The National Association of Realtors released a report that highlights just how important mobile real estate search is today. So in this blog, we’re discussing why it’s so critical in this digital age we live in.
The introductory summary of the report describes the journey of digital homebuyers when searching for a home. It stated that the typical buyer used a mobile device to search for properties by viewing websites with home listings, photos, and information about the home-buying process.
Mobile real estate search is now the primary way people search for and locate the properties they purchase. More than 80% of people have a 24/7 mobile smartphone which is why nearly all millennials use it to search for homes. And over half of home buyers found the home they purchased on a mobile device.
The switch from the searching on a desktop to mobile real estate search over the past 10 years has altered consumer behavior and their expectations of real estate agents. It’s now crucial for brokerages and agents to conform to these new expectations for future success.
Three critical takeaways about the future of real estate in a mobile-first world.
1. Instantly replying to real estate leads is now a requirement.
There is a direct connection between smartphone usage and the expectation of an immediate response to inquiries. Today, smartphones are the main means of internet access and are therefore crucial for mobile real estate search. Most consumers now use tablets or mobile phones for internet access while desktop usage is typically reserved for the workplace.
2. You must have click to call or call capture phone numbers.
The NAR study revealed that over 70% of consumers are using mobile apps or websites. Other top information sources like open houses and yard signs all usually generate inquiries via text messages or inbound calls.
People will typically take the path of minimum friction or least resistance to accomplish their goal. When it comes to mobile real estate search, the path of least resistance is to call versus filling out a form.
3. Offline lead capture is crucial.
In today’s digital climate, homebuyers are still making inquiries offline by responding to yard signs and open houses. The NAR report revealed that 50% visited open houses and almost that same number referenced yard signs.
As mentioned above, over 70% of homebuyers are utilizing mobile apps to locate open houses and homes while over 40% drive through neighborhoods. If they find a home they like, they will try to text or call the listing agent and then contact agents listed on the mobile apps.
Of course, the most motivated leads are calls to schedule showings after seeing yard signs. These calls are the most valued leads to real estate agents. Calls for showings are the types of leads that are closest to converting into sales.
The Future of Real Estate Agents Will Depend on Their Systems to Respond to Inquiries
Mobile phone usage continues to rise as will consumers’ expectations for prompt answers to their inquiries. Today’s most successful real estate teams, brokerages, and agents must utilize mobile real estate search solutions that will guarantee that they meet these expectations. Responses need to be fast to both offline and online inquiries from both email and incoming calls.
Mobile technology is not only helping realtors shine at their jobs, it’s now the required vehicle for the delivery of data. Here at SnApp Real Estate, we will develop a secure, high-performance real estate mobile app just for you.
Whether you are new in your business or an experienced professional, our apps will help you streamline your business and connect with clients much more easily using mobile real estate search. Contact us today to find out how.