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• WCREALTORS Installation • PT 50 REALTORS Awards Banquet • First American Title Holiday Party • Keller Williams Realty Holiday Party • and much, much more!
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JANUARY 2016 • VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 8
What’s new in real estate technology for 2016?
E
ach year, tech companies launch an abundance of new apps and tools for the real estate industry. The new year is also a good time to announce upgrades and improved functionality to existing systems. The goal is to make it easier to find new buyers and sellers, and provide ways to serve clients faster and safer than ever. For 2016, one trend we’re seeing from technology leaders and startups alike is an investment in lead-generation systems, personal safety tools, and robots!
Predictive Analytics
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Predictive analytic programs are lead-
generation tools that analyze large amounts of data. These customer relationship management (CRM) applications can help agents and mortgage professionals accurately identify better prospects, create targeted marketing campaigns, and close deals faster. SmartZip launched in 2009 and has been perfecting its predictive marketing SAAS solutions since. At the end of last year, the company announced improvements to SmartTargeting – technology originally designed to save time when identifying potential sellers. The cloud-based service uses current data and market trends to predict and identify likely high quality sellers. Agents can track conversions, marketing impressions, prediction analysis and more. What’s new in 2016 SmartTargeting received a re-design and upgrade. The easy-to-use mobile and laptop CheckIn app is even more convenient for tracking a variety of actions. With an “Activity Stream” function, agents can create files for notes, videos and photos, and access deep demographic insights, including marketing interactions and selling intent.
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Other predictive analysis tools TLCengine helps REALTORS empower homebuyers by identifying the true cost of purchasing and owning a home. The technology analyzes different lifestyle cost variables – everything from the cost of borrowing money to heating and cooling a specific home, and planning for extra expenses. TLCengine also analyzes clients’ local gas and insurance fees, and how transportation will affect commute times, auto maintenance responsibilities and more. There are 31 unique variables the company uses to determine a potential buyer’s True Lifestyle Cost, or TLC.
Safety
In recent years, safety wearables have surged in popularity. Companies like Secure Couture and Cuff create attractive accessories outfitted with alarm technology. The idea is that when meeting new clients, agents have access to a panic button. More recently, companies like Secure Show are working specifically with the real estate industry to make safety more proactive rather than reactive. What’s new in 2016 SmartWatcher is an app that has a safety timer. If a user does not check-in at a predetermined time, GPS coordinates are sent to an emergency contact. This year, a new feature will allow users to designate someone to watch them – while in route, at an open house, or wherever one needs a second pair of eyes. Another app, Safer Streets, notifies people when they’re in a dangerous location, based on technology that aggregates a variety of official crime data. Walky – for those who walk a lot - allows users to avoid areas based on certain criteria, like neighborhoods that have dark, unlit streets, hazardous walkways, or even a high crime rate. Parent company, Watch Over Me, is rolling out new features city by city. Cuff is a technology company that designed a tiny module for jewelry, key chains, and other accessories. It takes a second to hit the alarm, which then sends location alerts to an individual’s network. Cuff is also great for networking. When an agent wants to stash his or her phone, but still needs to be alerted to important phone calls or texts, the Cuff module will vibrate. Now you can politely excuse yourself and take calls away from clients and colleagues. What’s new in 2016 This year, Cuff is jumping on the fitness bandwagon by using its technology to track movement and activity and help reach fitness
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Upcoming Events Wednesday, January 20 AYREP 2016 Kick Off Event J Black's Austin - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 2 HBA Williamson County Chapter WCREALTORS Office - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, February 4 WCAoR Super Bowl of Builders WCAoR Office - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, February 11 HBA 1st Annual Meeting & Benefits Fair - Phillips Event Center 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, February 11 NAPMW Casino Night Dave & Buster's - 6 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 17 HBA Million $ Club Awards Happy Hour The Roosevelt Room- 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 17 CRS Luncheon - Westwood Country Club 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, February 25 ABoR 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off ABoR Headquarters - 6 to 8 p.m. More at www.myRealtyLine.com