With all the software options available to real estate professionals, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your needs.
We've looked at five leading software products, analysing their suitability for single and multiuse service and highlighting each system’s top features to help make the decision easier.
The core product is Boom, for Client Relationship Management (CRM) and sales administration, along with Grab for websites, Space for reports and intranet, portal loading, iPad and iPhone integration and iPad applications.
Managing director Travis Williams said the web-based software solved the following problems:
"We attract premium agents looking to grow their business through better relationships with their customers," Mr Williams said.
Almost all Box + Dice customers use Boom as an office solution to manage all facets of the client lifecycle, from first contact through to ongoing customer loyalty after the property settles, such as managing clients and administering the listing. This also includes trust accounting, advertising accounting, correspondence, appointments and task management.
With the web-based system, Litehouse, and hybrid system, AgencyMax and Freedom, Inhabit allows users to work in the office and while mobile on the road.
Director Bill Shields said the hybrid system provided many features and flexibility, whilst still allowing convenient access. The features across the three programs include smart phone and tablet functionality, bulk uploading, content management, sales trust accounting, report designer, management reporting and target review.
"AgencyMax is a truly unique system. The modern desktop system provides a huge number of features and fantastic flexibility not found in web-based systems and when combined with Freedom, a purpose built mobile solution designed to provide fast and easy access to information and business tasks and processes, it’s a very special solution," Mr Shields said, adding "We rock!"
Complete Data centralises all tasks and allows users to send emails, SMS and generate letters from templates, plus monitor productivity, set and measure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and filter data to analyse the market.
Director Mr Cristian Orrego said Complete Data was designed by real estate Salesperson and Coach, Lee Woodward from a real estate perspective to allow users to take control of their prospecting program that recession proofs their business.
“Complete Data was first and foremost built to prospect. Its core functionality is to manage and facilitate the information of dwellings and owners’ details in a service area. The system is designed by real estate experts for real estate professionals, so the end user can find, list, communicate and sell,” Mr Orrego said.
“This software is the best option for the individual agent as it is the simplest to use, doesn't have unnecessary timeconsuming features and is not difficult to navigate, plus it has bulk uploading to all major real estate portals.”
Office features include trust accounting, setting and tracking marketing campaigns, customisable property brochures and meeting agendas.
Installing MultiArray software in the office, but storing data on the internet, means this software can be used wherever an agent may be. If they are on the road, data is replicated when they return. Director George Sih said the software was completely integrated so users could send emails, SMS, letters and link to listings or contacts.
“MultiArray has mapped out several different types of contracts you can follow and you can attach a series of activities. For instance, once an appraisal becomes a listing, our software automatically links all the activities for the appraisals and attaches the new listing plan. Once it becomes a contract, it attaches the new plan for the vendor and the buyer with income activities. The sequence is automatic, without any manual handling,” Mr Sih explained.
The system also manages trust accounting, commission, advertising, wages and taxation calculations.
Handling all the listings from appraisal through to sold and settled, MyDesktop is a web-based solution that can be accessed via a desktop, laptop or a mobile device.
Director Scott Wulff said the software had a full CRM capacity and ran two databases – one for properties and one for contacts. Leads are automatically captured and stored and the system also has reminders for daily tasks via email and online, plus Facebook and Twitter integration. For office use, MyDesktop has commission calculators and splits, advertising planning, full reporting and a franchise management system.
“The back-end administration is one of the strengths of our system. Our strategy is to do what we do well and make sure we keep the efficiencies up for our clients by integrating with other third-party systems that they use,” Mr Wulff said. “Our system doesn’t have the most visual bells and whistles, but we have a lot of functionality in there to make it available to a 65 year old and an 18 year old,” he added.