Inman is interviewing real estate professionals in every area of the field to talk about technology use. Here’s Nicholas Quirico of Accurate Agent and MyHouseHas.
I run a business called Accurate Agent that addresses problems early on in the real estate process. I work to bring Realtors the tools they need to be more successful.
Every day, I work on developing and promoting my new application, MyHouseHas. It is a digital streamlining of the real estate listing process designed for ease, efficiency and accuracy.
Technology made my work possible by connecting me with the people I needed to know to run a business and create an app. My smartphone allows me to work from almost anywhere, anytime, with hundreds of apps designed to make my job easier.
Is your phone an iPhone, Android, Windows Phone? What model? Why?
I have an iPhone 6 Plus to run my latest application, MyHouseHas.
What are your top three apps on your phone?
MyHouseHas, Gmail, and my bank’s app, which allows digital deposits.
How do you split your digital time: how much mobile, how much desktop?
My phone is always nearby, even when I’m using the computer. It allows me to check emails and communicate without having to clutter my digital workspace.
Do you consider yourself an early adopter of technology? Or do you wait to see what’s working for other people?
Technology is made to help us accomplish goals. Keeping up with the latest developments in my interests and work allows me to accomplish my goals with the ease and quality I want.
What’s the biggest technology-related challenge you face today? How do you solve it?
The Internet offers so many different ways to promote my product that I must be involved in order to compete. They all require constant maintenance and attention, which can be hard to keep up with.
I solve this problem by taking advantage of the mobile apps these businesses provide. Websites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn can all be taken on the go and managed wherever, whenever.
What do you think is the biggest overall challenge facing the real estate industry? Will technology be able to address it?
The biggest challenge facing the real estate industry is the lack of accuracy in its listings. The industry focuses so hard on homes only after they have been listed, but we forget about the hard work Realtors put into creating the listing and the problems they face.
How do you feel technology is changing the real estate industry? Are these changes making the industry better or worse? Why?
Technology is bringing the real estate industry up to speed with how consumers shop in 2015. Almost every product, worldwide, can be bought online. Customers expect a level of ease and quality when shopping online that the real estate industry needs to reach. Sites like Zillow and Trulia are examples of new ways for homebuyers to shop, but a real estate agent is still needed.
Improvements online are setting up a great industry that will revolutionize the way homes are sold, but the industry needs to be sure the listing price matches the home as accurately as possible. This is important to everyone involved in the sale.
What email system(s) do you use? Which one is your favorite and why?
I only use Gmail. Its app keeps all my email in one place.
Do you use digital documents, and which ones? Why?
I use Google Docs to keep my files organized and all in one place.
Do you own a camera? What kind? What do you like about it?
I own a Canon Rebel SL1. I bought for its great video capture and external mic plug.
What kind of laptop or tablet (or both) do you own?
I own a Lenovo laptop that I use when traveling.
Do you have a Nest thermostat in your home?
No.
Which websites do you visit every day? Why?
I visit Reddit and Inman for news and research, and YouTube for entertainment.
Which social media app do you use the most on your phone? Your tablet? Your computer?
I use Facebook to keep in touch with friends and promote my app.
What’s on your technology wish list — for yourself or for work?
The Oculus Rift for both work and play. Imagine taking a virtual tour of home!
What is your favorite technology, one you actually get joy out of using?
My home computer allows me to work, play and socialize all at the same time.
What is your favorite “unplugged” activity?
A one-on-one chat with a friend.
What social media profiles do you keep up?
Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Would you like to participate in our technology profile series? Email answers to these questions to contributors@inman.com.
