A recent report suggests that homeowners would like the estate agency market to become more like Amazon and Uber by providing real-time updates and tracking progress.
The research from OneDome sought to gain a better insight into consumer opinion of digital experience, asking over 1,000 current and prospective homeowners which consumer brand offered it to the highest standard.
Between the ages of 25 and 64, the respondents were asked to choose from a selection of different brands and were then presented with four different areas of functionality. They were then asked which of these – if any – they thought should be offered by estate agents.
Amazon’s progress tracking tool was cited by 84% as something they’d want to see their agent offer, with recommendations and a marketplace style format being highlighted as desirable attributes of the popular site.
Next in line was ride-hailing app, Uber, with just under half of respondents stating that its delivery of real-time updates would be useful for their estate agent to provide.
Commenting on the results of the report was the founder of CEO of the company Babek Ismayil, who said: “One of the biggest criticisms levelled at proptech companies is that they are solving problems that don’t exist.
“Our report looks at the type of technology that people are using in other areas of their lives and applying them to property. Sometimes, it is not about solving an immediate problem, but providing an enhanced experience to ensure customers use you again and recommend you to their friends.”
“It is not surprising that both of the top scoring tools are related to a customer’s visibility of their transaction.
“We live in a time when people are used to being kept informed, and the ability to log on and view the progress of their transaction in real time makes people feel at ease.”
