Josh Sloan asked:




Are you owner of a “Crackberry” or are you considering adding this powerful little tool to your real estate arsenal? The BlackBerry is a SmartPhone that seems virtually designed for the busy broker, Realtor and agent, with plenty of customizable features and support for downloadable applications that can make your life a lot easier while you’re on the road.

1. Google Maps

One of the main attractions of a BlackBerry is its support for Google Maps. Downloading the Google Maps application means that you have access to all the locations and searching capabilities supported by Google. It’s a great way of finding directions to the next home and quick solutions for finding gas stations, restaurants and hotels on short notice. Google.com/mobile

2. Opera Mini

There are times when the BlackBerry Browser just doesn’t work. At all. Opera Mini is a great browser for accessing those websites not designed for mobile access. With a zoom in/out feature, you can quickly jump to the area of the website you need to examine in detail. OperaMini.com

3. Facebook

“Wait a minute,” you say, “Isn’t that just for fun?” Not for the many real estate professionals who keep up with friends, family AND clients on their Facebook page. Many people have a Facebook account for their professional life that’s separate from their personal one. They generally upload pictures of listings, make contacts, find out more about their clients’ needs and involve themselves in the thriving real estate communities that Facebook supports. Facebook.com

4. Twitter

Another app that one might think is more suited to leisure time, Twitter actually improves search engine optimization and could become an agent’s best friend as far as Google is concerned. A carefully optimized Twitter page could net you a following and clients. Updating from your BlackBerry takes seconds. Twitter.com

5. Homes for Sale

Developed by J. Rockcliff Realtors, this app uses your BlackBerry’s GPS to home in on your location and sends you information on the homes near your location. You can quickly access the sales price, size of home and property, tax information, photos and special features using only your Blackberry to locate you. This is an award winning application you can download for free at Rockcliff.com

These are only 5 of the great tools that BlackBerry can support. Keep your eyes open for more developments, especially in the real estate sector.