Business on the Go: Essential Apps and Tools for Real Estate Professionals

In the fast-paced world of real estate, staying organized and efficient is crucial. With the right apps and software, you can streamline your workflow, manage your finances, and maintain excellent client relationships, all while on the move. Here are a few of our app and tool suggestions for busy real estate professionals looking to make their professional lives a little easier.

Cloud-based accounting software

Using cloud-based accounting software, such as QuickBooks Online (QBO), allows you to log in from anywhere, making it easy to keep your finances in check whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the go. This software automates the download of transaction information, saving you time and reducing errors.

Pro tip:
Link your bank account directly to your accounting system. This feature allows for automatic downloading of transactions, simplifying your bookkeeping process.

Setting up posting rules in your accounting system

In systems like QBO, you can create posting rules for recurring transactions. This automation ensures that regular expenses, such as fuel, insurance, and office supplies, are consistently categorized and accounted for.

Pro tip:
Allow the system to self-post transactions with the correct GST calculation, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.

Customer relationship management with Follow Up Boss

Follow Up Boss is an online CRM system designed to help you manage your client relationships effectively. Track client information, including birthdays and preferences, log communications, and send automated emails, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Pro tip:
Set up reminders for follow-ups and personalized birthday messages to maintain strong client relationships.

Mileage tracking with MileIQ

Tracking mileage is a must for real estate agents who spend a lot of time on the road. MileIQ is a user-friendly app that automatically tracks your drives. At the end of each trip, you simply swipe left for personal trips or right for business trips, ensuring accurate records.

Pro tip:
The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) often audits vehicle expenses. Using MileIQ makes it easy to comply with these audits, as it maintains a detailed log of your trips and related receipts.

Efficient email marketing with Mailchimp

Mailchimp simplifies your email marketing efforts, allowing you to create and send monthly newsletters and promotional emails. It’s a powerful tool for staying in touch with clients and keeping them informed about market trends and new listings.

Pro tip:
Use Mailchimp’s automation features to schedule emails in advance, ensuring consistent communication without the manual effort.

Dropbox for real estate professionals

Dropbox offers a versatile cloud storage solution that can be accessed from any device, regardless of which digital ecosystem you use (e.g., Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc.). A standout feature is its PDF functionality, which lets you capture and store documents quickly. This is particularly useful for saving receipts and invoices, ensuring that all your expenses are logged and organized by date.

Pro tip:
Use the PDF feature to instantly save restaurant and other business development invoices, making it easier to keep track of expenses for tax time.

Digitize your banking

Switching to online banking and opting for digital statements can significantly streamline your financial management. Many banks offer several years’ worth of statements online, making it easy to gather documents at year-end and reducing the risk of losing paper statements.

Pro tip:
Set up automatic payments for corporate, personal, and GST installments based on your accountant’s recommendations. This “set it and forget it” approach ensures timely payments and avoids late fees.

Use credit cards for business expenses

Using a credit card for as many payments as possible provides detailed transaction records that are easy to import into your accounting system. Credit card statements offer more detailed information than debit transactions, making them easier to classify.

Pro tip:
Take advantage of credit card points. The more you spend on business expenses, the more rewards you can earn.

Incorporating these apps and software into your daily routine can drastically improve your efficiency and organization as a real estate professional. From managing finances to maintaining client relationships, these tools are designed to support you in every aspect of your business.

For more personalized advice on integrating these solutions into your workflow, contact your DMCL advisor—they’ll be happy to discuss how these tools can be tailored to meet your specific needs and enhance your productivity.

Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to have more industry news, quality insights, and expert tips delivered right to your inbox.