Real estate offers, like job offers, have been largely digitized for years. However, the development of portals dedicated to real estate has not caused agencies and advisers to disappear.
These traditional players, however, have other competitors than the “pure players”. They also have to reckon with networks of independent agents. Annie Fousset works for one of these networks, Axelite Immo.
Virtual auction room sales
Residential, prestigious, commercial, life annuity, new and also interactive real estate sales constitute the professional daily life of this expert in the sector. Interactive sales (online auctions) are one more illustration of the digitization of the profession.
This model brings together potential buyers of a property in a virtual auction room. Buyers can thus position themselves and the seller study several files simultaneously, whereas a sale for an “exceptional property” tends to favor the first to arrive. Here, the process takes place over a fortnight.
“It’s a type of sale that I particularly appreciate. This makes it possible not to be mistaken on the offer. Buyers have time to position themselves and reflect,” says Annie Fousset. The advisor controls these transactions. It was different with social media.
Outsourced animation of social networks
The presence on these platforms is essential in real estate today, perhaps even more so for an independent agent. However, it is not easy to master the mysteries of these tools and to free up the time necessary to publish content.
In May 2017, Annie Fousset therefore turned to a solution in SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) mode for small businesses. This was available from a fledgling start-up, Artur’In. The platform makes it possible to automate digital marketing actions, but it also provides advice via a personal coach.
Among the services provided, the animation of social networks. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn… the management of the advisor’s presence and of her property is therefore outsourced to the start-up.
Benefit from the experience of specialists in the field
Posts are published several times a week. These are simple publications, but advertising actions can also be triggered according to the objectives sought: new subscribers, search for prospects (vendors), promotion of your website on Google. Artur’In supports these campaigns.
But Annie Fousset does not lose all control. All she has to do is connect to the SaaS service to follow the publications, modify them if she wishes, or distribute other content herself for social networks. Online training is regularly offered to enrich your mastery of the tools.
For the distribution of its newsletter every three weeks, the independent agent also relies on Artur’In. The start-up provides advice and helps with the design of the newsletter, but also participates in the transfer of skills.
“It’s beneficial to benefit from the experience of people accustomed to dealing with these issues with other partners and other professions”, appreciates Annie Fousset, who therefore does not hesitate to ask her adviser or coach Artur’In, Elisha.
Virtual tours
This “toolbox” has clearly demonstrated its interest in 2020, during confinement. “During the first confinement, we only had digital to exist. Social networks have allowed us to continue to exist and to disseminate information, ”underlines the real estate expert.
However, its uses of digital are not limited to marketing. Digital technology intervenes directly in the presentation of the goods for which it is responsible. All now benefit from a virtual visit. But these tours are not self-service.
“I supervise the virtual visit. It is necessary to make an appointment with me beforehand, via an online agenda. The presentation then takes place during a videoconference,” explains the adviser, who is keen to maintain control and thus enhance her expertise.