Sweeping #PropTech under the carpet…
Well, putting the title in to action certainly evades the issue for a short while and gets it out of the way, but just for how long can you keep ignoring the subject until it comes back to haunt you? We all know that anything swept under the carpet is still there and will at some point have to be dealt it, so just what should be our thought process on tackling #PropTech?
I will admit that I do not sit full time in the middle of this industry and compared to others I have only an overview on things, but since launching the successful #PropTechDen at the Google Campus London I have got a good feel for the subject and how people from both sides, estate agencies and the PropTech companies, are embracing advancement in the industry.
Two #PropTechDen’s have now taken place in London and I have spoken with many interested folk from programmers designing innovative softwares to estate agencies interested in knowing exactly what does Proptech mean? I think that it is important to share with people reading this blog that PropTech is not all about geeky programmers devising systems in code that speaks no common sense to us mere everyday people, but it is a collection of innovative ideas helping to change the industry in such ways to make life easier and more profitable for the end users, ie estate and letting agencies across the UK.
Some quotes I received from #PropTechDen and those coming to watch include:
“I’m pleased I have come and met the ordinary people behind these PropTech companies as you picture them in your mind otherwise as all techy people speaking in languages you just can not understand.”
“I did not realise PropTech included such basic yet clever ideas, I thought it was all back-end stuff made by programmers.”
What this tells us is that although PropTech is now a big subject in the industry, it is still very much in its infant days and has someway to go to educate those who can make a real difference to it such as estate and letting agents – Breaking this barrier first, showcasing what Proptech really is and how beneficial to business it can be from increasing new client enquiries to reducing time spent on paperwork will see a surge in PropTech’s success.
Can you afford to ignore #PropTech today?
I suggest you most certainly do not ignore it, just like I suggested several years back not to ignore social media and to get out of your heads that it was merely a way for people to update themselves on who is having coffee and where – Like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn has helped many estate agents grab new business, PropTech will change how estate agency is performed and the results for those willing to embrace it sooner rather than later.
Still concerned that #PropTech is beyond you as as estate or letting agency? Are you thinking that PropTech is not something you are ready to embrace, that you yet do not need or you will not understand as your agency does not require innovation? Why not let me take you through the 9 pitches from PropTech companies that we had at our recent two #PropTechDen shows to enlighten you to the ideas out there which come under the classification of PropTech:
Veritii.com – “increases off-plan sales and reduces home buyer friction by allowing the consumer to view, furnish, budget and buy their home off plan in 3D, real time.“
Chimni – “the site for people who want access and control of their home’s data for the 21 Century.“
Dlighted.co.uk – “an insurance backed deposit-free renting solution offering up to £7,500 of cover for agents.”
ShowWorx – “Delivering video marketing solutions for the property and auto sectors.“
The Depositary – “a PropTech software company looking to streamline & bring greater transparency to regulatory compliance within the residential property sector“
Reposit – “A new way to let property without taking a deposit.“
Keyzapp – “The Simple Key Management System for the Property Industry.“
ParkBee – “smart technology that opens up these private car parks to the public, making the parking experience seamless and more affordable.“
Etho – “an immersive augmented reality company. Our first product is a smart helmet for motorcyclists.“
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