Have suggestions for products that you’d like to see reviewed by our real estate technology expert? Email Craig Rowe.
Here we go, another 30 days of real estate technology.
I’ve seen some really cool stuff in the last few weeks, and also a couple of real dogs.
I know that it’s not easy for software developers or company executives to read that someone doesn’t like their product. In response, I offer that this is largely an opinion column.
I look at functionality, practicality and applicability, and attempt to translate the facets of those characteristics into a summary of benefits for readers.
Try as I might to remove internal bias, internal bias is what drives my take on a product. I’ve been in an agent’s shoes; I’ve sold property, leased commercial space, worked with investors and implemented technology solutions. Remember, there’s always room for improvement, upgrades and — most importantly for your peace of mind — room for me being wrong.
It’s now June, and your sales year is about half over.
What kind of technology investments have you made this year? Have they made you better at your job in some way? I’d love to hear more about what you’re using, why, and if you’ll keep using it.
Share, and be heard.
Reviewed just this week, this sleek smartphone software is superbly designed and super-efficient. It parses and color codes the way you work into four categories and comes with an action list for each. Quickly assign vendor contacts when you get a listing under contract or activate a new lead action list when a potential buyer comes into your circle.
GoConnect is concise in what transaction data it delivers, making it uncluttered and streamlined. It uses the native operating system commands from iOS and Android, like swipes, taps, and other forms of interaction to make it quick to learn and fast to use. Plus, it’s free. There is a paid Pro version, but GoConnect doesn’t withhold its most powerful features like many scaled software models do.
Even though Emma is the most expensive email marketing tool out there, it stands as a stark example of why good software is worth paying for. Emma’s team clearly devotes ample time to studying user experience, because it’s a joy to navigate. Clean. Attractive. Nothing gets in your way as you build, send and track messages.
It makes dynamic social media integration as simple as drag-and-drop, and it also uses a unique grading system to encourage users to make each email better than the last. You also can link emails to Eventbrite to promote open houses and company events. It’s a full-on strategic marketing solution and larger agencies should give it serious consideration.
This follow-your-buyer Web browser tool wins for innovation and practicality. As your buyer clients paddle through the swamp of content that is the collective major portals, PlanwiseConnect keeps you in the boat with them via an omnipresent financial calculator and contact interface neatly attached to the bottom of the screen.
Instead of the woefully lacking bits of economic data buyers are given about affordability when looking at a potential domicile, PlanwiseConnect uses a personalized profile of their complete financial position to help them truly understand the cost of ownership. Your name and mug are readily accessible via the toolbar, as are the details of any lender partners you choose to have participate. Cool product.
Nimble is a frighteningly effective tool, in the sense that it cements the notion — the fact, rather — that nothing online is private. If you’re online, you’re public. And Nimble will let users know whatever they want to know about you. Using a complicated set of linkages between backdoor data and front-facing social media, Nimble creates instant profiles of prospects and people just by hovering over them with your trackpad arrow.
It’s quick and looks good, and it’s highly useful for super-connected real estate agents. The new interface plugs directly into your browser and simply slides out to reveal what you need when you need it. Nimble also greatly enhances Salesforce, Top Producer, and Propertybase CRMs.
Versatile Web marketing tool LeadPages is one of those rare software products that does a lot of things very well. Primarily, it helps agents capture leads using highly targeted landing pages, event promotion pop-ups, and an array of good-looking, contemporary information capture tactics.
Real estate agents can build mini-sites to promote individual listings within their own domain (important) or use a feature called LeadBoxes to subtly pester website guests into giving you an email address. LeadPages can send contacts straight to Salesforce, and higher account levels integrate with MailChimp, Constant Contact and iContact.
What will stand out in the world of real estate technology next month? Something you use?
Keep the suggestions and feedback coming, and I’ll keep trying to help you spend money on what I think you need.
Do you use any of these products? What do you think? Leave a comment and let us know!
Do you have a product for our tech expert to review? Email Craig Rowe.