Access Homes and MLS Using Your TREO
September 13, 2007
By: Dee Copeland
Author's Website: http://www.texasrealestate.blogs.com/
First, I have to say that I’m not the biggest fan of the Treo as a PDA. As a Mac user, I’ve sworn my heart to the new Apple iPod touch. I just couldn’t bear to switch to the iPhone due to the super-slow AT&T network.
TOP PRODUCER
That said, I do like the integration of my Treo 650 with several real estate applications. For instance, the Treo will sync to my Top Producer database using the mobility upgrade. I have listings, closings, appointments and contacts all in one little device that travels with me.
The SUPRA iBOX
Many agents were upset when our board completely moved to Supra iBoxes, which are electronic keyboxes that allow secure access to homes. The Supra iBoxes by GE are useful because agents can set access hours and know exactly who entered the home once the agent syncs their key again. In Austin, we simply purchase iBoxes from the board. Before you can use it, they will program your information into the box.
The #1 benefit of using the iBox is the ability to quickly ask for seller feedback using HomeFeedback.com.
E-KEY APPLICATION
The eKey application is optional software that allows you to use your TREO to access Supra iBoxes instead of the typical MLS key. You can purchase it as an upgrade when you buy the box itself. The eKey application is pretty handy because you can search MLS through preset parameters, automatically sync to the key each night, and even send feedback once you open a door.
As other Palm OS applications come online, the Treo should continue to be useful. So far, I haven’t seen news that GE is working on applications that can sync to Blackberry or Windows Mobile platforms.
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- Categories: MLS, Mobile Devices
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Comments
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An MLS Employee in Oregon on September 13, 2007 4:15 pm
Nice to hear from someone who likes their ekey software… in my position I’m generally only hearing from the people who are frustrated with it! Anyway, a minor clarification – Supra does have eKey software for the Windows Mobile platform (you can actually get a list of the devices they support at http://www.gesecurity.com/GESecurity/Real%20Estate/current_devices.pdf). And last I heard there won’t be any software for Blackberries, because the iBox uses an Infrared port for communications, and Blackberries don’t have IR.
sworlando on September 13, 2007 7:44 pm
I’m a mac user myself and also a Treo 700p/Ekey user and they both work fine together. I sync with Outlook in Parallels but I used to sync with the Palm software on my Mac before. I would like the Ekey to work with the iphone or blackberry but have no complaints about the Ekey other than the fact that you have to reload the software everytime there is an update and no one notifies you of the update. I’m always realizing my key hasn’t updated at the wrong times.
Dee Copeland on September 15, 2007 7:36 am
Sworlando, that’s awesome. I love my Mac and have been wanting to upgrade to the new macbook pro.
MLS Employee- I’m glad they support windows mobile, which seems to be catching on.
Marlow on September 17, 2007 10:01 pm
The Treo is a perfect all-in-one solution for real estate professionals. You can access the entire MLS database without lugging your laptap around with you, it opens keyboxes so you have instant access, and you can view who’s accessed your own listings easily and then call for instant feedback. Plus, you can use the Treo’s camera, phone and internet/email functions, just like any other PDA. It cuts down on having to carry separate camera, phone & eKey, and you can even download music to get rid of your iPod.
B.R. on September 19, 2007 10:52 pm
Dee, I love both the the ekey & the box and the solutions it brings. I think the technology with both will grow, but when? You & I being in Austin know it was drama when we changed over, but I for one was happy to see ABOR doing something innovative that made my treo cost effective- I also loved the discount with sprint
I would & will switch to the iphone when it works with ekey unless I can touch & flip pics with my treo first?
-Benn
realtorgenius.com
scott schmitz on October 25, 2007 6:44 pm
If you are looking for real estate software that works on your iPOD touch, you should check out RealtyJuggler:
http://www.realtyjuggler.com
Using BlackBerry email without a BlackBerry | BB Geeks on June 18, 2008 4:51 am
[...] assume after reading this site, not everyone loves the BlackBerry. Real estate agents, for example, benefit from the Palm Treo and its eKey application, which allows them access to for-sale homes. I have a friend who works for [...]
Overland Park Real Estate on July 25, 2008 6:44 am
Does the iphone even have an IR port?
GordonMervin on August 5, 2010 4:45 pm
Seattle’s getting more aggressive about “passive” home construction.