"Seriously? Another app? What now? It's probably just another shiny object to distract me from my job of selling homes and helping my customers."

Did I get that sentiment right? Pretty much word-for-word, huh? That's because I have been there and I get it. My name is Zach and I am a real estate agent just like you. And I've been tempted – and annoyed – by over-promising shiny objects just like you have. But that's also why in the past few months I have taken on a new role as a software developer so I could design my own not-just-shiny but completely useful object that will add to, and not distract from, real estate successes. Novel idea, right?

Going from agent to software developer might sound far-fetched to some, but it seemed almost natural to me. You see, I am also a founder of Go Realty, a boutique firm in Cary, NC with about 60 agents. I am 35 years old and started selling homes for a builder three days after graduating from college in 2001. This means I am experienced enough to have pre-internet and social media skills like sales, business and public speaking. But I am also young enough to be able to quickly evaluate and adapt to new technology as needed.

So in 2013, when I was looking for a tech-driven organizational tool for my real estate business and simply could not find one, the GoConnect dream was born. Now, 12 months later, GoConnect a new checklist app for real estate agents, can be downloaded to your iPhone. (Before you stop reading, please know the app is free so you don't have to worry about this being a sales pitch disguised as an article!)

We created GoConnect to help you manage your checklists and lead follow-up on the go. Better yet, we hope our app will replace your paper checklists, your clunky whiteboard, your spreadsheets and your sticky notes. Our app is designed to help you. Not replace you.

SO, WHY IS IT NOT JUST ANOTHER SHINY OBJECT?

• Our beta program with a 4,000-person focus group; our focus group feedback helped us design and test assumptions with real people and real scenarios over the last 12 months. It is truly built by real estate agents, for real estate agents.
• GoConnect is 100% mobile; there will be no desktop version. At this point, there's not even an Android or iPad version, but those are coming.
• It's uncompromising design; we have designed GoConnect within an inch of its life. We worked hard to make it look really simple, but it is surprisingly powerful.

HERE'S A FEW KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Set it up in 30 minutes, not 30 days. We believe you can learn the basics by watching a short 8-minute video. You can customize your templates in about 20 minutes. And enter a new transaction in about 30 seconds.
• Get your work done at a stoplight. Or waiting in carpool line to pick up the kids, or just before you go for a run. You get the point. This app is about getting your work done so you can get on with your life. We are not trying to automate your job or tell you how to do it, but a little nudge now and then will certainly help keep you organized.
• Get the right tasks at the right time. GoConnect is designed to help you focus and prioritize your day. Just imagine smoother transactions, more personal service, deeper connections with your clients, and no more missed opportunities with your potential new clients.
• Our tech support hotline is on Facebook. Talk about being open and honest! We don't hide behind call centers or company emails. Our users ask questions and we answer them. Out in the open. We don't make less mistakes than other people, but you'll notice we handle them differently.

While GoConnect isn't for everyone, and my approach to real estate and software design isn't for everyone either, I'd encourage you to try the app. And if you like it, share it with a few friends. Either way, keep rooting for me! I am new to this whole software thing and will always greatly appreciate the support from my real estate community.

To view the original article, visit the Tech Savvy Agent blog.