Real estate and technology—two industries that run respective to each other are finding mergance in the 21st century and the age of information, data, and tech. Like industries akin to Real Estate, embracing technology has been a slow movement across the board, and many agents find technology to be a daunting reality of evolution. Here is a look at some of the Real Estate industry’s biggest gripes with technology.
Communication
The way the industry communicates within itself as well as with clients has undergone a massive shift—in fact, by as early as 2021, it is estimated that there will be 1.8 billion users of voice digital assistants. Voice recognition software is a reality the Real Estate industry will have to grapple with if it wants to keep pace with the changing landscape of technology. Most agents cling to outdated means of communication, and while there is nothing wrong with a telephone call or text, the industry as a whole will have to learn to tap into the pulse of technology if it wants to survive in the competitive world of business. AskDoss is the latest voice activated intelligent personal assistant to crop up in Real Estate and most likely won’t be the last. It works by speaking a real estate search into AskDoss, upon which the software delivers accurate, instant answers. Many Real Estate portals are already incorporating the chatbot tech into their search engines to accommodate consumers in 2018 and forward who want the mobility and ease of speaking directly to their computers. Real Estate and tech is the future of the industry.
Mobility
Data about buildings, listings, trends, agents, and more are quite literally at the fingertips of most tech-savvy consumers. How? Via mobile apps that are taking over not just the Real Estate industry, but the world. Ask any agent and most will complain that Real Estate apps are ruining the industry by taking what they do and making it ubiquitous. Brochures are expensive and date themselves quickly, however, which is why mobile apps have found such immediate and immense success in the Real Estate industry. When used correctly, mobile apps actually help agents showcase their work more efficiently and can keep an agent and client connected 24/7 to deliver fast results and close on more deals. Mobility should not be feared; it should be understood to increase profits.
Cloud
Cloud can be confusing in any industry. Syncing to the Cloud can be even worse. Agents have suffered under Cloud from missing emails to files that won’t open to contacts that have disappeared from Outlook and more. In some cases, missing emails can reappear in Outlook to the chagrin of many users. While it’s true that Cloud can be a headache, when setup properly by the right IT staff, it can also be a great alternative to file storage, data backup, and more. It often makes the top list of technology complaints in most industries, but it also is a great tool when utilized properly.
Viruses, Malware, & Adware
Viruses, malware, and adware are a plague on any functioning enterprise. Real Estate is no exception. From slow moving computers to poor productive workplaces and jeopardized sensitive data and client information, online infections are one of the most feared aspects of technology for the Real Estate industry. Again, finding legitimate IT support from people who know what they are doing is key to any industry maintaining proper defense against viruses, malware, adware, etc. Technology should always transfer information securely through distributed trust systems and undergo encryption for an added layer of defense. Privacy in Real Estate is one of the industry’s most valued assets, and as consumers’ data becomes more accessible, it is the responsibility of the broker to take the right measures to ensure confidentiality.
Efficiency
The number one complaint Real Estate agents have with technology is poor efficiency. Namely, a slow moving computer makes the top of the list for Real Estate and technology. Inefficient tech is indisputably a headache, however, poor performance should encourage agents to seek professional IT help. A business is only as good as their technology, which is why it is imperative to solve Real Estate inefficiencies as opposed to ignore them. The right technicians will run a series of diagnostics that test for speed, run cleaners, check for malware, ensure patches and critical updates are performed, check RAM size, and perform integral operations—24x7x365—to ensure you are getting the highest quality of performance across all your technology.
zbrella’s team of expert Technology Consultants and Enterprise-Engineers can help assess the quality of your technology and ensure that your Real Estate agency is operating at peak performance. Our experts will assist you every step of the way and put processes in place that will boost efficiency and maintain quality control. Our team does it all. Learn more about how we can improve your Real Estate agency via technology here, or contact us now here.
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