The use of scheduling software for estate agents has increased over recent years. With more of us working remotely and the need for greater efficiency to help agencies thrive, it’s no surprise that this is the case.

Do estate agents need an online booking system?

With so many estate agents adopting an online booking system, it makes sense to stay ahead of the competition.

The property market is a busy industry. Just one sale necessitates the involvement of many parties, including the buyer, seller, surveyor, solicitor and of course, you, the estate agent. There is a long checklist of things that must happen for the sale to complete successfully. From the home viewing, right through to the completion stage and handover of keys, estate agents need to be on top of all the different steps, and crucially, the timing of each.  

So, what does an online booking system for estate agents look like?

An online booking system enables the organisation, and management of, these different steps.

When it comes to booking viewing appointments, potential buyers can either book the appointment themselves, or you can agree a time and date, and do it for them. They are sent automated details and a reminder – or reminders – electronically of the appointment.  This reduces the need for phone calls and having to return messages – as estate agents are so often on calls or appointments, an online booking system means missed calls and subsequent lost opportunities can be avoided.

What are the benefits of an online booking system?

With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see that there are huge benefits to be gained by adopting an online booking system for your own estate agency. And there are so many more reasons. They include:

More appointments and less chance of no-shows
By making things easy for potential viewers, you stand a greater chance of securing more appointments. By adding a link to your website, social media pages or email marketing campaigns, with just one click, prospective buyers can book an appointment at a time that’s convenient for them, on seeing a property they are interested in. Fast and convenient, this instantaneously creates a favourable first impression of your business. One of professionalism and efficiency – something which a buyer will look for from an estate agent. They know they’ll need these qualities down the line if they buy through you.

The scheduled reminders serve to keep things moving – for them and for you.

Be ‘open for business’ even when you’re not
Many prospective buyers look for their dream property in their leisure time, often in the evening, curled up on their sofa, with a cuppa in hand. If they spot a home they’re serious about, they’ll want to act immediately. An online booking system means your business can enable them to keep the momentum and book their viewing instantly.

Gain valuable insights
Scheduling software provides you with significant analytics and insights. When a prospective buyer books an appointment, it generally means they are very interested in a property, so you can start to build a picture of the type of thing they are looking for. Should they choose to view a number of properties, you can strengthen that picture. For example, the location, style, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and so on. You are then in a position to tailor your service to their requirements. A potential buyer will appreciate – and be wowed by – you calling them the moment a new property, that fits with what they’re looking for, comes on the market. Of course, if they like it enough to buy it, you’ve not only impressed them – not to mention your seller – you’ve also efficiently increased sales.

Efficient operations
In addition to all this, operations will run more smoothly and less time will need to be spent on admin. This alleviates pressure on your teams.
Happy clients and happy staff is an all-round win.

Choosing an online booking system

Finding the right solution for you and your business may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Asking yourself a few questions can clarify a great deal. For example, whether it will amalgamate with your current systems. And whether you will need or want to manage your teams’ calendars too. Consider the budget you’re working with. And then approach someone with the expertise to help.