In this latest article from the team at Iceberg Digital, they discuss the evolution of Estate Agency Software.
For a long time, UK estate agencies have relied on uniform CRM software to manage a variety of functions, from sales and lettings to property management and finance. This one-size-fits-all approach, while functional, has not allowed for the nuanced efficiency other sectors enjoy through department-specific software. Although this move has been done in many other industries, why would an Estate Agency want to break apart their department’s software into Sales, Lettings, Management and Finance and what have the companies that have done it learnt?
Embracing specialised software doesn’t just streamline operations; it’s a strategic step towards growth, scalability, and maintaining a competitive edge. This article explores the transformative benefits of this evolution, examining how estate agencies can reap the rewards of technological advancements that have long been the norm in other industries.
The UK estate agency sector has long clung to ‘all-in-one’ CRM software to handle its diverse operational needs. These jack-of-all-trades systems, while comprehensive, often lack the depth and customisation necessary for each department’s success. As the industry evolves, there’s a burgeoning recognition of the limitations of this approach. Modern estate agencies are transitioning to department-specific software, reflecting a trend that’s commonplace in other sectors. This shift acknowledges that a singular, albeit feature-rich platform, cannot match the performance of specialised software, for example if you are looking for your sales department to perform better or increase their profit margin do you really care about what property management features are in the software and vice versa. Of course, different software for different departments would cost more than one general all-in-one software but the efficiencies created, time saved and manpower savings of this would far outweigh that. Payment software’s for rent collection and specific software’s like Lifesycle to increase profit in sales departments have proven that many times over in their respective fields.