As the pandemic brought a halt to business as usual, it was often technology that stepped up to keep things moving. Specific to REALTORS®, many of these apps and software platforms are being tagged as “keepers” post-pandemic. It turns out that the technology not only served an immediate need, but also provided additional benefits. Here are several tech developments that may prove important as you propel your business into the future.
1. Cloud storage
With the work from home (WFH) concept predicted to play a major role in America’s new normal, the benefits of cloud storage technology cannot be ignored. After all, how many REALTORS® have space in their home office to file the mountain of paperwork associated with even one property sale? However, before signing up with a service, try an online search for “best business cloud storage and file sharing providers” and see how many times the same provider lands on a top 10 list.
Egnyte (egnyte.com), repeatedly pops up on 2021 lists. Reviewers credit the service’s multiple onboarding resources for new and existing cloud storage users, including live training, demos and webinars. It’s also referred to as a “mature” cloud storage and sharing platform, meaning it’s been around the block and has had time to develop rock-solid security.
2. Property market analysis
For REALTORS® who work within the property investment niche, look for technology that’s specifically created to guide informed real estate investments and provides a data analytics platform that’s constantly refreshed as information evolves.
Mashvisor (mashvisor.com) is one app that delivers deep property market analyses to significantly simplify and speed up the ability to identify and analyze a rental property’s profitability, including whether a property is projected to perform better as a traditional rental vs. an Airbnb lodging.
3. Cleanliness and minimizing the spread of germs
Moving away from the agent’s office, let’s explore the homebuyer’s evolving wish list—because a few new desirable technologies may deserve emphasis in a property’s marketing materials. Topping the homebuyer’s list is technology that enhances a home’s cleanliness or helps prevent the spread of germs. That includes touchless and voice-enabled tech, such as smart locks, motion-sensored and touchless kitchen and bathroom faucets, and indoor air purification systems to filter out harmful germs. Nontoxic building materials that result from tech-advanced manufacturing procedures deserve a marketing plug, as well.
4. Deskless staff management/communication
With remote working predicted to shift from a temporary solution during the pandemic to a permanent and strategically advantageous way of life, it’s time to investigate collaboration software platforms to help you seamlessly communicate with and manage your deskless staff.
One option is Connecteam (connecteam.com). The platform delivers communication features such as group and private chat, real-time push notifications, searchable digital libraries of every form, and a sharable, searchable contact list. To delegate and coordinate with fellow deskless professionals, REALTORS® can use the platform’s task management feature to create one-off tasks, assign tasks with built-in reminders and receive a notification once the task is complete.
5. Virtual tours and livestreaming
A fully immersive, unforgettable virtual viewing experience isn’t a new concept, but the technology certainly gained traction in 2020. Moving forward, even as in-person home viewing slowly reopens, buyers will likely continue to expect an extraordinary digital home shopping experience.
With open houses and in-person showings continuing to be a challenge in many markets, Realtor.com has worked collaboratively with MLSs across the country to build out a function on its site to showcase these events, supporting several platforms for livestreaming open houses.
6. Live chat
Live chat lets clients—and potential clients—connect with you instantly through a live chat window that pops up on a website or mobile app. Chat can also include an AI bot that responds to initial questions from potential clients, then turns the inquiry over to a real estate agent to respond with more specifics.
Freshchat (freshworks.com) is a modern live chat software program created to help acquire, engage and support customers on whatever device or communication channel they are using. Leads get an instant response to questions, either from an AI-programmed bot or from someone assigned to cover lead inquiries. The software includes a wide range of additional features, but it always comes back to immediate and intelligent customer engagement.
As the number of vaccinated Americans continues to increase and a return to normalcy is more than wishful thinking, there’s no denying that tomorrow’s normal may look different. And that will include moving property technology front and center. Many of the apps and software platforms recently marketed to keep agents, brokers, homebuyers, home sellers and property investors safe, connected and productive proved their mettle.
Touring Virtually
Among home sellers who did not consider virtual home tours as necessary before the pandemic, 69% now consider them essential, according to a September 2020 report from the real estate marketing firm Mosaic Design. The same survey found that 82% of homebuyers find 3D tours to be a more accurate representation of a home than photos alone. And the online livestreaming industry has grown 99% between April 2019 and April 2020, according to techjury.net.
Discover how you can propel your business into the future by attending the course Technology and Plans for Success at CRS.com/learn.
Photo: iStock.com/BadBrother
