Skip the wires, give me the data

More than a third of Internet users have logged onto the Internet using a wireless connection either around the house, at their workplace or some place else, according to a report today from the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The report profiles these wireless users and describes their intensive use of the internet, especially in exchanging e-mails and getting news online.

Not all of these wireless encounters took place via wireless handheld devices. Pew found that 25 percent of Internet users say they have a cell phone that connects to the Internet with a wireless connection, and 13 percent of Internet users have a PDA that can connect to the Internet using a wireless network.

Many applications and services promising wireless access to real estate data have launched over the last few years. Philadelphia-based Smarter Agent, which first enabled consumers to seek out nearby property information on their cell phones while walking around desired neighborhoods, last week announced the launch of another real estate service for cell phones that enables renters to look up nearby rentals while roaming around neighborhoods.

Realcomp II Ltd., a large MLS in Michigan, last week said that it would offer free wireless MLS access to its Realtor members. The service enables Realtors to access property info while out in the field.

Another example is Cell Signs, which sends property information to consumers via text messaging on their cell phones.

So far, these kinds of applications have been slow to spread to everyday life for most real estate professionals and home buyers and sellers. But my guess is that as more Gen X and Y consumers become real estate clients, they will be much more comfortable using these tools and adoption will accelerate. Plus, the average cost of phones with this type of functionality has been coming down, which could push things along.

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