If you are going to reach the elite level in real estate, you're going to need systems in place that will allow you to leverage every part of your job. If there are any weak links in the chain, it's very likely that you are not going to be performing as well as you could be.

Technology within the real estate industry is growing at a rapid rate. Find out how PropTech has revolutionised the real estate industry here. 

An outdated CRM is a common way that many real estate agents could be getting held back, without realising it. Here are just a few of the ways that your current CRM might be slowing you down.

Time Wasting

If your current CRM isn't intuitive, or lacks automation features, you're likely spending more time than you need to on simple administrative tasks. For example, if you are manually inputting client data or sorting through leads, you're wasting valuable time that could be spent building relationships, prospecting, and ultimately securing new listings. Your CRM should be doing the heavy lifting for you when it comes to tedious, bulky tasks. A CRM isn't designed to replace agents, but to give them more time in their day to focus on human tasks and building connections in the field.

A quality CRM should serve you, not frustrate you. Outdated CRMs can be clunky, and take more time to load or save data than it might to do things manually. This is a huge red flag when it comes to your CRM. If you are constantly frustrated at your tech because it's not working properly, and you're spending more time on the phone to support teams than you are actually working, then it's time to consider a new CRM.

Lack of Automation

If your CRM isn't automating tasks like follow-up emails or lead scoring, you're missing out on valuable opportunities. Automating these tasks not only saves you time but also ensures that you're being proactive in your approach.

You can configure your CRM to follow up with leads, or to trigger a series of automated emails that will help you to nurture leads over time. Using automation helps to create a proactive approach, and can make all the difference in the world when it comes to closing deals and will allow you to reach more people than ever before.

Not Able to Grow

If you're using an older CRM, it may not be able to keep up with your growing business needs. As you add more clients and leads to your database, your CRM needs to be able to handle that growth. An outdated or low quality CRM may not have the capacity to handle larger volumes of data, or it may not be able to integrate with the newer tools and technologies that can help you grow your business. This could limit your ability to take on new clients or expand your business.

Take note of how often your CRM is issuing updates and bug fixes. Perhaps your CRM was best-in-business five years ago, but has not made any changes since that time. The tech industry changes quickly, as do the needs of real estate agents. In order for you to grow, it's important that your CRM provider also sees growth and innovation as a priority.

Customer Support

There are a number of important factors to consider when it comes to picking the right CRM, including functionality, customisability, and the ability to integrate with the rest of your technology stack. One factor that real estate agents often neglect is the customer support. If you're having issues with your CRM, you need to know that you can easily get the help that you need, when you need it. Having access to helpful staff in a timely manner is invaluable when it comes to the technology that runs the back end of your business. Look for a CRM provider that offers comprehensive customer support, including phone and email support, and bonus points for online tutorials, and a user community that can help answer your questions.

Finding the Right CRM

Finding the right CRM for your needs will not only help your business flourish, but can also help you cut costs by removing cluttered technology that no longer serves you.

When you’re trying to find the right CRM for your business, start by evaluating your current needs. What are the problems you're having with your current CRM? What features would you like to see in a new CRM?

Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, start researching your options. There are a lot of CRM providers out there, so it's important to do your due diligence. Look for providers that offer free trials or demos so you can test out the product before committing.

It's also important to remember that your needs will change over time. What worked for you a few years ago may not work for you now. It's a good idea to reevaluate your CRM needs every few years to make sure you're still using the best product for your business. Don't be afraid to switch providers if you find that your current CRM isn't meeting your needs anymore.

An outdated CRM can hold you back in a number of ways and ultimately hurt your bottom line. By finding a CRM that suits you and your needs, you can free up your time and focus on what really matters – building relationships and generating listings.