The real estate business, as compared to other sectors, has been slow to take advantage of the potential presented by digital transformation. However, changes in consumer behavior and digital transformation have compelled real estate firms and brokers to adopt several new technologies to stay up with the expanding needs of the sector.
Because they have no option but to deal with the issues that come with living in a post-pandemic environment due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the real estate business has been pushed to expedite its digital transformation due to the epidemic.
This article will address the significance of digital transformation in the real estate industry and the current trends expected to take over the market in the near future.
- Alteration in Consumer Behaviour
Buyers and sellers increasingly prefer to communicate with real estate brokers online rather than in person. Furthermore, they undertake preliminary research online to choose the most qualified realtors for their requirements.
The internet world offers people all of the information they need, including reviews, comments, and other pertinent data, to make an informed decision about which real estate agent to choose.
Because of this shift in consumer behavior and expectations, business process management portals in the real estate industry must make significant investments in their digital presence; otherwise, they risk losing opportunities to engage with prospective sellers and buyers.
- Adaptation to Technological Change
Consumers have welcomed the new digital environment and its convenience in terms of services. Even though the real estate business joined the digital age later than most others, it is now imperative to transition from their old working paradigm to a digital one.
Because of the exceptional advantages, online real estate websites and apps are becoming more popular. From offering appropriate home search results to virtual walk-throughs, these platforms can elevate the consumer experience to the next level while also giving a competitive advantage to its users.
- Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
To provide their consumers with a unique purchasing experience, augmented reality has opened up a limitless variety of possibilities for realtors to explore. Potential purchasers may take a 3D virtual tour of an apartment or property using augmented reality technology before visiting the physical place.
Consumers may take a virtual tour of their new garden or basement from the comfort of their sofas, thanks to augmented reality.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Using Building Information Modeling, the construction sector saves significant money on its projects. It is a procedure in which the whole project team exchanges all of the data pertaining to a project, including graphical 3D models and non-graphical data, which is then connected to generate a 3D model using BIM (building information modeling).
Using this 3D model, customers can quickly access information such as what material it is made of, who designed it, how much it will cost, how long it will take to build, and other sophisticated information with a single click of their mouse.
The combination of building information modeling and augmented reality allows real estate agencies to deliver an in-depth examination of a property that has never been before seen.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have transformed the real estate sector procedures, from improving processes such as relevant house searches to refining transaction processes.
Artificial intelligence can assist real estate brokers in finding high-quality leads which come to their websites from various sources. In addition, the machine learning system saves time by selecting leads with the most likelihood of becoming a valid purchase.
AI can assist real estate agents and brokers predict the future value in a specific market by integrating customer relationship management (CRM) and market data.
As a result, artificial intelligence may provide you with a competitive advantage in the real estate market without incurring additional expenditures to your company’s infrastructure or resources.
- Blockchain
When it comes to the real estate industry, smart contacts are one of the most beneficial blockchain applications. Using this solution, you may avoid the time-consuming procedure of paper-based record keeping.
Smart contracts, which can be executed on the blockchain, would allow transactions to be carried on between indistinguishable parties without the need for a third party to mediate and resolve issues.
Using blockchain technology, real estate firms may simplify transactions by eliminating middlemen and affiliate expenses such as brokerage fees, loan fees, closing costs, and legal costs.
- Cloud Technology
Given that real estate salespeople are always on the road accessing critical files and data from their mobile devices is crucial. Having access to your data from any device is made possible with cloud computing, no matter where you are.
Cloud computing enables organizations in the real estate industry to store and access all their company data and paperwork in a centralized location. Many of the best performers are already using cloud services for marketing, sales, property management, and customer relationship management in the real estate industry.
Furthermore, corporate development becomes far easier to achieve and maintain since all processes and data stored in the cloud can be accessed and adjusted more rapidly and effectively.
Conclusion
As we all know, the COVID-19 epidemic is not going away anytime soon, and it will continue to impact consumer behavior throughout the globe. This is because customers are becoming more and more reliant on the most recent technologies daily.
Businesses in the real estate industry that embrace digital transformation will experience a significant increase in their company growth and will gain a significant competitive edge. At the same time, realtors who fail to adapt to these changes may find themselves on a long and challenging road to survival in this fiercely competitive sector.
