Problem statement
Highland Realty needed help managing a large volume of data and documents using disparate systems such as Google Sheets, Excel, and Dropbox. The lack of integration between these tools led to inefficiencies and hindered the firm’s ability to automate processes and stay organized. The firm needed a unified solution to store documents, automate tasks, and provide real-time access to information.
What was the challenge?
- Scattered Data Management: Important documents and data were stored across various platforms without integration.
- Lack of Automation: The existing tools did not support automation for tasks such as sending reminders or tracking transactions.
- Inefficiency in Operations: Manual processes led to inefficiencies and delayed decision-making.
- Need for Customization: Off-the-shelf solutions did not meet the specific needs of the business and were cost-prohibitive.
The solution we provided
- Highland Realty chose Zoho Creator to develop a suite of customized applications tailored to their specific needs. Over six years, Emily Brown, the managing broker and CEO built more than 40 applications on the platform. Key solutions included the following points.
- Transaction Rooms: Automated tracking of contracts, calendar reminders, and commission disbursement.
- Agent Onboarding and Tracking: Streamlined onboarding processes and tracked agent details and license expirations.
- Property Tracking: Monitored estimates vs. actual costs, purchase and sale dates, and construction costs.
- Fix Cost Assistance: Automated cost estimates for home repairs and generate detailed reports.
- Inventory Management: Kept tabs on assets like cameras and signboards.
- Data Gathering: Leveraged APIs and manual data entry for courthouse data mining and foreclosure processing.
Results
By leveraging Zoho Creator, Highland Realty successfully addressed its data management challenges and significantly enhanced its operational efficiency. The custom applications built on the platform not only streamlined their processes but also contributed to substantial business growth and cost savings. As a result, the firm experienced remarkable growth, with Gross Commission Income (GCI) increasing from $2M to $55M in five years, the number of agents expanding from 5 to 90, and the firm growing to four new locations. Additionally, the firm achieved annual cost savings of $2,000 to $3,000 on software expenses by developing custom applications in-house. Improved organization and automation led to higher efficiency, with real-time data access enabling quicker decision-making and better financial planning. This case study demonstrates the power of tailored technology solutions in the real estate industry.
