At Tyler Goff Group, we pride ourselves on conserving what works, reclaiming what has always worked, and marching into the future for what will work even better. It is a delicate balance, after all, figuring out how to make progress while also not abandoning the great discoveries and innovations of the past and present. Real estate is one area where old-school values like putting the customer first cannot simply be left behind in the service of technology, but technology can also be utilized as a powerful tool to create an amazing customer experience. 

To that point, it is essential for realtors to stay on top of trends in real estate that can enhance the customer experience. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of the most valuable technological tools your realtor should be using to ensure your real estate journey is of the highest quality. 

Top 5 Technology Trends in Real Estate

Optimized Homes

One of the biggest trends in real estate we’ve seen is the optimized home for buyers. Today, especially in larger, more cosmopolitan cities like Sioux Falls, more and more buyers are seeking homes optimized for their lifestyles. Houses that can support digital systems that run throughout the house, smart appliances, and even music and entertainment are becoming more popular. Specialized areas for meditation, home gyms, indoor and outdoor gardens, and seamless transitions from the indoors to the outdoors are now becoming the norm. Whereas people used to buy homes and then customize them to their needs, buyers are now looking for homes that are essentially move-in ready, so all you have to do is add your own personal touches to it. This shift means that as a buyer you can now expect a home to have upgrades like USB outlets, built in speakers, and even heated floors, so talk to your realtor about what kind of technological upgrades are available in the homes for sale in your area. 

Real Estate Websites for Buying and Selling

If your realtor doesn’t have a website with listings for sale and that have recently sold, it’s time to find a new realtor. What used to be a cutting edge technology in real estate is now not only expected but demanded. Every real estate agent worth their reputation must have a website for clients to see what has recently sold and what is available to buy. This information is valuable for buyers and sellers, and today’s real estate clients are looking on the internet to figure out what is possible for them long before they contact a realtor. This means that as a buyer or seller in real estate, you should expect that your realtor will have a website with all the information to get you started, from homes for sale, recent sales, and even a blog with tips and tricks to help you on your journey. 

Virtual Reality and Digital Twins

Gone are the days of simply being able to snap a few photos and throw them online. Today, we can offer clients virtual tours, 360 degree video footage, and even a digital twin of the property, which will show you the floorplan and a 3D digital model of the house. This technology will allow potential buyers to see what features the home offers and begin to visualize how they might use that space for their own needs. While this tech is not widespread yet, it is certainly flourishing. Within the next decade, no top-quality realtor will be able to run a business without it. 

Drones for Optimized Camera and Video Footage

In addition to Virtual Reality tours, you can also now expect to see aerial footage of homes for sale thanks to drone technology. Drones fitted with specialized camera equipment now offer not only an aerial view of the home but also the surroundings, so you can see the neighborhood, streets, and nearby attractions like green spaces or bodies of water. This innovation does wonders for clients serious about a property but not wanting to trek out to see homes that don’t meet all of their expectations. By looking at drone footage, you can decide if a house is too far from green space, too close to an undesirable neighborhood, and more. Then you don’t have to waste your time visiting it only to be disappointed. 

Artificial Assistants, Chatbots, and Mobile Apps for Better Customer Service

Finally, where it was once annoying to have to deal with a chatbot instead of getting an actual live person on the phone, chatbots and artificial assistants are now a great options for when you’re up at 1AM looking at houses for sale or trying to figure out how to comp your own home and you have a question. AI has now fitted excellent artificial assistants to be able to field hundreds of questions on the spot, so you don’t have to wait for your realtor to wake up, get off that other call, or finish up with that other client before getting back to you. Remember, your real estate agent is only one person, and even if they have a dedicated live staff and they are the most communicative office on the planet, they still cannot be at your beck and call 24/7. But a chatbot can. So you can utilize those services to field your questions while you wait. 

Contact Tyler Goff Group Today

In the end, technology is meant to be a tool that makes our lives better, and, when used properly, it does. At Tyler Goff Group, we work hard to stay on top of tech trends to ensure our clients have the best experience possible. If you’re ready to buy or sell your home, and you’d like to see what technology we have available to help you on your journey, check out our website today. Or, better yet, give us a call. We love to hear from our clients.