I love technology. many have described me as “gadget-y,” and I can’t argue with that descriptor. And while there’s a tendency for that aspect of my personality to be drawn into gigantic time-sucking distractions, I am also aware of how some hardware and software tools can be enormously time-saving.

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Where’s the best place to go online to find available homes?” My clients want to be able to access the most current information available about homes that might suit their needs. More often than not, the common theme is this: how can I – while I’m out driving in neighborhoods – get more information about a house that I happen to drive by?

Thanks to a terrific new FREE iPhone app by REALTOR.com®, this task has been reduced to the ridiculously simple.

Not only does this app permit you to enter MLS number data to search from anywhere, it also uses the iPhone’s built-in geo-locating capabilities to figure out where you are and what houses near you are for sale.

So the next time you’re out driving around looking in neighborhoods, simply launch the app, do a search, and find what you’re looking for. You can even send the listing to me if it’s a property that you’re interested in knowing more about or seeing in person.

Here’s a quick tutorial on using the app.

Head to the iTunes App Store

Or, choose the App Store on your iPhone. Enter “realtor.com” as a search term and look for the app. Or, click on the button above to take you directly to the app from your browser.

Register the App.

This is a really important step. Use an email address that you check regularly. You’ll then be able to get listing updates, share properties with your family, friends and agent.

Add the email address of you real estate agent.

You can also add other folks who you want to keep in the loop. Click on the little “gear” icon in the lower right of the main screen. If I’m acting as your agent in Lee County Florida, (Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, or Estero) enter mpolly@MichaelPolly.com in the first spot of the sharing shortcuts. Add up to two other email addresses here of the folks you want to be able to send interesting listings to. Your BFF, your SO, your mom…you pick.

Now go take a drive.

When you arrive at a location that you’re interested in, choose “Nearby Homes for Sale”

You’ll be able to view listings as a list, with a street map view, or from a satellite view.

Refine your search.

Assign a minimum and maximum price that fits your budget, choose bedrooms, bathrooms, minimum square footage, the age of the home, as well as search for condos, land and multi-family homes.

Choose a property to view.

From that screen, you’ll be able to see more photos, see room sizes, see which appliances are included in the sale and more.

Want to set a showing?

Send the listing you’re interested directly to me from the app and we can make that happen.

Click on the little “envelope” icon in the bottom left of the screen.

Choose my address – you added it earlier in step 3 – and send me the listing. I’ll set it up and we’ll go inside.

I love this little app and use it myself to find information about properties when I’m out and about. While it doesn’t show every single detail that I’d ultimately want to know, it does allow me to weed through properties using search criteria that fits what my clients need.

Good luck, and have fun.

And always remember to park the car while using this app. Don’t text and drive.

Michael Polly CDPE, ePro, GRI, ASR, CPV

HOMEY.com the fastest real estate search engine earth has ever known