With a wide variety of software solutions available on the market, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your options and choose one to invest in. Committing to a new technology ecosystem is a big decision because the failure to deploy can result in increased costs, wasted resources, and lowered productivity. In addition, the opportunity cost of time and effort spent learning a new tool is also something to consider.
People often select systems based on fancy features. While some can be impressive, few functionalities actually turn out beneficial for day-to-day operations or align with business needs and priorities. The real estate industry is notoriously lagging in technology, so many managers see this space as unchartered territory, asking themselves – “how do I choose the right tool for me and my team?”
If you’ve ever wondered about this question, you’re in the right place. We have aggregated 6 Things to Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Management Solution. Keep reading to find out what these are:
1. Choose a CRM Solution Designed Specifically for Real Estate
This may seem like an obvious tip, but many agencies undermine the importance of having real estate-specific features integrated into their CRM system. A “one size fits all” approach definitely doesn’t apply in this case, as not all CRMs are built the same way.
Real estate management tools have tailored workflows that make inputting real estate-specific data more intuitive. For example, some tools allow you to build listings based on existing data or properties that share the same foundation instead of spending time on repetitive data entry. This can save you time by automatically filling out the structure’s details so that you won’t be required to do it manually. These functionalities simplify, shorten, and streamline the listing creation process, so you can focus more on selling and relationship building.
The most effective CRM platforms are built alongside estate agents to ensure that the software considers all factors required to optimize sales performance and time management for those in the industry. A robust real estate CRM should empower agents to manage leads and listings efficiently, track campaigns, schedule meetings, and stay on top of their marketing by providing automation and drip campaigns. Real estate-specific solutions understand the everyday struggles of an agent and will aid them to work more efficiently.
2. Harness the Power of AI
Selecting an AI-based platform will enable you to analyze and generate data that results in higher conversion rates. This can benefit transaction analytics, deal matching, and property management, directly impacting the quality of leads you pursue.
A perfect example is how dynamic AI-based matching algorithms can accurately match clients to your listings based on their specific requirements, in addition to offering other recommendations that may be suitable. The functionality lets you take the guesswork out of the sales process and free up a lot of time previously spent on manual sorting through numerous options and clients.
AI algorithms help to select the best possible listings for your clients. Again, this shaves off hours of research time so you can focus your energy on customer interaction.
3. Seek Out Mobile Functionality
How often have you left your laptop at the office while at a showing, received an urgent request, but had no way to access your information? A real estate software with a compatible mobile application allows you to update property and client data, access listing information, and manage activities with prospects in real-time and on the go – all from the palm of your hand.
4. Invest in Integration
Jumping from app to app in search of information is not only frustrating but incredibly inefficient. Adopting an agent management tool shouldn’t become another app to add to the list, but it alleviates the nuisance once and for all.
Investing in a management tool fully integrated with your existing platforms allows you to consolidate all your sales efforts and conveniently work from one place. Whether it be marketing automation tools or an email system your agents already use, the ability to integrate with third-party software will ultimately maximize productivity and significantly reduce costs.
5. Aim for Global Reach
In a market where international property investment is growing despite the hindered ability to travel, virtual collaboration is essential for any global agency. Having the flexibility to view listings and clients and collaborate across borders will allow you to expand your reach and create transnational opportunities.
With a cloud-based CRM that can feed listings between agencies, you can connect buyers looking to invest internationally with brokers in local markets to close deals collaboratively. An open database within your company can share contacts and properties with agents operating in different markets.
This level of transparency enables agents to collaborate even if international travel isn’t an option. Without geographical limitations and the ability to collaborate cross-border, the market opportunities are endless.
6. Test Before You Buy
Sign up for a demo or free trial to try out the software first-hand and see if it really works for you and your business. This is a great way to find out how comfortable you feel with the platform that you’re thinking of investing in and if the full software benefits are suitable for your work.
If you can, have your team test-drive the software tool too and gauge their feedback. This transformation is meant to energize and inspire your team, so being able to start managing change before implementation and having their support will ensure that your investment is worth the commitment.
Are You Ready to Choose Your Real Estate Management Solution?
Ultimately, it all comes down to picking the platform that is right for you and your business. Following these six factors will ensure that you get the maximum value from the CRM platform you invest in.
Built specifically for the industry with a specialty in AI, Property Raptor is engineered with all these factors considered at the very core of its design to ensure that the software is the perfect solution for effective real estate management. The one-stop-shop system optimizes your workflows and uses data to help you make informed decisions. Not restricted by geographic borders, Property Raptor is easily integrated with any third-party system and can also be further customized to meet all your real estate management needs.
If you’re thinking about making a move, get in touch! Our team is waiting to explore new possibilities with you. Schedule a tour now.
