Don't Use Them Yet? 'Unthreatening' Chatbots Are Changing Real Estate Search

In this week's real estate selling tips, we'll cozy-up to the latest chatbots – software that automatically responds to client/guest questions and requests with the help of a messenger-style widget.

Powered by artificial intelligence, these rockin' robots are more than automated answering machines; they're capable of understanding conversational language and responding in-kind. And with over 83 percent of buyers and renters beginning their home search online, they may prove very kind to you!

Chattering Chatbots

Many homeowners are familiar with chatbot technology in the form of Alexa and Siri – they just take it for granted. And the who's who of the tech community jumped aboard last year, including Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

Since then, the tech has gone forth and multiplied – possibly arriving at a brokerage near you – due to the life-like, conversational services of the system. It's so realistic that chatbox users feel as if they're communicating with a real human representative on the other side of the screen.

Helping People and Making Businesses More Efficient

Rather than replacing agents, as is a common fear in the real estate community, chatbots offer integral support – but nothing that can replace a flesh-and-blood agent's ability to handle transactions. While you're researching leads, preparing for property viewings, and closing sales, a chatbot can:

• Handle initial client contact
• Organize duties as per client requests
• Qualify/prioritize leads
• Provide you with necessary knowledge prior to meetings
• Manage a large number of inquiries

Chatbots also save money, providing 24/7 customer service access to home shoppers that would otherwise be expensive to maintain with a live telephone or in-person customer service chat staff. This allows you to focus on the core part of your business, rather than taking requests, tracking your endless to-do list, or qualifying clients.

To view the original article, visit the Properties Online blog.