Taking on the Future: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Key Trends and Technologies in Brokerage Software Development

Real estate remains one of the most dynamically evolving niches out there. And so does the tech empowering it. This is why brokerage providers of all scopes must keep up, and timely equipping with the latest, most relevant tools. That is, of course, If they are looking to hit the spot for ever-demanding clients, scale, and maintain a sharp competitive edge.

An ambitious realty business simply can’t afford to pass on any of the above. So here are some heads-ups and major takeaways to keep you up-to-date and in all arms. Let’s explore the ten key tech trends shaping today’s and tomorrow’s digitized brokerage landscape. 

Cloud

Cloud-based solutions have formed the most resilient backbone for efficient brokerage software. Hosting one’s operations and data repositories in the cloud is a total win-win for most businesses that take this leap.

For a real-world instance, Zillow, a huge realty marketplace you’ve definitely heard of, runs on a cloud infrastructure powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). All the flexibility and goodness of the well-tried AWS platform enables Zillow to handle extreme data loads while maintaining uninterrupted service for millions of users.

And there’s more where that comes, with cloud platforms giving us such ultimate benefits as:

• Down-to-earth scalability. The “ethereal” nature of cloud environments provides for hassle-free scalability, where you don’t have to go far or go broke in order to expand and enhance at just the right moment. Your cloud database can be expanded by simply purchasing more space. And extra functionalities can be added by easily integrating required features (or, again, by purchasing more capacity from your cloud provider). 
• Operational cost-efficiency. Adopting cloud hosting, you pay exactly for what you get. Pay-as-you-go payment models and real-time delivery of your cloud space or capacity purchases help forget about unexpected hidden costs and boost RoI in a major way. 
• Overall accessibility. On top of being resilient and almost completely downtime-free, cloud platforms are also highly available as is. Real estate agents can easily access any required data and tools from anywhere, at any time, right out of a desktop or mobile browser/app. This results in a major productivity boost.

Pro tips and ideas

If you are about to set off your first cloud transition, make sure to: 

• Use a well-tried-and-tested cloud platform maintained by a reliable provider. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are your no-brainer options to set up efficient hosting without risks.
• Implement load balancing to properly distribute incoming network traffic across multiple cloud resources, preventing bottleneck components. Leveraging the cloud’s high availability is a must. Services like AWS Elastic Load Balancing, Azure Load Balancer, and Google Cloud Load Balancing will help you eradicate any possible downtime, making your realty platform ultimately responsive.
• Optimize data storage and retrieval in order to cut extra expenses. You can do that with the help of: 
  Data tiering. The strategy of storing the most frequently requested data in high-performance repositories (powered by SSDs) and the least frequently requested data in slower yet sufficient-for-the-purpose repositories (powered by HDDs). 
  Compression and deduplication. The essential techniques to keep the cloud space consumption-optimized and avoid underlying expenses. Usually granted by the hosting providers out-of-the-box. 
  Data lifecycle policies. The policies that help automate the transition and deletion of the data turned obsolete. These also help avoid the cumbersome accumulation of all the data you don’t need. 
  Serverless storage. Solutions like AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, and standard Google Cloud Storage enable your real estate platform developers to forget about any server management whatsoever. All is handled by the cloud provider. 
  Database optimization. Your optimization options here include database resizing based on its usage patterns, data indexing, and employment of the automated Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) model.

AI and Machine Learning

The innovative combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) has long rehauled the way we approach data analysis in general. Namely, we can now go deeper, process more, and do it all much faster without sacrificing the overall quality of the resulting insights. It’s the other way around, really - AI/ML can help dig up tons of useful stuff from the most unorganized data flows.

The real-world case of Compass, a pioneering real estate platform, demonstrates how real estate agents can be equipped with smart technology and gain access to the trove of business-pushing insights. The insights empower well-grounded decision-making for efficient pricing, highly personalized user experiences, and in-depth market trend analyses.

To sum it up, the combined powers of AI/ML give us definitive advantages like:  

• Data analysis on steroids. AI and ML aren't just good at crunching numbers. They are extremely efficient and precise at it. Its capacity is enough to empower developers to sift through mountains of real estate data with ease and speed. This may include any data, from historical sales info and market trends to property characteristics.
• Hyper-personalization. Autonomous algorithms for user data analysis provide personalized property tips that really hit the spot for your target audience of clients. This is mostly achieved through the analysis of past client behaviors, purchasing preferences, and other personal indicators.
• Predictive analytics. AI/ML forecasts future market trends and property values based on historical data, economic indicators, and various other factors. This is quite an invaluable tool for real estate providers that allows for anticipating market demand shifts and making informed investment choices.

Pro tips and ideas

Leveraging the smart capacities, don’t miss out on the options to:

• Use AI-driven chatbots to automate client interactions with instant responses available at all times (e.g., related to property listings, availability, and prices), real-time lead qualifications (asking potential leads the relevant questions to speed up lead networking), and personalized offers.
• Implement ML algorithms for lead scoring and market trend predictions. Machine Learning algorithms can analyze lead data to assign scores based on factors like engagement, demographics, and online behavior. This helps your sales team focus on leads with the highest conversion potential. The same goes for market trends - with enough input data, you can predict common price fluctuations, emerging neighborhoods, and spikes in demand. Lastly, these algorithms may also facilitate property valuation.
• Employ natural language processing (NLP) for document analysis. In particular, use NLP to automate the analysis of complex legal documents (e.g., contracts, agreements, and leases) and identify critical clauses, compliance issues, and errors. You can also classify and sort documents faster while also extracting insights from all the paperwork.

More Analytics Driven by BI

While the above section pretty much covers all the benefits of digging deep into the data, we can’t but double down on the major role of analytics in your real estate platform’s lifecycle. Especially when you feed your machine learning algorithms enough business intelligence (BI). 

Talking about analytics separately from the AI/ML concepts, here are the essential benefits you get by having a firm grip on your insights:

• Informed development. Beyond the customer-oriented and business focus of real estate analytics, well-analyzed BI also makes things easier for your platform’s developers. Namely, they can identify the most relevant and demanded features and read into in-depth metrics, stimulating a higher level of user satisfaction.
• Improved user experience. Data-driven insights show you how exactly users find their way around your platform and where they run into bumps. Developers, again, get to read into all that and introduce UX improvements accordingly.
• Targeted marketing. Analytics can inform marketing strategies that should help you acquire and retain clients from the targeted segment and demographics. It also fuels efficient email marketing and ad campaigns. 

Pro tips and ideas

Now, here are some practical pieces of advice on how you can actually achieve the above benefits through analytics:

• Conduct A/B testing when developing or optimizing the real estate platform. Developers should experiment with different features and implementations, while the analytics helps them measure the impact of introduced changes on user satisfaction and engagement metrics.
• Use heatmaps and user session recordings to visualize user navigation routes and highlight the main areas of interest. The better you “see” the UX you offer, the easier it is to enhance.
• Take your marketing further by integrating marketing automation platforms like Marketo or HubSpot. Both are reliable, community-backed options.

Blockchain

Storing and processing tons of sensitive and personal data, your brokerage platform can surely use some reliable encryption and decentralization of secrets (e.g., access keys, e-wallet assets, etc.). The blockchain foundation offers just that. And if your platform supports real-time payments, it can also make all real estate transactions transparent and firmly protected.

As for real-world applications, Propy stands out as a global real estate marketplace that puts blockchain at the core of cross-border property transactions. Making the whole process seamless, the technology also ensures the integrity of records and minimizes platform-wide fraud risks.

In general, blockchain grants a bunch of benefits you could leverage, like:

• Enhanced data security. You can easily prevent unauthorized data alterations and employ advanced cryptographic approaches to protect data. All sensitive information can be stored in an impenetrable blockchain ledger. Blockchain won’t allow any tampering due to its immutability.
• More user trust. Blockchain’s smart contracts automate real estate transactions, guaranteeing full transparency of execution for both sides of the bargain. And all transaction records remain immutable. To top all that, no intermediaries (like dedicated realty agents or escrow providers) are required to complete the transaction. This paves a straightforward and efficient way to foster total trust among platform users. 

Pro tips and ideas

To get the most out of blockchain, make sure to leverage the following opportunities:

• Explore established blockchain frameworks like Ethereum or Hyperledger Fabric. As always, you need a reliable foundation.
  - Ethereum is famously versatile and commonly used for developing all sorts of decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.
  - Hyperledger Fabric, on the other hand, is an enterprise-grade framework ideal for building secure and scalable blockchain solutions tailored to the real estate industry's needs.
• Develop smart contracts for property transactions. Custom smart contracts can help you automate a range of underlying tasks and processes, from regular fund transfers and property inspection scheduling to document transfers based on predefined conditions.
• Store and manage documents in the blockchain. Don’t be shy to turn the immutable nature of blockchain repositories to your advantage in terms of paperwork handling. 

Dedicated Mobile App

Any digitized business must be equipped with a dedicated mobile app. First off, you cannot miss out on a huge, highly engaged mobile audience of clients. And then your agents also require access to their workflows on the go to stay productive at all times. A good app provides convenient property search, fast access to the main platform, as well as data and transaction management features.

This is exactly what Keller Williams, one of the biggest realty franchises, packs in its application. The KW App not only connects realty agents and clients. It serves as a full-on one-stop tool for purchasing or selling real estate right via a smartphone.
Here are the particular benefits you can leverage from that: 

• Business accessibility. A mobile app comes in equally handy for clients and agents. The agents get fast access to essential tools and data from anywhere, which allows them to quickly respond to client inquiries, manage listings, and close deals on the move. The clients get a convenient real estate hub. 
• More user engagement. Particularly, in-app communication features and an ability to interact with agents foster a truly personalized, highly engaging experience for every user. Furthermore, mobile push notifications help maintain brand awareness.
• Competitive advantage. A good brokerage app that hits the spot for its target audience is your competitive upper hand. It demonstrates your commitment to tailored experiences, innovation, and service facilitation.

Pro tips and ideas

If you want to excel at your mobile representation, make sure to heed these hot tips:

• Design user-friendly mobile interfaces. Put users first, and craft the UI/UX that’s not only visually appealing but also intuitive and easy to grasp. Focus on clean, uncluttered spaces where all the main functionalities are highlighted (e.g., search bar, listings, etc.). Prioritize minimalism, but, of course, don’t be afraid to make it creative.
• Enable offline access and synchronization for critical functionality. Real estate agents should still be able to access certain features at poor web connection speeds (like listings and notes). Meanwhile, smart synchronization automatically updates all data upon reconnection to the web, ensuring unrestrained agent workflows.
• Implement location-based services for property search. Integrate GPS and interactive maps for easily looking up and locating properties of interest. Make sure to provide a bunch of search filters (e.g., “for sale”, “for rent”, etc.). To take things further, use a geofencing feature to notify users when they pass near property listings of interest.

CRM Integration

A timely integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is the ultimate tool for ensuring efficient, omnichannel client servicing. In terms of one’s real estate business, a CRM solution serves as a client-focused workflow hub where all related data, lead nurturing tools, and work activity tracking are gathered in one place.

Most well-established realty providers have long adopted CRMs tailored to custom purposes. For instance, a global real estate network RE/MAX integrates Salesforce CRM with its software to efficiently track leads and keep client communication well personalized.

The main benefits of working through CRM include:

• Enhanced user value: CRM integration turns your usual brokerage software into an all-in-one solution. It helps consolidate all client data, transaction histories, listings, and communication channels. This gives us a. full view of the client interactions agenda and b. the smoothest way to tackle all client touchpoints via a single dashboard. All of which boost the normal value per client in the long run.
• Improved client retention: One benefit seeps into another here. Real estate market players go all kinds of lengths to conquer clients’ hearts. The individual treatment of every client enabled by CRM sharpens your competitive edge (client interaction tracking, notifications, and follow-up reminders all help to foster that sense of individuality).
• Data insights: Last but not least, data gathered by your CRM can be further leveraged for personalized recommendations. You can feed histories of transactions, interactions, and behaviors to the underlying AI/ML algorithms. 

AR/VR Integration

Talk about a real game-changer innovation - augmented and virtual reality came in as a revolutionary tech for the real estate sector. And, again, it’s all about client convenience and striking visualization. With AI, industry providers acquired an awe-inducing tool for virtual property showcasing. This allows potential clients to see in all detail and even “try-out” properties of interest literally without going anywhere.

As a result, we have solutions like Zillow 3D Home and agencies like Nestlewood Realty and others adopting virtual augmentations. 
Opting for an AR/VR solution dedicated to your real estate, you get:

• Effective property viewing experiences. Prospective real estate buyers get to experience immersive, visually appealing object viewings. They can go on virtual tours using a simple PC, smartphone, or tablet. From individual room layouts and property sizes to even the ability to visualize possible future renovations - AR/VR handles it all.
• Boosted marketing and sales. AR/VR tours not only save clients’ time and traveling expenses. They also help them make much better-informed buying decisions while positioning you as a client-centric provider. Everybody pays attention to innovation and advanced opportunities when picking the best real estate platform.
• Streamlined design and planning. Beyond the client focus and marketing, AR/VR tools facilitate and empower property planning and design workflows, driving faster, more efficient construction of new objects.

Pro tips and ideas

And here’s what you can do to maximize the effect of AR/VR adoption:

• Invest in high-quality content. Make sure your virtual property tours, 3D models, and AR property overlays are designed by professionals and backed by well-tested solutions (like the mentioned Zillow 3D House).
• Create a showcase portfolio for future marketing. Collect your virtual property experiences in a separate portfolio. You can demonstrate them at the next big convention and earn the attention of investors. 

Reinforced Cybersecurity

The real estate industry is not free from malicious occurrences such as risks of financial fraud, money laundering, and cyber attacks. Every digitized realty provider needs a firm protective shield. So doubling down on cybersecurity is another must. Sensitive client and property data must remain confidential, transactions secure, and investments transparent.

A good instance here is the way real estate market players eagerly employ solutions like DocuSign. This is a go-to electronic signature solution that helps protect important transaction documents through encryption and authentication measures.

Efficiently reinforced cybersecurity has a couple of advantages:
- Fortified trust. When a real estate provider goes the extra mile to reinforce its cybersecurity, it sends a resounding message to clients that their security is a top priority. After all, real estate is a niche where people make life-turning decisions and equally important purchases.
- Regulations compliance. Industry regulations and data privacy laws must all be complied with. And it’s achievable only by embracing the most robust cybersecurity practices you can get your hands on. 

Pro tips and ideas

How exactly do you reinforce it? Here are some ideas:

• Encrypt data at rest and in transit. All user data, whether it's stored or transmitted, should be encrypted based on the latest encryption standards. You must seal all sensitive information in a “vault” that can be accessed only by the cryptographic key owners.
• Implement multi-factor authentication for user accounts. Passwords alone are often not enough to thwart determined cybercriminals. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection, requiring an additional personal confirmation (a one-time code, usually).
• Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing. Examine your cybersecurity defenses for flaws and weaknesses that may emerge over time. Audits highlight essential vulnerabilities, while pen testing allows you to go deeper and find solutions for newly identified weak points (which should be handled by professional ethical or “white” hackers). 

Document Management and Digital Signatures

The usual real estate operations are riddled with paperwork and document handling. A forward-minded provider’s task is to optimize this potential area of chaos in order to avoid all the common human-factor risks and errors. This includes errors that may result in costly consequences for the whole business.

Besides the mentioned DocuSign, you can also use a full-on transaction management platform to cover the aspect of clear financial documents and signatures. For example, Dotloop simplifies all essential contract processes and guides precise transactions.

Paperwork empowered by the latest tech grants several benefits:

• Smoothed-out, accelerated productivity. Digitized document management and digital signatures make things so much simpler for real estate employees, cutting out extra paperwork and guaranteeing smooth operations. They get to ultimately work faster, creating, signing, and transmitting digital files in a matter of minutes.
• More regulatory confidence. Pre-made e-signatures and document forms are initially made compliant with all major regulatory standards.
• User convenience. A clunky, paper-based process can be a major turn-off for many clients. You have many more chances to hit the highest level of user satisfaction if you provide a paperless experience. Plus, by going full-on digital, your business becomes more eco-friendly. 

Pro tips and ideas

Here’s what you can do to maximize your digital paperwork potential:

• Integrate with reliable e-signature providers. These would include the already mentioned DocuSign and Dotloop, as well as Adobe Sign. Either of these will assist greatly in replacing the cumbersome affair of manual document signing.
• Implement a centralized document repository with version control. The real estate business thrives on documentation, and maintaining control over all information is crucial. A centralized repository enables simple access and tracking of all documents. Version control helps always have access to the latest paperwork versions, revision histories, and changes.
• Enable secure document sharing during collaboration. Real estate transactions often involve multiple stakeholders, from buyers and sellers to agents, lawyers, and inspectors. So make sure all access controls and permissions are well-defined and only those with the proper authorization can view or edit certain documents.

Communication and Collaboration

It all boils down to this - adopting more and more tools that allow for seamless interactions at all times, realty providers are expected to perform downtime-free. Then, there are also external forces of nature threats like the pandemic shutdowns that drive specialists to work remotely. To keep afloat, you must set a firm ground for all business-wide communications and interactions.

This is where you may feel free to take and combine some of the above solutions (mobile apps, CRM, cloud, and blockchain). A good dose of automation via AI also helps. But you should totally pay extra attention to specialized collaborative platforms.

For instance, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a real estate brokerage network, powers staff collaboration and internal communication with Microsoft Teams.

Well-adjusted workflows and interactions guarantee advantages such as:

• Workflow efficiency boost. Features such as file sharing, task management, and project tracking make it easy for agents, brokers, and support staff to perform together hassle-free. Shared calendars and project timelines boost tasking and coordination. 
• Higher rates of user satisfaction. Instant messaging, video conferencing, and mobile access are the features to keep clients satisfied with swift responses, individual attention, and all-time availability. 
• Seamless cross-integration. The beauty of modern collaborative platforms is their ability to easily integrate with other tools that you may already have in the stack. AI services can be easily added, other platforms connected, and extra features plugged in. The right set of cross-integrated platforms enables a seamless flow of data and smooth workflows. 

Pro tips and ideas

Be sure to maximize your collaborative efficiency with these ideas:

• Integrate with popular communication platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom. Slack, for instance, can automatically create tasks in the connected tasking system based on a critical client request in the chat.
• Provide convenient document sharing and collaborative editing. Realty agents must be able to not only share all docs in one place but also edit them simultaneously when they need to. Google Docs does the trick here.
• Set up real-time notifications for important updates. Make sure to keep agents and other brokerage staff updated on all major workflow touchpoints. Property listing updates, new leads coming in, and clients scheduling a meeting should all be covered by respective notifications. 

Bottom Line

The niche of real estate and property brokerage is quite demanding for market players of all scopes. There is a constant, healthy competition. And it is crucial to stay up-to-date and prepared for the upcoming waves of tech trends. Let this overview of the most relevant brokerage software trends to keep up with be your guide in all this commotion.

Use this cheat sheet to align with the dynamic market demands and build an industry-defining real estate platform. And good luck with your undertakings!