Five Ways GPS Technology Has Transformed Real Estate

Much of the hype around smartphones is centered on how they empower users to accomplish important tasks on the go. But your mobile phone isn't just a lightweight version of your computer. Smartphones have unique features that do things your computer can't, and that open up a whole new way of working with real estate data.

Chief among these features is GPS technology. Mobile apps can use GPS to tap into your geographic location and serve up a wealth of valuable uses that weren't available before smartphones. Real estate, being supremely location-based, is particularly well-positioned to benefit from this technology. Here are five ways mobile GPS has transformed the housing industry:

1. Property search - Ever been on a showing with a client who wants to know if any nearby properties are for sale? GPS to the rescue! Many mobile search apps today can tap into your phone's GPS and instantly pull up a list of active listings near your current location. Some get pretty fancy about it, too. With HomeSpotter, for example, just point your phone's camera at a property to pull up listing information. RPR Mobile lets Realtors search nearby homes, pull up comparables, and even see information on nearby FSBOs.

2. No more stopping for directions - Mobile navigation is a godsend for always-on-the-go agents. Gone are the days of meticulously writing down directions before leaving for a showing. Now, just type the address into your favorite navigation app for instant driving directions--and to see the flow of traffic on your route. Many property search apps today offer driving directions from right within their interface. Others, like MLS-Touch, even let you create multi-property buyer's tours with a detailed itinerary and directions.