Is your real estate company still using old landlines in the office? Are you tired of how they tie your agents to their desks and force them to work with archaic systems? If so, now may be a good time to modernize and invest in a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system that uses broadband internet rather than conventional phone systems.
Making the Case for VoIP in Real Estate
VoIP is simply the name for the technology that allows people to make voice calls using the internet, rather than analog phone lines. Think of it as a modern upgrade to traditional phone systems – one that is much better suited for a business world that’s always online.
“VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination,” the FCC explains. “VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless "hot spots" in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.”
VoIP is useful in a variety of industries, but it’s especially well-suited for real estate firms that manage lots of agents over a variety of markets. Here are some of the specific perks:
1. Lower Cost
There used to only be a few VoIP providers, which meant it was expensive to switch from an analog phone system. Today, there are many VoIP providers, which makes a switch very cost-effective. In fact, most VoIP plans cost just a fraction of what conventional phone plans cost.
2. Mobility
Analog phone systems mean agents have to be physically present at their desks to receive phone calls. Considering that most agents spend a majority of their time out of the office, this creates makes connectivity challenging. With a VoIP system, agents can log into their VoIP phone anywhere they have internet access. This added mobility makes a huge difference.
3. Flexibility
Along with enhanced mobility, VoIP phone systems also allow for greater flexibility. Instead of being tied down to one device, the phone system – including voicemail – can be accessed from a variety of devices. If your computer is down, you can pull it up on your smartphone. If your smartphone battery is dead, you can grab your tablet and access your account.
4. CRM Integration
Most real estate firms have some sort of customer relations management (CRM) system in place these days. As you know from experience, the more you’re able to connect your CRM platform to other systems in your business, the more efficient it is. Thankfully, most VoIP systems can be integrated with CRM platforms for greater access to information and insights.
5. Lower Lifetime Maintenance
One of the biggest hassles of maintaining an old analog phone system in your office is that it requires a lot of ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. And every minute you have to deal with your phone system is a minute you’re unable to work.
One of the benefits of using a VoIP system is that there’s virtually zero maintenance on your side. All of the maintenance responsibilities belong to the hosting provider, which frees you up to focus on running your business.
Make the Move to VoIP
If your real estate firm is still using old, dated phone systems, you’re missing out on a huge chance to lower costs, boost efficiency, and offer more value to clients. Make the move today and you’ll never look back.