Empowering REALTORS: The Essential Tools for Success
Real estate agents are always on the move—often managing multiple listings, clients, contracts, and normal life tasks simultaneously. In the world of technology we live in, we are constantly being bombarded with advertisements for technology and tools to make our lives easier. In my (Ivey’s) experience, many tools are nice to have, but only a few are truly essential to run your business.
And even more importantly, organization of your business is the first step in scaling for growth. It is a common trap to pursue “shiny objects” instead of doing the hard work of building your business foundation first.
But, once you have completed that all important step of building the foundation for future growth, there are five tools that any agent or brokerage should have at their fingertips to find success.
A customer relationship management system or CRM is crucial to an agent’s workflow. A CRM system is the central hub where you manage your client relationships, track communications, and nurture prospective clients. A good CRM allows you to categorize clients based on their needs, preferences, and buying timeline. Many even include features like task management, email integration and note taking, which helps you stay organized. Our brains can only hold so much information—leave remembering birthdays, home anniversaries, and important client details up to the software!
Did you know that 96 percent of home buyers search for their dream home online (NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 2022)? Ensure that you are where your customers are by having a great online presence. A website often acts as the face of your business, not only showcasing your listings but also telling users about your experience and personality. Featuring a bio and your contact information readily available empowers potential buyers and sellers to get to know you and connect with you at any time. Brokerages who provide a platform for individual agent sites set them up for success with a strong digital presence.
Real estate transactions are complex processes with seemingly endless documents, signatures, and deadlines. Utilizing transaction management software like Dotloop or Docusign streamlines this aspect of your business. Transaction software allows you to store, manage, and share transaction documents securely and quickly. The e-signature feature, in particular, saves time by allowing clients to sign contracts electronically. By using transaction management software, you minimize the margin for error, enhance client satisfaction, and stay organized throughout the sales process.
It goes without saying that a smartphone is crucial to your real estate business. But are you using your smartphone to its full capability? Your phone, in many ways, is your on-the-go office. Quickly access your CRM, email, transaction management software, and more. Consider some of the tricky aspects of your business. Maybe you struggle with regularly posting on social media, staying up to date with market insights, keeping track of your business-related expenses, or scanning documents while on the go. As the saying goes, ‘there’s an app for that.’ This article lists some of the best apps available to agents at the click of a button.
Are you a paper calendar or digital calendar person? Or maybe both? A calendar is essential for keeping track of appointments, meetings and deadlines. Integrating your digital calendar with your CRM and email can help you plan your days efficiently, ensuring you allocate time for growing your business, client meetings, property viewings, and administrative tasks. Use your calendar to your advantage, time blocking to complete important and personal tasks and making sure you’re not overbooking yourself.
The ability to set reminders and receive notifications is a significant advantage when juggling a busy schedule. Whether you opt for Google Calendar, Outlook, or a specialized real estate calendar app, it's a critical tool for time management and organization. Additionally, tools like Calendly, which integrates with your calendar and showcases your availability so your clients can select mutually beneficial time slots for meetings, are incredibly powerful. They can eliminate the “back-and-forth” conversations all associated with setting a meeting.
When you combine your real estate expertise with these essential tools, you're well-equipped to excel in this competitive industry. Smart Real Estate Consulting can help REALTORs and brokerages harness these tools to start or grow your business. If you’d like to learn more about the tools we recommend, schedule an appointment with Ivey today!
