Remember the “good old days” of MLS books, pencils, and solar powered calculators? Well, they are gone forever! According to NAR, 70% of today’s buyers want an agent who is better trained in technology than they are. With 75% of all homes bought being viewed on the Internet before an agent is even called, the industry is forced to raise the bar to meet the demands of the home buying public.

What a confusing time to be a REALTOR®! New devices are being presented to you almost daily. Trying to decide what device is best can be mind boggling! What do I want a device to do for me? What works with what? And will I learn enough to get my money’s worth?

If the device itself isn’t enough to fret about, now we have all the add-on gadgets to consider buying – printers, keyboards, GPS, and the coffee maker option. Oh, what about software programs –will it open my lockbox? Can I look up listings? Are they downloaded or live? Which contact management system should I use? Does it work with what I currently use (like Top Producer or Agent On-Line)? Will it talk to my Outlook?

My goal over the next few articles is to help you, the real estate professional, wade through all the options and decide what will work best for you. Many of you have attended my classes and seminars and have heard me often use the phrase “one size doesn’t fit all.”

Let’s start with the brain of the system you want to incorporate into your life. Just so we are all on the same page, to enjoy all the bells and whistles of having a mobile office you need a device that can power the programs and accessories you need to perform the task. So what’s the right device, a Smartphone or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)? There isn’t one I can recommend for everybody, so let’s start with the brain and see what is important to you. Does having everything in one device appeal to you? If so, then a Smartphone is your answer. Does it worry you to lose one device? Would having one function break down make you feel like you are out of business? Then buying a PDA and a separate cell phone is your answer.

What does the Smartphone offer for REALTORS®? In some cases the advantages of the Smartphone might outweigh your fears of the “one device” problems. The short list of features includes cell phone, PDA, email access, web access, calendar, contacts, listing information, and opening lockboxes. Often overlooked is the ability to add the Microsoft bundle of programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook. I am finding more agents using Excel as a transaction platform. Being able to have MS Word in your pocket is a great REALTOR® tool.

In my next article we will cover more details about the Smartphone and benefits many users are not aware of.

Dick Betts is a technology consultant and instructor specializing in the personal digital assistant (PDA) and related programs. He has presented PDA classes and real estate seminars in thirty nine states and Canada, and recently Palm has added Dick to a small list of Certified Palm Trainers to help them with business solution training. For more information, visit his website, www.DickBetts.com, or email him at Dick@DickBetts.com.