Achieve excellent sales and lettings performance with PropTech

MRI Software explores the use of PropTech to enhance the performance of the sales and lettings processes and how to select the right software for your agency.

Here’s a big secret; there’s no one application out there that is the silver bullet for your business. Every agency has its own story, unique identity and bespoke requirements. You need a system to fit your approach, not rigid solutions that promise the world but leave you playing catch up.

Like the sales and lettings market, the software landscape is constantly changing. New PropTech providers are arriving overnight, and many have started to consolidate their offerings. A recent example of this is news of the big changes at Zoopla.

Clearly, you have a lot of factors to consider. Movements in the market offer opportunity for you to reassess the process and needs of your agency. 

Explore what good technology looks like for your business

With so many options out there, it’s little wonder that you may struggle to narrow down what’s best for your business.

“We have been customers of MRI Software for about 15 years. Their service has always been superb; even the smallest suggestion or query we have is looked at in-depth. Many of our needs and suggestions have been built into their software. I have recommended them to several firms in the past and will continue to do so,” said a representative of Brockenhurst Estate Agents.

A guide to selecting the right software for your agency

The first (and arguably the most important) step towards selecting your software involves developing a true understanding of what you need. Sounds simple, but this can often be more difficult than you think.

Indeed, due diligence should stretch far beyond reading lofty promises from providers who offer pipedream return on investment figures with little to no substance to back up their claims. If something looks too good to be true… you know the rest.

As an estate agency leader, there are at least six important questions you should ask yourself, the answers to which will help to identify the PropTech solutions you need to get the maximum value for your business:

1. What are your business problems?

2. What is your business strategy?

3. What is your technology strategy?

4. What other systems do you currently have in place?

5. How important are those systems and software to your business?

6. What is your overall budget?

Getting to grips with these fundamental questions is where your decision-making process should begin in relation to investment in agency software.

Once you’ve answered these questions, you can begin to consider the various types of software available and what to expect from each type of solution.

So back to the first point, and that’s remembering that no one application or system will be a silver bullet – your agency has its own needs, and good technology providers will understand this.

To help you digest some of these crucial aspects, we’ve produced a comprehensive guide to technology in sales and lettings for agency leaders.

The aim of the publication is to deep dive into what to expect from various types of software, covering various business priorities such as customer relations management, day-to-day processes, strategy, finance and compliance, flexible and remote working, user experience and online communities.

By following these steps and taking time to pause before jumping into the next real estate software investment, you can ensure your business is well and truly futureproofed for years to come.

If you’re looking for a proven provider to help evolve and execute your digital strategy, we’re here to help.

Our open and flexible platform is used across residential sales, lettings, property management, accounting, tenant management and landlord management – from small start-ups through to enterprise organisations with widespread national branch networks.

• 400-plus agency offices using our Agency Solutions

• 150,000-plus tenancies managed using our software

• 3,500 individual users and growing

*MRI Software is a provider of innovative real estate software with a flexible ecosystem that meets the unique needs of real estate businesses