The real estate industry is rapidly evolving thanks to new technology, shifting consumer expectations, and regulatory changes.
More than ever, real estate is an omnichannel experience that leverages multiple communications channels and platforms to streamline the customer experience.
Real estate professionals looking to stay competitive, streamline operations, and improve client relationships need the right technology in place, which often means partnering with the right managed solutions provider.
In this article, we’ll explore how popular managed solutions like Microsoft Teams, VoIP, and data analytics can provide valuable support to real estate businesses.
What Do Managed Service Providers Do?
A managed service provider (MSP) manages a customer’s information technology (IT) infrastructure and end-user systems. MSPs offer various services, including network and infrastructure management, security, and monitoring.
They often handle management services so clients can focus on improving their services without worrying about extended system downtimes, service interruptions, and other technology challenges.
The average MSP will provide things like:
- Technical support
- Security services
- Network and infrastructure management
- System monitoring
- System reports
They may also specialize in specific segments of IT, including data storage, or focus on more specific vertical markets like financial services, healthcare, or manufacturing.
While MSPs first emerged in the 1990s with the rise of application service providers (ASPs) — today, the terms cloud service provider and managed service provider are often used synonymously when the provider’s service is supported by a service-level agreement (SLA) and is delivered over the Internet.
The Role of Managed Solutions in Real Estate
Managed solutions are crucial in the real estate industry, particularly in managing office buildings and other commercial properties.
Most real estate companies can benefit from managed services, including:
- Technical support
- Device updates and lifecycle management
- Network management
- Security services
- Technology integrations
Managed service providers help real estate companies improve their IT efficiency, enhance security, increase productivity, and reduce costs. They can also provide access to expertise and resources, allowing real estate companies to focus on their core business.
Beyond that, they can also help real estate companies manage their mobile devices, ensuring they are always up-to-date, secure, and compliant with regulations.
Why Real Estate Needs Unified Communications
There’s no denying how important communication is in real estate.
Tools like Microsoft Teams can greatly enhance collaboration among agents and their clients. Microsoft Teams powerful feature set includes:
- Instant messaging
- Video conferencing
- File sharing
- Team collaboration
An integrated communications solution makes it easy for agents to respond to client inquiries and collaborate efficiently. Organized channels for specific topics or projects help reduce email clutter and keep discussions focused.
Here are a few ways agents can leverage unified communications to create a positive client experience:
- Agents can hold virtual meetings using video calls: This simplifies discussing property listings or tending to client needs, making it easier to align on strategies and updates.
- Provide access to client history, market insights, and property details: Surfacing key account and client data enables agents to provide more personalized experiences.
- One place for all communications: By unifying communications, teams can operate more smoothly and close deals more efficiently.
Create a Positive Client Experience with Reliable Connectivity
Reliable internet access is critical for real estate professionals. Increased bandwidth can ensure smooth connectivity during open houses, client meetings, and virtual tours.
Solutions like SD-WAN enhance network performance, providing reliable access that minimizes disruptions during critical interactions. For example, during a live virtual property tour, reliable internet connectivity ensures a seamless client experience by minimizing technical disruptions.
Safeguard Conversations with Call Recording
Security is a significant concern in real estate, where sensitive client information is often shared. Implementing call recording solutions can add a layer of security by capturing important conversations. This practice helps ensure compliance with industry regulations and protects businesses from potential disputes.
Additionally, recorded calls can serve as valuable training tools, allowing agents to review and improve their communication skills. For example, an agent can analyze past calls to identify areas for improvement in client interactions, ultimately enhancing service quality.
Improve Responsiveness with Call Analytics for Businesses
Speed-to-lead and rapid responses are must-haves in real estate. Call analytics provide insights into every client interaction, helping teams track call volumes, response times, and missed opportunities.
Call analytics allow real estate firms to identify trends and optimize processes, ensuring every potential buyer receives rapid service.
For example, your call analytics may reveal that many clients call after hours. A business could implement an automated response system or extended hours for agents to ensure no inquiry goes unanswered. This proactive approach can enhance overall responsiveness and engagement with clients.
Enhance Communication with VoIP Solutions
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems transform communications for real estate companies. By leveraging VoIP technology, firms can streamline their communication processes, improving connectivity among team members and clients while reducing costs associated with traditional phone systems.
VoIP systems enable efficient call routing, voicemail-to-email transcription, and video conferencing. These features enable real estate professionals to maintain flexible and responsive communication — which is an essential part of the real estate experience.
With the right VoIP solution, an agent can quickly connect with a client or another team member, regardless of location, enabling collaboration and immediate problem-solving.
Collaborate Effectively with Microsoft Teams
The entire real estate process is collaborative in nature. Microsoft Teams can play a key role in supporting this.
Here are just a few ways Microsoft Teams can enable collaboration in real estate:
- Using shared workspaces, agents can collaborate on listings, market analyses, and client interactions. These dedicated channels help keep discussions organized and focused.
- Phone numbers can be assigned to new users and managed for existing users within Microsoft Teams, making it easier to transition from different calling plans and services.
- Teams can create specialized channels for specific projects, allowing agents to share updates, documents, and client feedback in one place.
- Integrations with tools like Planner and SharePoint allow teams to manage tasks and store files securely in one place.
The seamless connection with other Microsoft 365 applications ensures that agents have all the resources they need to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Implementing Managed Solutions in Real Estate
Implementing managed solutions in real estate requires careful planning and consideration. Real estate companies should start by assessing their current IT infrastructure and identifying areas where managed services can be beneficial.
They should then research and select a reputable managed service provider that offers the services they need. It’s essential to ensure that the MSP has experience in the real estate industry and can provide customized solutions to meet the company’s specific needs.
Once the MSP is selected, the real estate company should work closely with them to implement the managed solutions. This may involve setting up new systems, training staff, and establishing quality metrics to measure the success of the managed services.
Real estate companies should also ensure they clearly understand the pricing model and the services included in the agreement. They should also establish a service-level agreement (SLA) that outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both parties.
In the context of Microsoft Teams, real estate companies can use Operator Connect to connect their Microsoft Teams organization to a phone service provider. This allows them to make and receive calls and access other features such as hold, blind and safe transfers, and reporting features.
Strengthen Network Security
As real estate transactions involve sensitive financial and personal information, robust network security is essential.
Managed solutions can provide advanced security features that protect data and maintain client trust.
Implementing multi-layered security protocols helps safeguard systems against cyber threats. This not only makes clients feel secure in their transactions, but it also helps your business stay compliant.
Deploying Business Intelligence Tools
Business intelligence tools can significantly enhance decision-making in real estate. By analyzing data, firms can gain insights into market trends, client preferences, and operational efficiencies. This information empowers agents to make informed decisions, optimize marketing strategies, and tailor services to meet client needs.
For example, real estate firms can use data analytics to identify popular property features in a given area, allowing them to better align their listings with market demand.
Find the Right Partner to Enable Your Technology Needs
Maintaining your competitive edge in real estate today means finding the right managed solutions to drive your business forward.
With popular solutions like Microsoft Teams, SD-WAN, call analytics, call recording, VoIP, and business intelligence — real estate professionals can collect and turn their data into powerful insights that create a positive client experience from start to finish.
At Momentum, we support our real estate clients by helping them identify and deploy innovative solutions that address both immediate and long-term business needs. By embracing technology and fostering collaboration, you can drive improved client satisfaction and accelerate growth.
Looking to streamline your process while improving client experiences? Get in touch today to see how Momentum can help you design, deploy, and support the managed services you need to compete.
