Technology Use in Real Estate
May 14, 2020by Sarah Day
Technology is changing the way we interact, do business and
stay connected. More than ever, technology is playing an important role in the
Real Estate industry. I will briefly cover how it’s been used in the past, but
most importantly highlight how it’s being used recently in light of the
COVID-19 pandemic. In Montana, Real Estate has been considered an essential
business, and technology has been helping it stay active!
Technology has also changed the way agents and brokerages
share listing information. Gone are the days of binders and endless paper
copying. Our current Multiple Listing Services is a website accessible for all
members. Information provided includes home characteristics, taxes and other
financial information such as HOA fees, photographs and more. Agents are able
to access the MLS on their desktops, tablets or phones. Property information
can be sent to clients directly from the site. Automated emails can even be
setup so that clients receive new listing information as soon as a property
comes on the market.
For over a decade, online marketing tools have been used by
agents to help sell properties. More recently, social media has been used as a
tool to market available properties and connect with buyers. Transaction forms
can be completed, signed and shared electronically. This has been convenient
for both buyers and sellers, especially in situations where a quick turnaround
can make all the difference. It continues to be an important capability during
this time of social distancing.
Social distancing and shelter-in-place directives have
drastically changed the way people view properties in the current environment. As
I mentioned above, Real Estate has been considered an essential business in
Montana and has remained very active in the Gallatin Valley. Since the
beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing even more people wanting to
move to Montana for our lifestyle and open space. In addition, mortgage
interest rates are still at historically low levels. Sellers might be inclined to put their
property on the market now because of these factors combined with our current low
inventory; however, these sellers might feel uncomfortable having agents and potential
buyers come into their home due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. We
have solutions:
- Virtual Buyer/Seller Consultations: Through programs like Zoom, Google Meet and FaceTime I can meet with prospective buyers and sellers regardless of where they are. This is a wonderful way to connect face-to-face without any health risks. I can share my screen so that we can view properties together or discuss specifics of the current market. Depending on your personal real estate goals, our virtual meeting will be tailored especially for you.
- 3D Tours: 3D Tours are a great marketing tool. They are just as they sound – an online 3D tour of the property. The viewer can see an eagle eye view of the home layout and then click through each room and see a 360 degree view. It is one of the closest ways to see and get a feel for the property without actually being there. These tours are something I include in the marketing plan for my sellers and are relatively easy to setup. They do require access to the home to create, but then can help significantly reduce the amount of people going through down the road.
- Virtual Showings: Through the use of the same programs for consultations, I can show property virtually. Virtual showings have the benefit of being able to ask questions about the property in real time. I am able to talk about property specifics as you’re viewing them. In addition, rooms can be revisited and angles can be changed to help you determine whether this might be the property for you.
- Virtual Open Houses: Virtual open houses have quickly become the norm during this time. There are huge benefits for both buyers and sellers – it is a great way to view available properties while limiting exposure to health risks. Depending on the seller’s comfort level, virtual open houses can be done live at the property or through use of photographs and 3D tours. Either way, the host agent is there in real time to answer questions about the property.
These tools allow agents to provide clients with an
experience like never before. Technology is helping the real estate market in
the Gallatin Valley stay active. Your real estate goals are still achievable
during this time! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or
would like to setup a virtual meeting.