A real estate brokerage is a unique business. It is comprised of many individuals, yet they are typically classified as independent contractors, not employees. They each run their own small business but under the umbrella of one identifiable brand. Long before the pandemic closed down brick-and-mortar buildings and sent people home, real estate companies were well accustomed to remote, mobile, and hybrid workspaces.
Technology has also changed the face of the real estate brokerage radically in just a few short years. Business models have been completely transformed, from how a prospective buyer finds potential properties to how those properties are accessed. With competition so fierce in the Florida market – one in every 175 residents is a Realtor – it is imperative that technology is working to optimize visibility, functionality, and the competitive edge only innovation can sustain.
Real estate companies can benefit from managed services solutions in many tangible ways.
- Property Management: After suffering an initial hit (as most industries did), real estate in Florida actually benefitted from the mass influx of new residents over the course of the last few years. With the number of people arriving in the state, a real estate brokerage needs to capitalize on the growth potential at this moment in time. An online management tool is the best way to provide flexible online support and the tech support necessary as demand increases. Automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are now key innovations in real estate, and managed services can provide not only the tools but the human expertise needed to keep up with innovation.
- Document Storage: Many real estate companies utilize Dropbox or other online document storage services, but even large accounts can run out of storage quickly with property photos, videos, virtual tours, and documents. A professionally managed service provider can provide advice on the best methods to efficiently store relevant data so it is secure yet accessible. When handling deals with other people’s money and assets, you cannot depend on low-level security protocols. An MSP has the capability to establish updated security measures such as data encryption, firewalls, routine server password changes, and malware identification.
- Communication Between Locations: A large real estate brokerage may have multiple locations across the city, state, country or world. Not only that, but many realtors work out of their home or smaller remote location. MSPs can offer a reliable, safe and efficient method of communications between all these locations. Whether a desktop in the office, a tablet in a coffee shop or a smartphone at a listing appointment appointment, real estate agents can fully access documents and files whenever needed.
- Troubleshooting and Employee Services: As a traditional model quickly gives way to a brave new technological world, many long-term real estate professionals may struggle with all the new online tools. An MSP can provide the support that brokerage employees need to provide the best customer service.
- Software Upgrades: With all important company tasks and data online, it is imperative that software upgrades are performed routinely. MSPs will monior integration and patches to make sure everything stays up to date. A real estate brokerage can avoid downtime or delay without thinking about it, which can be the difference between getting a client or losing them. Virus protection and malware detection are also high on the list of MSP priorities on your behalf.
- Round-the-Clock Monitoring: Managed service providers have automatic tools that can monitor your network 24/7/365. This primary service ensures that the brokerage remains secure, whether a small company or national corporation. Monitoring keeps everyone aware of any issues that come up and addresses them immediately.
If your Sarasota real estate brokerage is in need of technology support, call Alliance IT today. We specialize in providing the service and expertise real estate professionals need to thrive.
