Have suggestions for products that you’d like to see reviewed by our real estate technology expert? Email Craig Rowe.
When I started in commercial real estate, I often overheard senior brokers talking about “client cars.”
At the time, it sounded to me like an excuse to spend a lot of money on a car. Why didn’t they just admit they wanted everyone to know they could afford an S-Class?
Eventually, though, I got it.
Real estate agents spend a great deal of time in their cars. Why not make it as comfortable and as positive a customer experience as possible?
I also understand how quickly the work-related miles add up. It’s not rare to cover 100 in a day. Often more.
Thus, with tax day bearing down, we decided to have a look a number of mileage tracking apps to help get the most out of this critical business expense.
TripLog
OS: iOS and Android; browsers
Cost: $15 for personal; $40/driver/year for business accounts
Highlights
- Includes receipt recording via photo
- Syncs with FreshBooks and QuickBooks
- GPS tracking starts automatically
- Stops tracking after 10 minutes of inactivity
- IRS-compliant reporting
Concerns
- Clunky web interface
- Best suited for commercial fleet tracking
- In-app purchases required for optimum benefits
Mileage Ace
OS: Browser-based
Cost: $129 for in-car unit; $57.49/year ongoing
Highlights
- Separate GPS unit placed in car
- Fully automated, no phone app
- IRS-compliant reporting
- Sharp, clean web interface
- Naming/saving of common business destinations
Concerns
- Having separate physical component in car
- More expensive than competing products
- Another device in your car that requires charging
Milebug
OS: iOS and Android; Windows
Cost: $2.99
Highlights
- Available for Windows phone
- Manual or GPS-tracking trip input
- Adjust rates for business, charity, medical, etc.
- Multiple vehicles within app
Concerns
- Trip edit interface requires map pin dragging
- Steeper learning curve than most
Everlance
OS: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Highlights
- Free
- Offers multiple types of expense tracking
- Modern, engaging user interface
- Swipe to categorize trips
Concerns
- Auto tracking GPS drains battery
- Lack of syncing with other financial tools
Deductr Pro
OS: iOS and Android; browsers
Cost: $199.00/year
Highlights
- All-around business expense solution
- Connects with bank accounts to classify spending
- Tracks ongoing tax savings
Concerns
- More expensive than other business accounting tools
- Learning curve
- Security risks of bank account connectivity
MileIQ
OS: iOS and Android
Cost: Free; in-app purchases
Highlights
- Swipe to categorize trips
- Total monthly mileage calculator
- Number of free features
- One-touch monthly report sends
Concerns
- GPS battery drain
- Records stops along single trip as multiple trips
- Users will quickly need to upgrade to paid version
MileZip
OS: iOS and Android
Cost: Free for basic plan (one vehicle and limited printing); $89.95 for multiple businesses/vehicles and expert review/advice; plans range in between
Highlights
- Uses MLS activity (FlexMLS), lockbox activity (SentriLock/Supralock), smartphone GPS tagging, select CRMs and populated office activity to create mileage logs
- Also creates logs for previous years in case of IRS audit
- Logs are created automatically, without agents needing to remember to open a phone app
Concerns
- Users must pay for full reign to print their mileage logs
- May not be approved by every Realtor board/MLS
- May not integrate with every CRM
Have a technology product you would like to discuss? Email Craig Rowe.
