Best Transaction Management Software
Winner: Dotloop
Dotloop, which was recently acquired by the Zillow Group, takes online document signing to a new level through a highly collaborative, cloud-based interface that allows all parties to end the practice of emailing and uploading PDFs. The software generates online workplaces, or “loops,” that can be used to handle transactions ranging from rentals to home sales, and the paperwork generated by every step. Each project appears on one page, making it easy to track progress. Documents appear in real time and are shared between team members, clients and other relevant parties. Edits remain private until the user is ready to share them. All data is encrypted and stored in the cloud, making offsite access easy and secure. According to Michael Price, editor of GeekEstateBlog.com, DotLoop’s “interfaces are superbly simple and the ‘loop’ concept makes perfect sense as a method to the madness that is the real estate transaction.” Jeff Lobb, founder and CEO of SparkTank Media, describes the software as “a one-stop, completely mobile solution that is simple and so effective in keeping everyone ‘in the Loop.’”
Price: From $29 per month for a personal account, or $299 per month for businesses. A premium business edition is available starting at $540 per month.
Where to buy: www.dotloop.com
Best CRM
Winner: Contactually
For the third year in a row, Contactually’s full-press approach to customer relationship has made it the winner in this category. The flexibility offered by its mobile options, a daily dashboard organizer designed to keep users on point, email integration services and a novel relationship organization systems called “Buckets” make Contactually an appealing and easy to use option. A library of templates, as well as customizable email and sequencing programs, allow users to make the software their own. Katie Lance, CEO/owner of Katie Lance Consulting, says she likes it most for its “social media integration,” and Amy Smythe Harris, broker/owner of Urban Provision Realtors and a technology instructor for the Houston Association of Realtors, advises agents to “find out what you want a CRM to do first before deciding, but I chose Contactually because it fit my needs.” Nobu Hata, director of member engagement at the National Association of Realtors, describes it as “simple to use, plugs into most Web and email solutions for marketing purposes and gamifys your client outreach.”
Price: Starts at $29 per month. Free trials are available.
Where to buy: www.contactually.com
Runner up: Realvolve
Realvolve strives to make running its CRM software as intuitive and easy to use as possible with an intentionally simple and practical design. It builds on technology that agents use daily through its integration with Google apps, email, Facebook and the Web. Rather than offering a drip campaign feature, Realvolve provides a workflow platform that enables agents to build custom follow-up campaigns for any type of lead or contact. “Bordering more on the cusp of a Social CRM, Realvolve fits the bill for most agents that are running a ‘by referral’ business and don’t need to be bogged down with huge price tag CRM softwares,” says Matt Dollinger, president and founder of Gearbox Consulting. “Send emails, SMS and social media messages direct from the application, integrate your calendar and tasks, pull in listings and transactions and even set up workflows for you and your team. And it’s a fraction of the cost of big ticket CRM’s out there.” And Lobb calls it a “simple solution with real estate specific language and workflow.”
Price: Starts at $37 per month.
Where to buy: realvolve.com