It’s true that the real estate industry has been one of the slowest to adopt new technologies. Today, though, many real estate professionals, including real estate agencies, mortgage brokers, real estate investors, property managers, and title and escrow companies are paying more attention to how the internet—and the cloud—can help their business strategies.
VirtuWorks, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, says the advantages of cloud computing in marketing, property management, and customer relationship management can not only help real estate companies save money, but also help them improve the industry and make the lives of real estate professionals much simpler.
Here are just a few of the ways we see cloud computing having a positive impact on the industry as a whole.
The Mobile Revolution
Real estate agencies, mortgage brokers, and building and property maintenance staff are all reaping the rewards of cloud computing. It allows them to move their physical office online so they can work from any location using any device. Real estate agents who use the cloud can easily stay in contact with clients, their home office, and other business contacts. When showing a property, they can quickly pull up the necessary information, present comps, and use virtual tours and street views for out-of-town prospects, all right from their smartphone or tablet. As a bonus, clients appreciate working with a company that demonstrates its commitment to modern approaches.
Syncing and Sharing Data
How many times have you heard “I’ll print it off or email it to you when I get back to the office?” With cloud-based storage and software options like Microsoft Office 365, agents’ and other professionals’, files, images, and other documents are always just a click away. Sharing information with clients, lenders, title companies, escrow agents, appraisers, and more is easy with files sent directly from a mobile device. Everyone’s in the loop, the process is expedited, and people are happier.
Streamlined Communications
Cloud-based solutions like Office 365 and PBX business phone systems make for a unified communications solution that’s more collaborative and much more efficient than traditional methods. The ability to securely store and share documents from the cloud eliminates the need for sending attachments via email and there’s much less risk for error since everyone is working with the same information. No more multiple versions or guessing which revised document is the correct one. Powerful business phone solutions are also now within reach for real estate businesses of all sizes and offer features such as auto-attendants, call routing, and advanced voicemail.
Tenant Oversight Simplified
Real estate property management software automates many of the tasks property managers do. From operating their business, handling accounting, and taking over leasing functions, it is designed to simplify front office functions and the physical management of properties, equipment, and assets with the goal of a more efficient system. Tenant and owner portals improve communications and the system can be scaled up or down to accommodate the particular needs of residential, industrial, and commercial property types.
Improved Recruitment and Retention
Recruiting new agents, staffing, and manager onboarding are all made easier with the cloud. Real estate agencies often struggle with recruiting top talent, but that talent is necessary for success. With the right real estate cloud-based tools you can track leads, manage follow-ups, coordinate with recruiters, and onboard new hires in a streamlined, easy-to-learn process.
Conclusion
Real estate is a $217 trillion worldwide business. Investing in cloud-based solutions for your organization is the first and best step you can take in joining the digital revolution and beating the competition.