It’s an app world: Expanding software catalogs are unleashing the power of smartphones and tablets. Review this guide to find out how you can become a supercharged mobile real estate pro.

Last month’s guide explored some of the latest options in smartphones. Now let’s turn attention to the technology that unleashes the capabilities of mobile hardware: the ever-expanding universe of software apps.

Whatever you want your smartphone or tablet to do, you can assume with confidence, “There’s an app for that.”

If only it were as easy to distinguish between which apps are duds and which can truly empower you as the mobile real estate professional. Discovering those requires some trial and error, the diligence to decide what you want from the mobile experience, and the investment of time to learn the features of the apps you decide to install.

No need to worry about the expense of new software, however. Unlike the pricey programs you use on your desktop or notebook computer, many smartphone and tablet apps are free or cost only a few dollars. There’s also a good chance the publishers of the desktop software you’ve learned to rely on now offer mobile versions to keep you a loyal user.

NAR Contributor: Michael Antoniak