As more people turn online for their property needs, embracing these platforms has never been more important. Century 21 East Rand is leading the charge with technology used to help buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants achieve their goals.
"You can't survive in real estate unless your offerings are up to date and you're using all available resources," says Savas Nicolaides, Principal at Century 21 East. "In fact, we've always ensured we use the latest tech to make the property journey as effortless as possible."
A new addition to their digital marketing arsenal is Quick Response or QR codes. These are square black-and-white barcodes that can be read by a smartphone, providing those on the property hunt a quick way to find their dream home or investment.
Using QR codes for easy access
In 2021, the Mastercard New Payments Index showed that 95% of consumers in South Africa are considering using QR codes for digital payments. With this strong appetite for new, fast, and flexible digital experiences, Nicolaides says his business is meeting the demand.
"QR codes are now a part of our daily lives. When you visit a restaurant, it's common to see a menu with a QR code. The advantage easily translates to the real estate industry. All the information you need can be gained with a tap of the button.
"With our QR codes (displayed across our social media), you can simply scan it with your cell phone camera. It directs you to our dashboard where you can choose various features such as browsing all our listings, sending an email or WhatsApp, or scanning all our social media pages."
Making tech platforms work for you
At Century 21, being innovative and using the best tech is a core value within the business. According to Nicolaides, Century 21 East Rand stepped up by creating an immersive and interactive experience across its social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
With tech always changing, it's important property practitioners keep on track with new updates and developments. Century 21 East Rand's team all take time to complete the courses made available by Century 21 University. Whether it's embracing the latest advertising on social media or responding to messages online, you can expect service done as efficiently as possible.
The Century 21 South Africa branch is also excited about updates to the My Online Organisational Notebook or M.O.O.N. platform which helps the business ensure property listings are captured quickly and data is managed securely. "We are looking at automated messages at the moment as the next possible channel of exposure," highlights Nicolaides. "These messages will be direct and active messages. For example, 'x house on show this Sunday with an address' or 'Free valuations offered'."
Embracing a mix of old and new marketing
While digital is a focus, Century 21 East Rand still sees the value of traditional platforms. Good marketing reaches people wherever they are whether it's surfing online or driving on a highway.
"We really strive for exposure or visibility by means of billboards, flyer distribution, and road shows," notes Nicolaides. "This allows potential clients to see and monitor our availability in their areas together with the excellent marketing offerings we provide as well as free wills for sellers and buyers that make use of us exclusively."
Striving to be your top choice in real estate
Ultimately, the use of tech simply enhances Century 21 East Rand's day-to-day operations. The team's success comes down to the passion and work ethic displayed by the team, says Nicolaides.
"We are committed practitioners that have an interest to help homeowners with a huge and emotional decision whether buying or selling. Our team works full time and has excellent comradeship amongst each other. This makes cross-referrals easier and more productive. Our ethos is to maintain the basics of real estate together with the additional tools at our disposal, even in a very tough climate."
Taking care of all your property needs
With Century 21 East Rand, you have a tech-forward, experienced, and driven group of property practitioners in your corner. View our Benoni properties for sale or properties to let and contact us today.