Homebuyers want more technology use from their agents and a new report shows that Realtors are starting to implement more technology into their work day. 

Realtors Property Resource found that that 85.28 percent of realtors used a mobile device, specifically a tablet or smartphone, for daily tasks at work. That percentage rose 10 percent from 2017.

Using a scale from frequently to always, Realtors were asked how often they used mobile devices for daily tasks and the survey found that almost all used it for client communication (96.3 percent) and the majority used it for housing research and (70.7 percent) and social media (70.65 percent). Other uses include: 

• home showings: 62 percent
• contact management: 60 percent
• financial calculations: 56 percent
• mileage and expense tracking: 50 percent 
• photography: 49 percent
• videography: 26 percent
• presentations: 17 percent 

In the owners.com survey, buyers said they wanted more options to communicate through technology and this RPR report shows Realtors are increasing their technology use for buyers.

“Consumers rely on Realtors to keep a pulse on the housing market in particular areas, and are often expected to produce insights on the spot. With a smartphone or tablet, Realtors can provide experiences that are convenient, quick and personalized — allowing them to meet and anticipate those asks,” said Reggie Nicolay, RPR vice president of marketing.

When it comes to which type of mobile device agents are using, the survey reported that 66 percent of Realtors used tablets and preferred iPads to other tablets.  

The RPR survey also found 33 percent of realtors use their mobile devices for more than seven hours per work day, which is up 14 percent from 2017. Realtors used apps like RPR, Homesnap, Zillow and Realtor.com.