Tech-savvy millennial home buyers are a rapidly growing target market. And people from every generation are harnessing the power of various technologies. It takes more than great real estate business ideas to be successful. Agents are expected to know and use the latest technological conveniences. How can a real estate brokerage firm stay relevant in a tech-driven world?
Keep Up with the Changes
Technological advances happen with break-neck speed. It seems as soon as one form of technology is accessible and easy to master, another one is introduced. Keep up with the changes to determine which technologies can benefit your business.
Collaborate on the Cloud
It was once a time-consuming challenge to coordinate out-of-state and international real estate deals. Now people collaborate on the cloud in real-time. Share documents, network with other professionals and get work accomplished and shared in just minutes.
Embrace Paperless Processes
Signing contracts and other paperwork was another common challenge agents and their clients faced. Trying to schedule several people to sign paperwork slows down the closing process. Now agents embrace a paperless process that enables people to provide e-signatures in only seconds.
Go Beyond a Basic Website
Everyone recognizes the need to have a professional website for a real estate brokerage firm. Now agents are creating separate sites for significant listings, such as commercial properties and luxury homes. Free website platforms make it simple to develop promotional sites in less than an hour.
Recognize Mobile Matters
Well-established real estate businesses often have the same site for years. It makes sense to hire a professional to update the site every year to ensure it is keeping up with the times. For example, it is imperative to have a mobile website design that looks as clear on a smartphone as it does on a desktop.
Automate Due Diligence
When agents get a new listing, they need to conduct research to develop an accurate description of the property. Specific information is accessible via automated resources such as local attractions, a map of the area, and the property size. Always verify this information to ensure it is correct.
Keep Up With Video Advances
Imagery is crucial to generate interest in listings and get people to want to see more. Keep up with the latest video advances such as video tours, 3D video, and virtual reality, and aerial videos taken by a drone to offer a bird’s eye view.
Be Social and Interactive
Real estate professionals should have their own social media presence on sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Use the latest features offered by social media sites, such as live streaming video on Facebook and posting authoritative articles on LinkedIn.
Extend Your Reach
Dare to go beyond local real estate sales and venture into out-of-state and international deals. Start by working with people in the neighborhood who want to relocate. Then extend your reach by accessing data and potential clients online.
Learn Online
Real estate agents are required to take particular continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. And other courses provide meaningful updates that help agents be knowledgeable resources to their clients. Agents who are short on time can take a wide range of courses online at their convenience.
Gather Analytics and Actionable Data
Gather analytics and actionable data about business websites and social media accounts. Determine where traffic comes from, how many visitors certain campaigns and posts get, and more. Use this data to develop future marketing efforts.
Use Email and Text Message Marketing
Email and text message marketing are easier than ever before with apps that take care of following-up with clients and associates. Now agents can never forget to send a follow-up message expressing thanks, informing someone about a new listing, and more.
These are just a few of the ways a real estate brokerage firm can remain relevant in a market driven by technology. Express smart real estate business ideas, share updates and communicate with clients by harnessing the power of the latest technologies. Discover how tech-savvy agents can generate more leads and referrals.