More than 80 per cent of successful agents run their real estate business from the cloud. At One Agency we’re big believers in the virtues of the cloud and the cost savings cloud computing has brought to real estate business over the last decade.
Today, we look at the benefits of moving your real estate technologies and services to the cloud.
Scale your business up or down, and only pay for what you need with a cloud-based system
If you’ve used Hotmail or Gmail, you’ve used cloud-based software. Perhaps your smartphone backs up your photos to the cloud. In essence, ‘the cloud’ is a global network of servers that host different applications and systems. There are three main models: public, private and a hybrid of these two.
Many applications we use in our day-to-day activities can be cloud-based.
Microsoft Office 365 provides online access to office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Customisable CRMs (such as Salesforce) adapt to work how your business works and integrate with your email and marketing platforms
HR systems give you a ‘single source of truth’. Cloud-based systems generally update automatically to reflect legislative changes, tax rates and templates for letters of offer, work contracts and so on. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re always compliant.
Accounting packages such as MYOB or Xero require no outlay for physical software that needs expensive updates. You can log in wherever and whenever to create and send invoices, process payments and expenses and manage your banking. Sync your accounting software with your bank and see your financial position in real time. Collaborate with your bookkeeper or accountant easily. You’ll be less stressed knowing that the software provider updates tax and superannuation rates automatically.
Document-signing software (like DocuSign) allows you to send contracts for signing and keep documents online, removing the need to print multiple physical copies. And with smart contracts using blockchain now becoming more widely accepted in the property industry, paper will become entirely obsolete for any processes that require a high level of security.
Importantly, you can connect most cloud-based systems so they work together in harmony for the most effective lead pipeline and sales funnel.
Not convinced? Here are our top reasons to jump on to the cloud in 2019.
With Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), you have no need to develop your own apps to run on multiple devices. Your SaaS provider does all the hard work for you, freeing up your IT support.
With your applications hosted in the cloud, your workers have seamless access to the information they need wherever they are. If your software needs updating, there’s no need to shut down all your systems. And continual updates to your cloud-based software help you manage the threat of obsolescence.
With all apps and systems in the cloud, your endpoint security can be managed from one central point. And the bonus? Cloud-based systems reduce your risk of your website being held to ransom. Even if you have an on-premises system and servers, your systems and applications can be replicated to the cloud should there be a disaster such as fire or flood.
With cloud-based systems and software, you pay only for what you use. Your cloud-based system scales up or down automatically as you have more or fewer users, contact records and listings for sale.
With your systems and software in the cloud, you don’t need to factor in the cost of maintaining and upgrading expensive infrastructure. Even the most complex CRM is affordable as a monthly, user-based payment.
Some applications offer a free subscription service if your usage of their system is at the lower volume or fewer users end of the spectrum – perfect for small teams or agencies. And having systems and applications in the cloud allows your salespeople to work remotely, minimising the office space you need.
On-demand software or a hosted desktop allow workers to access software applications from anywhere, only as and when needed.
With a few taps on their smartphone or tablet, cloud-hosted document management systems allow staff to access the information they need wherever they are. Your workforce can respond to clients instantly, giving them the information they need.
Your team, clients and suppliers will find it easier to collaborate, which in turn can promote innovation in your business.
Automatic tracking and reminders that sync with your calendar in your cloud-based CRM means you never forget to follow up a promising lead.
At One Agency, we’re software and systems agnostic. Instead of locking you into contracts with our chosen suppliers, we promote best-of-breed cloud technologies. From there, it’s your choice.
Cloud-based systems and software are perfect for the cyclical nature of the real estate industry. You can scale your business up or down, paying only for what you need when you need it, giving you the agility to survive slower markets and thrive in high-volume sales periods.
As founder and CEO of the fastest growing real estate network across Australasia, I offer real estate professionals an opportunity to reap the financial rewards of going it alone with the security and clout of an established brand. Talk to me and my team about your options.
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