Last week, Apple released its much anticipated news about their upcoming products: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and the long speculated Apple Watch. Both versions of the new iPhone are bigger and better than their predecessors, but what we’re focusing on today is the Apple Watch.
I’ll be the first to admit that when I first saw the news I was skeptical. While it’s still true that most of the things that are accomplished with the Apple Watch could be done using a smartphone or tablet, it has some distinct advantages for real estate agents that we’ll cover here.
1. Maps
Maps is one feature we’re excited about!
Have you ever been walking around, lost, wishing your map application’s walking directions would just tell you exactly where you go and exactly when you need to make each move? The maps feature on Apple Watch does just that. Instead of missing a turn because you’re not completely sure how far 0.3 miles is, the Watch will vibrate when you need to make a move. This could help save agents valuable time and energy, especially when walking to a property showing or to meet up with a client.
If you’re an agent in a metropolitan area, the Apple Watch also has an app from City Mapper that gives you all the information you’ll need about public transportation. No more chasing down buses or trains or missing your stops.
2. Wearable Productivity (and Fashion!)
When it comes to real estate, it’s no secret that agents lead busy lives. Staying organized and managing your time can make or break your career.
The Apple Watch, which includes Siri, will allow you to make appointments and keep track of those appointments without ever having to go to your mobile device or desktop. You can simply set up the appointment on your wrist! It will also keep you on track by notifying you about upcoming appointments. You can also customize the screen and choose from multiple watch band designs, making you as fashionable, as you are organized.
3. Instant Access to Clients
The Watch seamlessly connects with your phone for communication made easy.
When wearing the Apple Watch, you’ll no longer have to stress about missing a call, email, or text while you’re out and about. You can receive emails, texts, and calls on your Watch, and it also features actionable notifications, which allow you to instantly reply or call back from your Watch.
While this could be stressful for your days off, but it will be invaluable for those days when you’re busy running around taking care of things. No more missing important contacts from potential clients.
4. Safety
Some ideas for agents using the Apple Watch
Unfortunately, sometimes real estate can be a dangerous profession (September is Realtor ® Safety Month). When you’re constantly meeting people or showing homes and properties, you don’t know who you might run into.
With the convenience of basically having a computer on your wrist, you’ll be able to quickly and subtly use this wearable technology to contact a friend, family member, or the police if you ever feel unsafe. Phones can often be difficult to locate or maybe require some kind of pass code to access. The instant response of the Apple Watch will give you extra seconds that could be crucial.
5. Walkie Talkie and Tap
One of the cooler things that the Apple Watch is adding is the ability to instantly contact someone without calling or texting. One feature allows the user to tap a contact, which will then cause the other person’s Watch to vibrate, subtly notifying them. This could come in handy if you need to talk to someone but know they’re busy. It’s a silent reminder that can save both parties time. The only downside is that you can only use it to contact other Apple Watch wearers.
If you want to actually speak to someone, but don’t have time to commit to a lengthy conversation, you can also use the Walkie Talkie feature. It’s a way to have succinct conversations that don’t get in the way of your work flow. And it has the added bonus of feeling kind of like James Bond…
6. Social Media
With your important social media sites easily accessible on your wrist, you’ll be able to update your profiles without having to find a computer or dig your phone out of your pocket or purse. This will help you better manage leads that potentially come in from social by responding instantly.
You’ll also be able to update your followers and fans with any important real estate related occurrences that may happen when you’re away from home. Keeping up with social media is one way to develop your brand, as well as build and maintain a relationship with future, current and past clients.
7. Apple Pay
Apple Pay is one of the bigger things that was announced by Apple last week. This feature will allow users to scan their credit cards into their Passbooks and never have to worry about carrying around multiple cards. As of right now, approximately 200,000 merchants and retailers will accept Apple Pay, which utilizes NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. This number is only going to grow.
This is yet another way real estate agents can simplify their jobs and their lives by going paperless. In the meantime, it can help you save time by letting you make quick and easy purchases for open houses, client meetings, etc., all with the swipe of your wrist.
Although it’s probably too early to tell whether or not the Apple Watch will be a game changer for real estate, it has a lot of potential. We’re excited to see what cool ways savvy agents decide to use the Watch for increased productivity, and further down the line, sophisticated marketing strategies.
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