I recently shared my thoughts on uses for the iPad in Real Estate.  So, some would say this post could be titled Favorite iPhone and iPad applications for Real Estate. But, even though the iPad in all it’s sexiness can use the same applications, it still lacks a major component for some of these apps to work.  A camera.  So, until the iPad starts shipping with a web cam built in, like suggested here, I’m focusing on the iPhone, specifically the 3GS.

So, without further adieu here they are (random order/links are iTunes links):

ColorChange – $2.99 – Clients say “this room could look great, if the walls were red”.  Whip out your phone, take a picture of the room and show them what it would look like.  While not always perfect, if you take a decent photo, with good color separation to begin with, the results usually turn out just fine.

Dragon Dictation – Free – I am continually impressed by this one.  You speak, it converts your words into text that can then be emailed, sent as a text message, or copied to the clipboard and pasted into other text input fields.

Evernote – Free – Jot down notes, take pictures, or record audio.  Linked up with the desktop application on your Mac or PC, it’s a great tool for when you’re out previewing homes (you do that right?) When you get back to the office, the information is ready and waiting on your office computer.

TrueHDR – $1.99 – Take better pictures with your 3GS.  Allows for combining two pictures, so you can take an image that has light and dark areas, and convert that into something that closely resembles how we see it vs. how the camera sees it.

AutoStitch – ?? – One of my favorite photo applications. Create panoramic images with ease!  AutoStitch lets you take multiple images, which it then stitches together into a single pano image and saves into your photo gallery.  Note* as of today, this app is no longer in the app store on iTunes.  There are other similar apps, but I have not tested them.

Sketches2 – $4.99 – Take a photo, draw or write on it. Circle an item that needs attention.  Draw an arrow showing which direction you’re facing. Send a snapshot of a map, with a note on it.  It’s a great tool for doing these kind of things.

ScanR Business Center – $24.99+ – This is a pretty powerful little app. Scan a document in (as a searchable PDF), then email, print (to a fax) or fax it. The document is then also stored online for retrieval later if needed.  Requires subscription for faxing ($5 month or $30 year).

Navigon MyRegion – $24.99 – Don’t get lost when you’re out touring with clients, get turn by turn GPS navigation with voice announcements.  Note* There are several regions available. Make sure you choose the one you need, or the full version for $80 if you need the whole US.

Yelp – Free – If you’re showing off a home and the client asks “are there any good restaurants in the neighborhood?” you can help, using Yelp. Just click the “nearby” icon, choose the category you’re after, and the map will display the results “nearby”. Funny how that works huh?

Camera – Free – Yep, the standard Camera app that comes pre-loaded on your phone.  Obviously, many of the above application would not work if there were no camera.  But, even without the other apps, the Camera can be an invaluable tool for Real Estate agents.  While not meant for taking listing photos to use in the MLS listings (although many of you do), they are great for other online purposes (think showing something interesting about the home on Facebook or Twitter as a subtle way of showing off your listing).  Plus, the Camera app allows you to take video.  Again an invaluable tool.

So, that pretty much wraps up my top 10 iPhone apps for use in Real Estate. I’m sure there are others that I’m either blatantly missing, or just haven’t gotten around to trying yet.  So, if you have a favorite that isn’t listed here, feel free to leave a comment.