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Real Estate Apps meet the Mobile Web

By Doug Francis

Mobile Web Vienna VA

Image: Inman News

Having a real estate “app” on your Smartphone has become a great tool for house hunters. The mobile web has arrived like a storm for Northern Virginia real estate and properties need to be easily found… and mobile ready (that especially means photos, darn it).

Here is an example: Using myself as the guinea pig… a current listing is a condo in a gated community in Fairfax, VA. Doug Francis QR Code Fair Briar Lane FairfaxAt the gate I placed a Realtor lockbox containing a access “fob” for the gate, plus I added a tag with an easily scan-able QR Code. Get your Smartphone right now and scan the code to the right using one of the free QR reader apps (iPhone , Google Droid, Windows 7 Mobile).

Presto! There is more information, plenty of photos, and a way to contact me if you like what you see. Maybe it is just me, but I think this is what the current crop of Northern Virginia house hunters really wants.

Getting instant real estate info on your Smartphone is perfect

Last summer while looking at some Vienna, VA Real Estate, my clients showed me their favorite real estate apps which were fast, free and really cool. They all seem to show 95% of the same information but it comes down to ease of use and how current the information is… meaning they all don’t update at the same time.

The Apple iPhone winner for them in mobile-web real estate apps was Redfin which is a Seattle, Washington based real estate sales upstart. They felt it was excellent beating out zillow, sawbuck and franklymls. These apps were useful tools that helped them stay on top of the market.

Smart phone real estate app vienna vaLast week I explored the Realtor.com app for Google Droid-based phones which are quickly gaining market share. Like most apps it uses GPS to locate you, and then displays Nearby Homes for Sale, but now select the Map tab and then select Draw Mode. Using your finger, draw a circle on the map and it will show you homes in that area.

Now that real estate app feature is totally cool

Using Google satellite or bird’s-eye views can also give good insight. Another app that I like is the compass app that let’s you know exactly which direction a home faces.

Let me know your favorite or most useful mobile web / smart phone apps.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: iPhone, real estate, Smartphone, technology, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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