Spotlight on Real Estate Tech: Our Top Product Reviews from 2014

Throughout 2014, we've been publishing a series of articles that guides agents through the technology selection process (see the full list of articles here). While those provide a helpful overview of broad technology categories, the next step is to learn more about a single product in more detail.

That's what our product reviews column does. Each review offers an in-depth look at an individual product, complete with screenshots and an overview of all major features. In 2014, we published over a dozen product reviews, and we've rounded them up here for your convenience, sorted by category. Take a moment to learn more about a new technology that could help you grow your business in the year ahead.

Transaction Management/Forms

• Form Simplicity - A solution created by a professional real estate organization, Florida Realtors®. Its ongoing development is, in part, shaped by a panel of REALTOR® members who ensure that the program stays in step with what agents and brokers need to be successful.
• Realty Commander - Realty Commander excels in handling multiple different file types, short sales, and HUD.
• DocuSign for REALTORS® PLUS - A first look at DocuSign's new "Transaction Rooms" that wed transaction management capabilities to DocuSign's eSignatures.
• zipForm® Plus - zipLogix upgrades their forms stalwart with a clean, new interface that makes it easy for agents to use.

CMA

• Cloud CMA - The reports you print directly from the MLS are stale, say the folks at Cloud CMA, and don't offer any opportunity for your unique branding. Their solution was built to fix this problem.

RPR's® Sales Comparison Analysis

Mobile Technology

• Team Phone - A cloud-based phone system that is integrated with listing data, delivers automated property information, generates leads and automates many business processes.
• zipForm® Mobile - The power of zipForm® Plus available for mobile phones and tablets.

Client Management Tools

• IXACT Contact - A CRM with drip marketing capabilities, lead capture, document storage, and more.
• Listingbook - A "client servicing platform" that allows agents to collaborate with their clients and prospects during the home search process.

Lead Generation

• HomeActions - An automated drip email marketing program that offers valuable content for homebuyers, keeping them interested long after the sale.
• Househappy - A new property search portal that's free for agents and generates leads via its beautiful, visually oriented interface.

Websites

• PressRE - A Wordpress-based website designed specifically for the needs of real estate agents.

Appraisal Tools

• RPR's® Sales Comparison Analysis - With this tool, appraisers can use area sales information as well as comparable properties in a valuation analysis; confirm or adjust subject property information; select, adjust, and weight comps; and create a Valuation Workbook.