Mobile device users typically want easy access to as much information as possible about a property that's for sale or rent before they even speak with an agent. As with most modern shoppers, buyers and renters want more control of the consumer process so that they can better manage their time and make informed decisions without the pressure associated with traditional real estate lead generation sales tactics. If you're a realtor who is not currently offering a real estate app to members of your target clients, it's time that you start. Mobile real estate apps meet mobile device user needs, which creates property interest and sales in the following ways:
Interactive maps supply current listings and points of interest
No mobile real estate app is complete without detailed, interactive regional maps that show listings and other valuable nearby points, such as hospitals, public transportation, grocery stores and schools, based on geolocation tracking and input address and school zone details. Buyers and renters can save properties as "favorites" until they're ready to review them further. Instead of wasting time using a search engine, they can also typically find directions in the app. Some apps also give users the ability to compare listings by different real estate firms in the same region. These features help users narrow their search by price, location, square footage, amenities and other factors. Some apps even provide additional details like average cost of living and year-round temperatures and air quality.
Images and virtual tours offer instant previews of properties
Apps give potential buyers and renters the ability to preview the interior of a structure and the surrounding landscape before an open house at their own leisure. It’s human nature to resent wasting time going to a showing without first seeing the interior of a structure and any attached property beforehand in the form of room layout images and high-quality photo and video tours, such as 360-degree and aerial drone panoramic shots. Consumers want to get the feel of a property's condition before investing any more of their time into checking it out in person. Sometimes they want instant access after they've decided to drive or walk by a property that they've seen online. Some people also need instant views when they come across sales signs when out and about in a neighborhood, while visiting loved ones, jogging or running, taking an evening stroll or walking a dog.
Notifications provide important updates without delays
In the past, buyers and renters would have to wait for a real estate agent to contact them or refresh listing pages online to learn about any changes in the status of a property and new listings. With mobile apps, they can receive automatic notifications about a wide range of updates, including price changes, seller renovations, sold properties, new listings, open house schedules, legal updates, real estate blog posts and sales promotions. More importantly, they can control the frequency of the updates so that their search for a new home, office, land or other type of property doesn't completely disrupt their schedule. Real estate apps also often feature additional tools, such as a mortgage payment calculator and client testimonials, that can help users evaluate any new information and make decisions in quick and efficient ways.
App tools create real-time communication opportunities
Lastly, mobile real estate apps speed up lead generation and sales through real-time communication features from qualified leads. Anyone who wants to show a partner or member of their social network a specific listing can share it via email, instant message or social media. Agents and potential or current sellers, landlords, property managers, buyers and renters can use private messaging to start the sales or rental process, ask questions or even negotiate price or other contract details. In fact, negotiations can start and finish via text in a matter of minutes. When it's time to sign a contract, users don't have to typically print, sign and then scan and email or fax the pages because of in-app or mobile device electronic signature tools. Agents can also review the status of any document requests at any time by using cloud-based, document-sharing options.The future of real estate sales is the internet of things. As tools for connectivity improve year-to-year, an agent's ability to generate new leads and sales via a real estate app can only improve as well. By starting now, you can outperform any competition stuck on the idea of using only traditional methods and prepare for the amazing new technologies that will be built on the functionality of current real estate apps.Call us on (800) 274 2908 for more information.
