As an early adopter of using the iPad as a selling tool, Ryan Imbrie is a natural choice for the Sperry Van Ness® 2012 Innovator of the Year Award. This award is given to an advisor who embraces the latest technology to further his or her business and career. Ryan, working the International Council of Shopping Centers RECon floor with his iPad in hand, truly personifies the message that SVN is the company of the future.
Ryan is a CCIM and a senior advisor at SVN/Imbrie Realty, LLC in Portland, Ore. He believes in using readily available technology to increase productivity. Ryan is never far from his iPad where, with the swipe of a finger, he is able to access all his listings, due diligence, and database contacts. When most brokers may still be dragging around massive binders with their listings, Ryan uses the iPad during meetings to show clients existing inventory.
Ryan also uses the iPad to its full real estate potential. He uploads PDF marketing packages into one of three folders: Current Listings, Closed Transactions, and Pocket Listings using iBooks. During client meetings, Ryan is able to show detailed listings and immediately email a full package if there is an interest.
To increase the functionality of the iPad, Ryan uses and recommends the following apps:
- The SVN Connect App: SVN’s own app offers access to all of our listings, advisors and offices, along with a suite of helpful tools
- LoopNet: The property listing service
- PocketProfile: Ticor Title’s App allows you to pull up ownership information based on an address or the more useful “Near Me” feature
- Dropbox: A useful tool for sharing due diligence with brokers or buyers
- UPad: Excellent note-taking app
- Splashtop: Allows remote access to a desktop or laptop computer
- AppBox Pro: This app provides a loan and amortization tool
- MagicPlan: A tool that uses the camera on the iPad to create basic floor plans
- A Fin Pro: A financial calculator
- WhitePages: A phone book on the go
Ryan uses technology as a productivity booster, but it doesn’t substitute for the skills needed to succeed in commercial real estate. He says: “I remind myself on a regular basis that business is not won based on technology. The key to success in commercial real estate is forging relationships.”
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