Thanks to the rapid speed of technology, our demand to have information instantly at our fingertips is increasingly prevalent. 197 billion mobile apps were downloaded in 2017 while individuals are using up to 9 apps per day.

Out of those 9 apps, the top 5 are a combination of social media and search engines:

1. Facebook
2. Youtube
3. FB Messenger
4. Google Search
5. Google Maps

The origins of each app can be linked back to their physical counterpart and the desire to create information that’s portable, accessible and instant.

1. Facebook - the most influential social media site turned in-person introductions to online social profiles that anyone can view.
2. Youtube - essentially puts your entire living room and local video store into the palm of your hand.
3. FB Messenger - If sms replaced post-it notes, FB messenger is taking over sms. Why bother saving contact numbers into your phone when you can use your Facebook profile?
4. Google Search - The world’s number 1 search engine removed the need for chunky yellow pages or shelves of encyclopedias.
5. Google Maps - Gone are the days of the bulky refidex or the arguments that ensued while trying to navigate your way through it’s many pages.

If apps are basically taking over our daily lives, it’s no surprise they’re making their way into the real estate industry.

Let’s paint a picture. You host a Saturday open house and your prospects fill out a form so you can collect their information. You have to wait until you are in front of the computer to process the paperwork which probably won’t be until Monday. By the time the contacts have been entered into your database and you start calling your leads, it’s been almost two days since you’ve had contact. For all your effort, all you’ve accomplished is a delayed follow-up call.

What if, instead, you could reach out to contacts faster, while reducing the time you spend in the office.

Technology has allowed us to systemise this process and eliminate the time spent on manual processing. Our very own CRM app, ReNet’s Touchpoint Manager, lets you access your office from the palm of your hand.

Three key benefits for agents using Touchpoint Manager

Automation

Stay front of mind by sending automated emails and eBrochures while using smart data to identify who to send it to and when. All of this can happen while you are literally packing up the signs and flags and heading to your next Open for Inspection.. Increase your productivity and reduce your tasks with automation.

Efficiency

Before you get there, send an Open House reminder to potential buyers. Using our bulk sms system will ensure a high level of turnout with only a few clicks on your phone. Skip double-handling contact info and record attendee information and feedback straight into your database at the door via a tablet or smartphone. Automate your vendor reporting by recording property feedback on the spot via the app and instantly send this to your vendors.

Leverage

Keeping track of your database can be difficult if you have to go through stacks of physical paperwork to find the information you need. Have you got an interested (but difficult) buyer at an inspection? Check your phone and answer with confidence when they ask how many groups have viewed the property. Knowing that there are 24 other interested groups may encourage a higher offer. Access your data instantly then leverage the insights. 

Key takeaways: Utilising the right technology can be the difference between working smarter, not harder. Focus on systems that provide you with automation, efficiency and leverage so you can do more tasks in less time. A powerful CRM will let you do this along with using your database to provide you with key insights that fill the gaps.

Resource: http://www.businessofapps.com/data/app-statistics/#1