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AOSdates is an agent-developed transaction management tool.
Platform(s): Browser-agnostic
Ideal for: Any agent or broker wanting to better manage dates, people and timelines associated with the closing process.
Top selling points
- Interface design eases learning curve
- Customization for market best practices and terminology
- Broker management of agent activity
Things to consider
AOSdates is still working on an effective mobile-responsive version. It’s most functional on tablets and laptop browsers.
Full review
AOSdates was created by an agent in Philadelphia who wanted a better way to manage her business once a property went under contract.
So, Heather Wahl Bloemker of HomeStarr Realty approached a software developer with her ideas. Most agents will be happy with the result.
Real estate agents in Pennsylvania will recognize the term AOS, which stands of “Agreement of Sale,” and serves as the point of engagement with this software.
AOSdates is similar to Nekst.
Instead of using a series of pre-ordained tasks to guide a user from listing to close, AOSdates uses date-driven lists of milestones from the day of AOS to closing.
Agents start by entering a transaction name and its three most essential dates: Execution, Mortgage Commitment and Settlement.
Buyer, seller and all other stakeholder details are entered as well. Users can specify if they are working with the buyer or seller — or both, in case that still happens in some markets.
Those three critical dates serve as the backbone of activity within AOSdates, from which a detailed list of milestones can be created and then saved as a template for ongoing use.
Users then create a series of Events within each transaction, choose who’s responsible, select a number of days before or after each critical date it’s due and mark the parties who will receive either a custom or supplied email reminder.
An events summary can be viewed for each transaction, breaking down every event completed or pending.
Periodic AOS Reports can be sent to each stakeholder, including the buyers and sellers, clearly mapping out every event and each party accountable.
Concealing market information and the real estate sales process only serves to hold it hostage.
This simple feature of transparency provides everyone involved with a clear, chronological update on who, what and when for each event.
A weekly send of this report could prove an excellent way for agents to demonstrate their value to the transaction.
Trying to conceal market information and the real estate sales process only serves to hold it hostage from the people it’s in place to help.
But I digress.
AOSdates allows users to create any type of contact. This can be used to involve inspectors, attorneys or other third-parties vital to closing.
Event types can be created as needed and saved to quickly populate a new transaction.
Events can be added and deleted to change a deal that’s being financed or paid for in cash, or for a short sale. This is done by adjusting the list of events so it reflects those common to each transaction type.
Broker users are offered an Agent Dashboard to review activity of those under their purview. This feature could use more evident nomenclature, it’s not for “agents.”
I’m also a fan of the one-button archive command for completed sales. You can recall its details if needed.
I’d like to see a future version incorporate documents and perhaps find a way to embed communications between parties. The absence of either in no way takes away from what’s available today.
Overall, this is an exceptionally clean and well-designed sales process management solution for busy agents.
I’ve seen much larger software companies miss on many of the user design advantages evident here. It does what it’s supposed to do, and it’s priced for every level of agent.
Have a technology product you would like to discuss? Email Craig Rowe.