Real estate professionals usually work long hours, have tons of paperwork, and travel and drive all around the country all the time. This way of doing business has changed thanks to the increased availability of technology. Gone with the wind are the times of faxing, mailing postcards and letters, and cold calling. Real estate agencies have moved to using CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software to finish part of their workload, reduce costs, make more connections between people and properties, generate leads, send automated e-mails, etc.
To some real estate agents, it’s a software that helps them manage their clients, whereas others view CRM as a business philosophy. Still, most consider it a process that marries software and strategy to convert leads to long-term clients.
No matter what CRM means to you, you should realize that if you’re not harnessing the power of CRM for real estate agents, you’re definitely missing out on sales. And opportunities. And customers. It may take some more time for you to realize that you need a CRM system. No matter whether you are very good at IT and technologies with CRM it is different. You need to understand the needs of your business at the moment as well as in the near future.
Unless you’re tech-savvy, look for systems that have an intuitive layout, user-friendly design, drag-and-drop tools, visual builders, and premade templates. The software, like a well-cared-for car, should carry you through the day without complications or breakdowns.
Before going for a definite resolution you can use a free CRM system. That will allow you to take your time to learn to use it without the pressure of committing money to something that may turn out to be a mistake. Only when you start using it you can find out which features are most suitable for you and your business. Also, you can “shop around“ (i.e. for free) before settling on a specific vendor. You need to work and understand CRM in order to see tangible and positive benefits for your sales.
Usually, you start using basic modules such as contact and customer management, sales management, and billing. One of the strongest pros of a CRM is that you can monitor your data within a single database. You don’t have to worry about the data loss, as all the customer information (including email, phone calls, and even requests made in person) is stored in one place. Such a detailed customer communication history enables you to provide better results upon the request and deliver useful information and proposals.
Most real estate agencies have reduced marketing costs and turned to CRM software. The marketing management module allows them to automatically notify customers of new properties. When this information reaches the customer before the general public finds the information, it increases the possibility of making appointments to view the property and making the sale easier than ever.
What’s more, a good CRM platform helps to keep all the managers and real estate agents organized and productive, saving precious time and effort. All the planned transactions, calls, and agent meetings are automatically recorded in the personal calendars and our alert system assures that all your workers will be reminded about all the appointments, tasks, and items of a to-do list throughout the workday. Moreover, managers are able to track the workers’ activity, change or add current tasks and work transactions. The only thing you have to bear in mind is that you are often in the field. That means that you need a CRM that has a mobile and web apps and in an ideal world, it can work offline and get synchronized when online again.
From lead generation through closing the deal or even staying in touch with customers after that, a CRM is with you every step of the work. A well-utilized CRM can change your world for the better. Or rather to say your life for the better. Besides helping you generate more sales it can also help you take back your time. This time you can dedicate to things that are more important to you and you’ve been missing out.