4 Tech Features Consumers Expect from Their Next Real Estate Agent

We live in the digital age, and if consumers are working with a real estate agent, they want that agent to be pretty tech-savvy. Tech-savvy real estate professionals aren't just more convenient to talk to (although that is definitely a plus!), they also have better access to properties, can move more quickly through the process, and can help clients better home in on what appeals to them.

Consumers want to work with the best real estate agent possible. Here are some tech features you should be using:

Communication Tools

Real estate agents should be using digital tech tools to communicate with buyers and sellers. Fortunately, a little more than 50 percent of all real estate professionals today are using e-mail, smartphones, computers and more to communicate with their clients. Consumers want to find someone who will communicate with them quickly and easily, so make sure you know how to communicate on-the-go. You should have a smartphone, answer emails quickly, and be able to use your computer to find information for clients simply and easily. These tools will help facilitate the process from both sides, and make sure buying or selling is a quick and smooth process.

Automated Property Alerts

For consumers looking to buy or rent, the internet is an excellent resource. A 2016 study by the National Association of Realtors showed that at least 44 percent of people used the internet to find a home that they ended up purchasing. Agents should be connected to real estate websites and databases that can send automated property alerts. This technology allows you or your client to set features for properties they like or are looking for, then sends a message when something fitting those parameters becomes available. If you leverage automated property alerts, you and your clients can become aware of the right properties quickly — then make sure you tour them as fast as possible. Many times, that speed can make the difference between moving in and missing out.

Retargeted Ads from Search Results

Retargeting technology shows you ads from websites and of products you looked at previously to remind you of your interest and encourage you to buy. Make sure you are using retargeting when advertising a property you're trying to sell. That way, if people look at your website, they'll see information about your property or real estate company while they continue to browse the web. This will help remind them that they were interested in your listing — and encourage them to reach out to you.

A Tailored CRM

A Customer Relationship Management platform — or CRM — is an important tool for anyone who works at a business that has clients and makes sales. Use a CRM specially-tailored for real estate agents (such as Chime), so you can keep track of your clients' information and preferences. CRMs won't just allow you to store all your contacts' info — it will also help you know where clients are in the process of buying or selling, remind you to contact them on special occasions (or when you haven't heard from them in a long time), and so much more.

To view the original article, visit the Chime Technologies blog.