The North Carolina division of real estate firm Coldwell Banker equipped its more than 600 agents with iPads. The agents of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston will use the new tech to connect with customers, in presentations, and for virtual property walk-throughs, among other functions. Don Walston, founder and executive chairman of the firm, said in a Tuesday release that the new tech is also meant to transition “from nine physical offices into 600 virtual offices.” “Because social media plays a significant part in today’s credibility, incorporating the iPad was an obvious decision in allowing agents to remain consistently connected to consumers,” Walston said. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) launched a similar program in December, giving iPads to each investment banker in the company. That came after the launch of a research app for the Apple tablet. The Coldwell Banker division also announced a partnership with ZipRealty. The online search company will provide a sales channel and, surprise, a new mobile app. Write to Andrew Scoggin. Follow him on Twitter @ascoggin.