Tech Tools

Tech Tool Advice

Initially, technology wasn’t a significant part of my real estate work. Over 18 years, I’ve explored and researched various tech tools, many of which have broader applications beyond real estate that save me and others time.  When you’re considering adopting specific tech tools, do your research. Play around with it, and because your company or I recommend it, the Tech Tools I use might not work for you.  The only way you will know if a product or tech tool will work for you is to use it. 

Streamlining Task/Time Saving 

Docusign– I have used this product for over ten years, and I should mention that Docusign is not the only electronic signing software. I have also used Dotloop, and I like the interface of Docusign better. It’s pretty easy to figure out. You can create templates on paperwork you use on an ongoing basis. Usually, personalizing the paperwork only involves changing the person’s name, email, and terms. Uploading documents is pretty seamless. Docusign also integrates with many other software, making work more productive. It is a tech tool I use often, if not daily. 

Zapier: This software significantly boosted my productivity by automating tasks across multiple programs. I used Zapier to automate updating databases like CRM, Constant Contact, and marketing spreadsheets, eliminating manual work. While Zapier couldn’t handle all tasks, it helped keep my Constant Contact account synchronized with my CRM updates. The free Zapier version allows 100 zaps for jobs like syncing CRM with Constant Contact and Google address book. Setting it up was user-friendly, even for non-tech-savvy users. When I say this tech tool was a game changer, it was, and I am still exploring additional uses; their daily newsletter has a service you can use with their product or separately. 

FreshSales: I’ve tested numerous CRM programs after a different real estate company acquired my favorite one. I considered Cloze and Insightly but chose Freshsales for its sleek interface, ease of use, seamless integration, and outstanding customer service. It’s also budget-friendly and works smoothly with Zapier. In contrast, Cloze had an unappealing interface, and Insightly felt clunky, lacking integration with my preferred applications. FreshSales was also willing to custom-tailor my CRM to fit my needs.  

Social Media Planning

Later– I use Later for social media planning because it’s user-friendly with a drag-and-drop feature. The only drawback is scheduling stories, which requires careful attention to detail. If careless, you can schedule a story for the wrong time. It works on phones and desktops, covering Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok. While Later used to offer a free option, I now pay $150 annually for the starter account. I upgraded for demographic insights and post-scheduling capabilities. Later, it provides valuable tips, webinars on social media changes, and a clean, user-friendly interface, allowing me to focus on other tasks. Few realize I planned my posts well in advance.  It is a tech tool that has saved me time and has up my social media game.

Canva: I began using Canva because my brokerage firm lacked a graphic design platform for social media posts. Starting with a free account, I used it for years before upgrading to the paid version last year. Canva offers a wide range of templates, millions of free graphics, and 5GB of storage in the free version. The Pro version, priced at $120 per year, offers branded tools, extra graphics, the magic resize tool for versatile platform adaptation, background removal, full template customization, and 1 TB storage.

The free and paid plans offer customer support, but response times vary. Despite the website mentioning potential week-long waits, I usually got help with the free version within a day. I keep finding new uses for Canva, like integrating it with RPR for real estate graphics. Its user-friendly interface and cross-device compatibility make it stand out from app-only tools, enhancing computer-based design convenience. I use it for real estate marketing, but almost any industry could find this tech tool handy. 

Efficiency Tools

Scanner Pro Before COVID, I used this app occasionally. However, when COVID forced me to work from various locations, Scanner Pro became my go-to tool for scanning documents. Yes, it should be noted I have a more traditional scanner as well, but when I am not at home or at my office, it’s the go-to tech tool I use.  It’s available for both IOS and Android and though I initially paid $0.99 to download it, I believe it’s still reasonably priced. I now use it daily, especially for handling paperwork received outside my office, and I can quickly email the document or send a download link to my desktop, which is especially useful for large files.

GReminder– I’ve been in real estate for 18 years, and one frustration I’ve encountered is clients forgetting their appointments, especially during the pandemic when Zoom property tours were standard. I’d wait for them to join the meeting, only for them to later realize they forgot about it and ask to reschedule. To address this issue, I turned to GRemnders. Their standard plan, priced at $143 per year, offers 160 monthly SMS messages and 1,000 monthly emails to connect with clients. The customer support representative was extremely helpful in determining the right plan for my needs and even guided me to ensure I made the most of the product. Since October 5th, 2021, Gremnders has significantly reduced no-shows in my business. They always try to show me new ways to use this tech tool. I have noticed I do not attend showings or Zoom calls and find I have been stood up as often, which has increased my productivity.  GReminder works with Google and 365 Exchange. 

Editing Tools 

iMovie: In 2020, video became crucial in real estate, prompting me to explore video editing for a better client experience. I started editing using iMovie, adding music and text to enhance videos, especially for my weekly market reports. I even experimented with virtual backgrounds, suggesting an affordable green screen on Amazon. While I’m now considering a more advanced video software for added flexibility and features, iMovie was an excellent free tool for beginners, particularly those with Apple devices. I still use iMovie but am actively researching the next level of video software. Another software that I would say is entry-level is Canva.  There are many things I like about Canva, but one thing I love is there are how-to guides that involve their tools. I also sometimes use  later.com to do basic editing on my phone, but not a super fan of editing on my phone. 

Please contact me if you have questions about any of these tech tools  I mentioned. Most of these products, I say, can be used in different sectors, not just real estate. All of them will save you time. Let’s be honest: we all want to use our time effectively.  None of these products are products I am making money on. I just want to share tools that have saved me time.