functionality are you looking for as an agent? Please don’t be shy, I think alot of people want to know just exactly how you’ll use the iPad in a real estate setting. Its not just about searching for homes but I’m thinking more along the lines of a contact database, almost a ‘salesforce.com’ application just for real estate. Throw in your local MLS search functionality and you’d have some nice features.

Leave us some comments and lets us know what you want or what you invision this device doing for your business.

Seriously?