My background is Internet Marketing and search engine optimization, so as you can imagine, I am a bit critical of technology that brokers offer their agents. Let me be honest and say I am not completely happy with what Keller Williams has, BUT it is a far cry from what other brokerages offer, AND they are constantly improving. Plus let’s face it, most people are not as geeky as I am so the tools work very well for most new agents.
The thing I like most about the technology tools is that you can be up and running in your new real estate business very quickly, and without additional cost because the basics are included. Becoming a real estate agent isn’t cheap, so having to add on buying a CRM, having a website designed, etc., is just too much. KW provides it’s agents with all of this, and more.
Dotloop
Dotloop is an electronic signature service similar to Docusign. All of the contracts you will need are already loaded into your account, so you complete them and then send to clients for signature. This is a very fast moving part of real estate, there are still agents that print, handwrite, and fax everything (or even hand deliver, ugh), but you don’t have to be that agent, and your clients will appreciate it.
Placester Websites
If you do any search for real estate agent website companies Placester will be at the top, and it is included as a Keller Williams agent at no additional cost. There are upgrades you can add, but when you are starting out you can stick with the basic site. IDX is included on the website, that is the system that has all of the house listings from the MLS so you can share with clients and they can register and search on your website.
eEdge CRM
In real estate, your database is your life. Your ability to follow up with potential clients will determine your success as an agent. KW provides a wonderful CRM with follow up campaigns already programmed. You can customize these campaigns or add your own.
Marketing Materials
Branded marketing materials are available to customize easily, from open house flyers to postcards with seasonal reminders. The online design tool is great, it will pull in listing information automatically for you, and you can either order printed materials right there or download the PDF to print or order locally.
Online Training
This was my favorite portion of the KW portal when I first became an agent, and I still pick up tidbits of knowledge today. While KW offices offer fantastic in office training, if you are like me and want to learn everything quickly KWConnect offers videos on everything from how to do seller and buyer presentations to working with expireds and FSBO’s to get listings. Having everything at your finger tips is an absolute necessity from my view, especially when you are just starting out.
Local Training
While this isn’t specifically about technology it is worth a mention that a lot of KW offices are using Facebook Live and other resources to make sure you don’t miss any tech training that is going on around the region. Our office is great at even streaming office meetings so you can catch up if you had a client during that time.
