Best technology for real estate agents
Real estate agents today have access to a wide range of technology tools that can help them streamline their business processes, connect with clients, and increase productivity. From video marketing tools to customer relationship management (CRM) software, these tools have become essential for agents looking to stay ahead in a competitive market.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top technology tools that every real estate agent should consider incorporating into their business. We will cover mobile-friendly video marketing tools, CRMs with real estate-specific capabilities, paperless technology, transaction management platforms, scheduling tools, email campaign software, and more. So let's dive in and discover the best technology tools for real estate agents.
A Mobile-Friendly Video Marketing Tool
Video marketing has become a powerful tool for real estate agents to showcase properties and engage with clients. Creating engaging videos can help agents stand out in a crowded market and connect with potential buyers on a deeper level.
One highly recommended video marketing tool is Biteable. With Biteable, agents can easily create professional-looking videos by adding text overlays, animations, color schemes, and b-roll footage. The platform allows agents to publish their HD TV quality videos directly to YouTube or Facebook, expanding their reach and visibility.
A CRM with Real Estate-Specific Capabilities
A CRM, or customer relationship management tool, is a must-have for any real estate agent. It acts as a digital Rolodex, helping agents keep track of prospects, clients, and networking contacts. However, not all CRMs are created equal, and real estate agents should look for CRM software with real estate-specific capabilities.
One highly recommended CRM is Wise Agent. Wise Agent not only helps with transaction management but also offers lead generation and marketing tools. It integrates seamlessly with other programs such as Gmail, BombBomb, DocuSign, and Facebook, making it a comprehensive solution for real estate professionals.
Paperless Technology
In today's digital age, going paperless is not only environmentally friendly but also a time-saving measure for real estate agents. One essential tool for going paperless is CamScanner. This smartphone app turns your phone into a scanner, allowing you to easily scan and save real estate documents in the cloud. CamScanner also offers features such as document sharing, wireless printing, and even OCR (optical character recognition) technology, which converts scanned images into searchable text files.
Transaction Management
Managing transactions is a crucial aspect of a real estate agent's job. To streamline this process and reduce paperwork, agents should consider using a transaction management platform. One recommended tool is zipTMS, provided by NAR through zipLogix. This comprehensive platform allows agents to manage listings and sales in an online database, complete with templates and company branding. Another option is TransactionDesk, which offers similar features such as listing and sales management, template organization, and document storage.
A Scheduling Tool that Works with Your Calendar
Efficiently managing appointments and scheduling is essential for real estate agents. To simplify this process, using a scheduling tool that integrates with your calendar is highly recommended. ShowingTime is one such tool that allows agents to schedule and confirm home showings while also gathering listing feedback. It includes lead management tools and the ability to track prospects and appointments. Another option is Calendly, which connects to your calendar and displays your availability to clients. It can be embedded into your website for easy appointment booking.
Software for In-Depth Email Campaigns
While many CRMs offer basic email marketing features, agents may also need a separate tool for more in-depth email campaigns. This is where email marketing software such as Mailchimp, SendGrid, and Constant Contact come into play. These platforms allow agents to create ongoing campaigns to nurture warm leads, highlight recent successes, and share current and sold listings. They also provide analytics on email clicks, helping agents measure the engagement of their campaigns.
DocuSign for Electronic Signatures
Capturing clients' signatures electronically is becoming the norm in real estate transactions. DocuSign is a widely recognized and trusted platform for electronic signatures. With DocuSign, agents can send listing agreements, contracts, and escrow amendments via email for clients to sign electronically. The signed documents are securely saved in the cloud and can be easily shared with other parties involved in the transaction. DocuSign's electronic signatures are legally binding and offer a more efficient and paperless approach to completing deals.
G Suite for Productivity and Collaboration
G Suite is a collection of cloud computing tools offered by Google, including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Drive. These tools are essential for real estate agents looking to enhance productivity and collaboration. Gmail is a widely used email service that seamlessly integrates with many other tools, including CRM software like Wise Agent. Google Docs allows agents to create and collaborate on documents, while Google Drive provides secure cloud storage for easy access to files from anywhere with an internet connection.
Hootsuite for Social Media Management
Social media plays a crucial role in real estate marketing, but managing multiple platforms can be time-consuming. Hootsuite is a social media management tool that helps agents stay active on social media without being tethered to their computers or phones. With Hootsuite, agents can schedule posts for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more in advance. This allows them to dedicate a specific time to create a week's worth of social media content and automate its posting. Hootsuite also offers features for tracking conversations and monitoring key influencers in the real estate industry.
Hours Time Tracking for Productivity Monitoring
As a real estate agent, time management is crucial for success. Hours Time Tracking is a useful tool for monitoring productivity and tracking how time is spent throughout the day. With Hours, agents can easily time block and color code their schedules, helping them stay organized and focused. By mapping out their daily activities, agents can identify areas where time is being wasted and make necessary adjustments to increase productivity.
MileIQ for Mileage Tracking
Tracking mileage is an important aspect of managing business expenses for real estate agents. MileIQ is a simple app that automatically logs driving activities, making it easy to track business-related mileage. The app runs in the background and records mileage without the need for manual input. Agents can also switch between personal and business drives with a simple swipe, ensuring accurate tracking for tax deductions. Additionally, the subscription fee for MileIQ is tax-deductible, making it a valuable tool for agents looking to maximize their tax benefits.
Open Home Pro for Open House Lead Capture
Hosting open houses is a common practice for real estate agents, and Open Home Pro can simplify the lead capture process. This tool allows agents to collect lead information without the need for manual data entry. Using a tablet or smartphone, agents can invite house hunters to enter their contact details directly into the app. This eliminates the need for paper sign-in sheets and ensures accurate lead capture. Open Home Pro also integrates with popular CRMs, allowing agents to seamlessly transfer leads into their database.
Trello for Task Management
Task management is essential for real estate agents juggling multiple clients and transactions. Trello is a highly effective tool for organizing and managing tasks. With Trello, agents can create lists and visualize their tasks, dragging and dropping them as they progress. This allows agents to stay on top of their to-do lists, assign tasks to team members, and track progress. The platform also supports file attachments, due dates, and comments, providing a comprehensive task management solution.
Waze for Navigation and Traffic Updates
Real estate agents are constantly on the go, and having a reliable navigation tool is essential. Waze is a popular GPS navigation app that provides real-time traffic and road information. With Waze, agents can access up-to-date data on accidents, traffic jams, and roadwork, allowing them to choose the quickest routes to their destinations. The app also includes features such as police alerts, helping agents avoid potential roadblocks and delays.
Wise Agent for Comprehensive CRM Solutions
While we have already discussed the importance of CRMs, it is worth highlighting Wise Agent as a comprehensive CRM solution designed specifically for real estate agents. Wise Agent offers a robust contact management system that allows agents to store a wealth of client information, including addresses, birthdays, and even pet names. The CRM also includes features such as call lists, note organization, and pre-made transaction checklists. Wise Agent integrates seamlessly with other tools like Gmail, Revaluate, DocuSign, MailChimp, and Evernote, making it a powerful all-in-one solution for real estate professionals.
In conclusion, embracing the right technology tools can significantly enhance the productivity, efficiency, and success of real estate agents. From video marketing to transaction management, scheduling, and email campaigns, these tools provide agents with the necessary resources to streamline their business operations and deliver exceptional service to their clients. By incorporating these tools into their workflow, real estate agents can stay ahead of the competition and thrive in today's fast-paced digital landscape.
Remember, finding the right technology tools for your real estate business may require some research and experimentation. Evaluate your specific needs, consider your budget, and choose tools that align with your goals and objectives. Embrace the power of technology to elevate your real estate business and achieve new levels of success.