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REA Group has revealed its top picks for tech trends that will influence how agents operate in 2016 and beyond.
REA Group’s listings site realestate.com.au is at the forefront of new technology, and launched a number of market-shaping innovations for real estate agents and consumers in 2015, including 3D property inspections, price estimates for every property in Australia, suggested properties and Australia’s first real estate app for Apple Watch.
Andrew Rechtman, executive general manager – residential for realestate.com.au, said anticipating future digital trends and identifying how they can add value for agents and their businesses is the cornerstone of realestate.com.au’s philosophy.
“We’re constantly looking at new technologies and testing how we can bring them to life to help agencies market their vendors’ properties to a wider and more engaged audience. Agencies that embrace technology as part of their organisational strategy are thriving in today’s digital environment and meeting the needs of consumers who are seeking out new ways to research and engage with property,” Mr Rechtman said.
“Our top picks for tech trends set to change the real estate industry in 2016 are the rise of virtual reality, mobile personalisation, and new developments in wearable technology,” he said.
“The first half of 2016 will see the release of a whole new range of virtual reality goggles, including the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Sony PlayStation VR.”
Mr Rechtman said the realestate.com.au team is at the forefront of 3D and virtual reality, and the chance to do a virtual walk-through has attracted enormous interest from property buyers.
He noted that 3D modelling is becoming more accessible through companies like DIAKRIT, which can produce simple models that show floorplans and layouts.
“As more consumers have access to VR goggles, we’re expecting a sharp rise in the popularity of virtual reality property inspections,” Mr Rechtman said.
“Advances in personalisation will provide a richer experience for consumers in 2016, especially via mobile devices. Location-based technology, for example, will provide new opportunities to deliver relevant and timely information to property buyers.
“Wearable tech made a splash in 2015 and there will be some exciting new developments on that front in 2016.”
This year the group will be enhancing its Apple Watch app, including its ability to assist property-seekers at inspections and auctions.
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