Nowadays, remote working has become the norm for many companies. In fact, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, plenty of employers have already been offering the option to work from home. Usually, it’s either an actual part of the employment package or a perk for high-performing employees.

In real estate, the work-from-home set-up wasn’t as common pre-COVID. After all, the nature of the industry is to conduct face-to-face meetings in order to show customers property for sale. Nevertheless, thanks to technological tools, remote work has become more viable for real estate agents.

If you’re planning on continuing a remote work arrangement with some or all of your real estate agents, here are some of the aforementioned digital tools you need to provide:

A CRM Software

One of the most important things a real estate agent needs—whether they’re working in the office or at a remote location—is a CRM. It can help simplify a lot of tasks for real estate agents, including scheduling, sending emails, and segmenting leads.

If your brokerage has yet to invest in a CRM, Getbrokerkit ASAP.  This CRM software boasts various features such as integrated SMS texting, automated outreach, as well as drip campaign templates. You can also integrate a lot of popular tools such as G Suite, resulting in hassle-free operations. Another benefit of Brokerkit is that it can help you import leads and data from reliable industry sources.

Video Conferencing Tools

It’s important for real estate agents to always check in with their clients to help establish and maintain rapport. Meetings are also crucial when it comes to catching up with fellow agents, as well as aligning with the team with regard to sales targets and other goals. Before, the only way to do this was through teleconferences. While effective, the participants can certainly feel detached.

With the help of video conferencing tools, however, it’s easier to maintain these connections that are crucial to smooth business operations and overall success. For the best results, find an application that lets you do things beyond sharing files and changing backgrounds. Look for features such as multiple camera support, video recording, and dynamic presentations.

Of course, security is also an important component of these apps so make sure to get one that’s compliant with various standards. This is particularly true when you’re discussing confidential information.

Messaging Apps

It can be tedious to hold meetings all the time, especially if you only need to ask a question or request a file from a colleague. In this case, a simple message using an app will do. Some social media platforms have built-in messaging functions, although they may be limited in certain functionalities. Be sure that the platform has all the features you need before using it officially for your agents and the entire brokerage.

Tools for Virtual Showrooms

One of the biggest changes that the pandemic has brought to the real estate industry is the more widespread adoption of virtual showrooms. The technologies that made this possible—like virtual and augmented reality—have been available for some time; however, it was the mandate that temporarily prohibited face-to-face meetings that truly pushed them to the forefront.

While there are now fewer restrictions when it comes to in-person meet-ups, having the option to showcase a property virtually still has a lot of merit. This is especially beneficial for agents with clients who are from other states.

Project Management Tools

Fact: real estate agents have a lot on their plates. Thus, getting overwhelmed and forgetting some tasks is a possibility. Thankfully, there are a variety of project management tools you can choose from to help your remote real estate agents stay on top of their day-to-day activities.

For a top-notch project management tool, look for the following features:

  • Communication functions. These can help facilitate collaboration and proper coordination.
  • Visual tools. Using visual aids can often make it easier to share ideas.
  • Time trackers. This can help managers understand which tasks take up the most time. As a result, they can make the appropriate adjustments to help real estate agents complete their tasks in a more timely and efficient manner.

Cloud Storage Service

Every day, real estate agents deal with a lot of files like contracts and tax documents. They also have to maintain a database of photos and videos of properties for sale, so they have something to show to clients when asked. Then there are also slide presentations, company video, spreadsheets that can span multiple columns, and a lot more.

To keep files in a central location and thus facilitate easy access, it’s a practical decision to avail of a cloud storage service. Look for one that can be synced across multiple devices and available in different operating systems. A good option would also be a service that allows you to increase your available storage at any time.

Runner Up: Rewards Tool

Finally, if you want to recognize the hard work of your real estate agents and keep morale high, you can use a rewards tool. You can keep things simple here, such as sending e-cards, congratulatory videos, and other forms of announcements. For the actual rewards, you can have them couriered or presented when you all meet again in person.

With these tools, your brokerage can run smoothly whether your real estate agents are working in or out of the office.