Video-conferencing apps were downloaded an unprecedented 62 million times last week, reflecting a new normal in how people have reacted to the need to keep communicating when face to face is no longer an option.
Now that real estate teams are working from home, and agents are reaching out to sellers and buyers, through ‘virtual’ contact, it may well be time to assess the options and look at choices that are out there to choose the one that suits your particular team and individual needs. Most video-conferencing apps offer upgrades to access further tools, albeit at a cost to their users.
Zoom is arguably the most high-profile in the video communications industry, offering communications with a cloud platform for video, audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across all endpoints.
Microsoft Teams is Microsoft’s workstream collaboration platform, combining meetings, chats, calls, and file sharing with the Office 365 application stack to bring everyone together in a shared workspace.
Google Hangouts is Google’s longest-running messaging and video chat service. Fully integrated with G Suite, so you can join meetings directly from a Calendar event or email invite. Note that as of June 2020 this service will only be offered to consumer accounts, which is anyone with an @gmail.com or @googlemail.com email address.
Google Hangouts Chat is Google’s paid team chat service, provided as part of G Suite. This app includes direct messaging, but also offers threaded team channels similar to Slack.
Slack is a workplace communication and collaboration tool that is replacing email as the main form of communication as well as video conferencing, with unlimited channels to mirror the way your company communicates within and across teams.
Whatsapp is a freeware, cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service owned by Facebook. It allows users to send text and voice messages, and voice messages, make voice and video calls and share images, documents.
BombBomb is a video communication software that enables you to quickly record/upload, send, and track videos within emails and text messages. As customers and prospects inboxes are crowded with traditional text-only emails this software enables you to differentiate and stand out.
Trycall.nz enables a user to send bulk messages to the customers and clients straight to their voicemail. Ideal for a followup to an open home, advising buyers of your listings price change or sale method changes to your database.
Screen sharing is a great tool when you want to share your screen to collaborate with a colleague, or remotely access someone’s computer to troubleshoot a technical problem. There is a multitude of apps available to choose from online.
Docusign or Adobe Fill & Sign is perfect for getting contracts, agreements and essential paperwork signed when face to face is not an option, or limited access to technology when ‘working from home’ prevents paperwork from being progressed.
