The smart phone trend does not seem to be dying down anytime soon. iPhone and Android applications are more popular than ever and becoming a go-to informational source rather than a trend for tech-savvy individuals as once thought. In the article “ iPhone App is Coming the Houston Real Estate Market” Darren Moore discusses smart phones and real estate in the Houston area. With iPhone and Droid applications becoming rapidly more popular and easily accessed, this seems to be a trend that real estate buyers and agents alike should pay attention to.
Houston Technology Ahead of the Game
The Houston Association of Realtors has announced plans to release an app for both the consumers and realtors. Currently the app is being approved by Apple, but once approved the application uses include being able to bookmark listings, search for homes that are for sale, conduct a Houston real estate map search, and save previous searches. Smart phones such as the Android and iPhone are surpassing Blackberry in popularity and functionality, and the statistics prove that they are being used now more than ever. As Moore points out:
“…our website statistics show that we receive over 1,000 hits a month from the iPhone, iPad and Android. 1 year ago we had only 150 hits a month!”
iPhone and Droid Make Technology Approachable
A larger screen and enhanced usability are just some of the reasons consumers love these phones. Now with applications that can make house hunting and real estate comparison shopping even easier, this could be an opportunity for Houston real estate to flourish, for both the agents and buyers.
As technology improves and access to listings and properties receive more and more exposure to a larger online audience, consumers need to be more proactive than ever in the housing market. If you are a homebuyer, be aware that technology such as smart phone applications increase competition, and can affect the acquisition of your dream home.
Contact your local realtor to begin your housing search. iPhone applications can help find your dream home, but the right realtor can make ownership a possibility.
____________
Mark W. Martin is President and Principal Broker of 2M Realty. He is active in real estate sales and develops land in the Houston real estate market. Mark is a Houston Realtor and has been a Texas real estate broker for over 20-years. To view real estate listings in the Greater Houston market, please see our Houston MLS to search properties for sale and lease.
We are not the FHA, VA, USDA, HUD or any other government organization. The content on this blog is intended for information purposes only. 
Great info, Mark. Technology empowers consumer with information, but there is still the need for expert advice from a professional Realtor along the way.