Commercial Investment Real Estate is the magazine of the CCIM Institute, the leading provider of commercial real estate education. CIRE covers market trends, current developments, and business strategies within the commercial real estate field.
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Desktop Connections Apple says "there's an app for that," but not all soſt ware has a corresponding app. In those cases, remote login apps such as LogMeIn come in handy. The app gives users access to fi les and soſt ware on offi ce or home computers via the iPad. "If I happen to forget a fi le at the offi ce, the app allows me to remotely control my computer and access the file from my iPad," says Tod Whipple, CCIM, vice president of real estate at United Construction Corp. in Newport, N.H. "During a site selection, I used the app to access a rendering of proposed building while standing in the fi eld." To access apps such as LogMeIn, a tablet needs either a data or Wi-Fi connection. Data- enabled iPads cost more and require a data plan from Verizon or AT&T;, but they allow users to access apps, the Internet, and email when a Wi-Fi connection isn't available. Case Study T e tablet, with its high utility and mobility, is prone to nicks, scratches, or even cracks. With the most expensive iPad costing more than $800, it's no surprise that a protective case was one of the accessories most com- monly mentioned by CCIM members. Cases range from screen covers, such as Apple's magnetic iPad Smart Cover, to dual- sided protection with integrated keyboards, such as the ZAGGfolio, which Whipple uses. "It allows me to carry the iPad in a nice folio case and also has a Bluetooth keyboard," Whipple says. Kevin J. Riley, CCIM, vice president at Weber Wood Medinger in Beachwood, Ohio, uses the ClamCase, which off ers similar fea- tures. "Its Bluetooth keyboard has the feel of a true keyboard, and the protective cover keeps it from getting banged up," Riley says. Visual Versatility Tablets' touch interface promotes interac- tion. Brian Varvel, commercial agent for Keller Williams Commercial in Katy, Texas, says that interaction livens up his listing presentations. "It's not that a presentation is all that unique," Varvel says. "But the engagement clients experience when hold- ing and watching a presentation on the iPad is unique." When presenting to a large audi- ence, Varvel uses the Apple VGA Adapter to connect his iPad to bigger screens. He deliv- ers presentations using the Keynote app. David W. Auel, CCIM, president of Griff on Realty in Pittsburgh, uses the iPad to review and share property photos. He uses a digital camera with a wide-angle lens to take pictures then transfers them to his iPad with the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit. Reviewing them on the iPad helps Auel determine if he got his shot or needs to retake it. "Checking for fl aws is easier on the iPad than on the camera's small view screen," Auel says. "I can also email images to my assistant for touchup without bringing the fl ash card into the offi ce." Help Wanted Despite their versatility, tablets are still lack- ing commercial real estate tools. Although most customer relationship management companies have moved their data to the cloud — giving users access to their data on diff erent devices — some programs haven't developed apps for tablet access. "I would like to see my CRM have an iPad app, which would allow me to use just my iPad instead of my computer," says Nicholas L. Miner, CCIM, vice president at Commercial Prop- erties in Tempe, Ariz. Financial analysis apps for commercial real estate are also missing from app stores. Apps such as the 10bii Financial Calculator make some fi nancial calculations possible on tablets. However, they lack certain cal- culations for commercial real estate, such as depreciation, and don't provide a com- prehensive fi nancial overview of a property that an Excel spreadsheet can provide. Until native tablet apps arrive, remote login apps such as LogMeIn can provide access to more- powerful desktop tools. Dennis LaMantia is interactive marketing manager at the CCIM Institute. CCIM.com September | October | 2012 21