The new normal for work, lifestyle and social activities are being redefined globally, as the economy is looking to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Effectively, the world has experienced two years’ worth of digital transformation in just two months. From remote teamwork to online sales to customer support activities, businesses are transitioning to a world of remote everything in order to adapt and remain relevant in spite of unforeseen changes. While the current situation is still lingering making it challenging to foresee what the future holds, there are a few things that are certain. Below are three key trends that will impact the way real estate agents and agencies operate and close deals.
Remote teamwork and collaboration tools are key in boosting internal productivity
In the realm of digital productivity, the market has witnessed a strong surge in collaboration and cloud solutions to minimize paperwork and physical contact. Being constantly out of the office and running from one viewing to another leaves little time for agents to consolidate, prioritize and manage tasks efficiently. Therefore, incorporating collaboration software into their daily operations allows for greater flexibility, easier access to key information from anywhere anytime, enhanced security, and better data record management. Teams can see progress and manage deals in the pipeline from start to finish, further increasing transparency and team accountability for high potential opportunities, all without having to be in the office. Although the impact of the pandemic on businesses is immeasurable, firms can proactively improve productivity by employing effective collaboration and cloud solutions.
CRM and technology upgrades are turbocharging client interaction and engagement
Agents are now facing a shift in the way they close transactions due to social distancing measures. Minimal physical human contact calls for more sophisticated online relationships nurtured through more emails, phone calls, texts, video conferences and even virtual tours to deliver a holistic real estate buying and selling process.
Real estate players should maximize the use of CRM systems to ensure sales are still pursued, customers still supported and agents still productive, even when they are out of the office. CRMs provide troves of key data about client preferences, leads, listings and more, which influence agents to make better, more informed decisions. By harnessing and interpreting such data, agents can improve their relationship with customers especially during adversarial times. A U.S. survey in 2019 indicated that the top benefit provided by real estate agents during the home purchase process is helping buyers understand the process and educating clients about the market. Real estate CRM software empowers agents to not only become high-performing salespeople, but also trusted advisors who better understand their clients and their needs.
Quicker adoption and integration of Property Tech to future-proof businesses
Teams need to be agile and quick to adapt, adopt, and employ property tech to generate sales deals in the post-pandemic workplace. Smart businesses are staying ahead of their competition by innovating new approaches, pivoting sales and marketing strategies and reshuffling business operations to cater to the new needs and opportunities in the market. Zillow, the leading real estate marketplace, created 525% more 3D home tours in April 2020 than in February 2020 and their CEO, Richard Barton, claims that their “proprietary 3D tours and floor plans appointment-based virtual tours, physical self-tours, e-signings and remote closings are providing necessary solutions for social distancing today. Adoption is accelerating.”
Team synchronization is imperative amidst this morose environment. As people have been working from home in the wake of COVID-19, the risk of information asymmetry and misalignment with regards to call notes, emails, scheduled appointments, and meetings has rocketed. To alleviate this, companies are integrating full suites of CRM, communication, and automation tools with their office systems so that every employee can access the same wealth of information and close deals remotely. According to a recent survey done by Homes.com, around 50% of real estate professionals have been focusing their efforts on getting acquainted with CRM systems and email campaigns during this market downturn, indicating the persistent shift towards digital transformation and online presence.
Property Raptor is the latest tool to brave this reshaped world of work
Although the “new normal” is still evolving, trends are already starting to take shape as society and businesses begin to adjust to the post-pandemic economy. Investing in technology may seem like a big commitment to some agencies; however, going digital could be the one difference between you and your competitor in securing the client, especially now. There is no better time for companies to start future-proofing their business models and arm themselves with digital technologies that will continue to enable growth despite economic downturns.
Real estate companies need a robust, reliable all-in-one CRM software in their arsenal to supercharge their sales and sell real estate in the months to come. Property Raptor uses the best-in-class technologies, integrating digital processes, advanced machine learning capabilities and email marketing automation, to transform client interactions and internal collaboration workflows.
Technology has become a critical bridge in the age of social distancing and remote working. Book a demo today to see how Property Raptor can empower agents to do what they do best – close deals.
