Keeping track of commercial real estate deals, managing relationships, and staying organized can make or break your success. This is where a Commercial Real Estate CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system comes into play. In this guide created by the Cindtoro team we will break down what CRMs are, why they matter, the benefits they offer, as well as the drawbacks you may face when implementing them. Additionally , we will highlight some of the best CRMs for commercial real estate to help you make an informed choice.
What is a Commercial Real Estate CRM?
A Commercial Real Estate CRM helps you keep track of leads, clients, properties, deals, and tasks. A CRM is not just a contact management system, it is an all-in-one solution built to stay on top of your most important task as a business.
A CRM allows you to securely store and access client and property information in one place, automate repetitive tasks, communicate more effectively, and track deal progress.
Why Are Commercial Real Estate CRMs Important and What Are Their Benefits?
Centralized Data
A CRM helps to keep all the information you need organized and easily accessible in one location. Since the data is stored in one place you will not have to scramble to find important details about a client or property.
Build better Efficiency
They also help you to build in better efficiency by automating repetitive tasks like follow-ups or scheduled emails. This means you will be able to focus more on building relationships and closing deals which is the lifeblood of your CRE company.
Build Stronger Client Relationships
A CRM will give you insights into client preferences, allowing you to offer a more personalized experience and build long-term relationships opposed to doing things the old fashioned way with a spreadsheet. The insights you will learn here would not be possible without the implementation of technology.
Deal Management
A CRM helps you track all the important stages of your deals which can help you stay on top of deadlines, negotiations, and follow-ups in order to progress a deal forward faster.
Real-Time Analytics
One of the best features of a CRM is the ability to provide valuable insights into your sales, marketing campaigns, as well as your overall business performance. This helps you make smarter decisions in the short and long term.
Task & Appointment Scheduling
You can also use the CRM to directly input important information about your schedule, reminders about appointments, or follow-up tasks that may be coming due.
Team Collaboration
If you have a large office with multiple people or you have numerous tasks to coordinate you will now have the ability for your team to work together, share information, and stay aligned on deals, this means important information falls through the cracks less often.
Analytics & Reporting
In addition to real time analytics a client relationship management system can also provide additional insights into specific areas of your performance with detailed reports on sales, leads, and campaigns.
Customizable Dashboards
For the metrics that matter most you can create custom dashboards tailored to your business needs will allow you to quickly access the information you need to see as often as you want.
Mobile Access
Did you know some CRMs come with a mobile app? If your CRM comes with a mobile app, you can manage your business on-the-go, whether you’re at a property showing or traveling to a meeting. Input your most important notes so you do not forget about them.
Integration with Other Tools
Almost every CRM on the market will integrate with your other software tools, such as property management \ or other marketing platforms to create a seamless workflow.
Drawbacks of Implementing a Commercial Real Estate CRM
While there are many benefits to getting a CRM there are also drawbacks. The Cindtoro team has compiled the main two you will face when you are getting started.
Learning Curve & Setup Time
The most likely issue when getting a new software platform is: getting up and running can take time, and there are learning curves. If you have experience working with these types of systems if may not be as difficult it is important to note that some platforms are more intuitive than others. The best way to get around this is to take training so you can make the most of all the available features and you maximize ROI.
Cost
Depending on the plan you choose and your individual needs as business a well put together CRM can be expensive. This is especially the case if you opt for a more robust system with advanced features. For those with smaller real estate firms or those just getting started, the cost of implementation and subscription fees may be a consideration.
Top CRMs for Commercial Real Estate Professionals
Now that we’ve covered the basics, benefits and drawbacks Let’s dive into some of the best CRMs for commercial real estate and what they bring to the table.
1. Salesforce for Real Estate
About SalesForce: in the world of CRM platforms Salesforce is a bit complex and difficult to get the hang of at first but is a powerhouse when it comes to CRM solutions. The platform is perfect for real estate companies who need a highly customizable system with deep integration capabilities. If you are managing a large team or have complex needs then Salesforce is a solid choice.
Features:
- Lead and opportunity management
- Customizable reporting and analytics
- Workflow automation
- Integration with third-party applications (property management, accounting, etc.)
- Mobile access for flexibility
Pricing:
- Starts at $25 per user/month for the Essentials plan.
Website: https://www.salesforce.com/
2. HubSpot CRM
About HubSpot: HubSpot CRM is one of the well known in the industry. It is also the same platform the Cindtoro team uses. It is an excellent choice for businesses of all industries and sizes. The HubSpot platform is highly intuitive and offers a range of marketing and sales tools, making it perfect for teams that need a straightforward CRM. It also allows for a high level of integration and customization capabilities. It is also a main competitor to SalesForce.
Features:
- Lead and contact management
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Email templates and tracking
- Marketing automation tools
- Customizable workflows and reports
Pricing:
- Free plan available; paid plans start at $50 per user/month.
Website: https://www.hubspot.com/
3. Zoho CRM for Real Estate
About Zoho: Zoho CRM is both affordable and user-friendly which makes it a great option for small to mid-sized real estate businesses Zoho offers a wide range of features without being an overly expensive platform.
Features:
- Lead capture via email, social media, and forms
- Customizable dashboards and fields
- Email marketing automation
- Sales pipeline management
- Integration with Google Workspace and other tools
Pricing:
- Starts at $20 per/month for the basic plan, with more advanced plans starting at $35 per/month.
Website: https://www.zoho.com/crm/
4. Lone Wolf Formerly known as Propertybase
About Lone Wolf: Lone Wolf Front Office also known as Propertybase is an excellent choice for larger commercial real estate firms that need an industry-specific CRM. PropertyBase has great lead-generation tools and integrates well with other real estate platforms.
Features:
- Customizable CRM dashboard for real estate workflows
- Lead generation tools via landing pages and social media
- Property and transaction management
- Drip email campaigns
- Marketing automation integrations
Pricing:
- Contact for pricing; typically geared toward mid-to enterprise-level businesses.
Website: https://www.lwolf.com/
Conclusion
Choosing the right CRM for your commercial real estate business depends on your budget, business size, and specific needs. Salesforce, Propertybase and HubSpot are great options for large teams or complex operations, while Zoho CRM is an excellent choice for smaller businesses looking for an affordable and easy-to-use platform.
We encourage you to consider testing free trials, reviewing each platform’s features and talking to other commercial real estate professionals who use CRMs. Finding the right fit will help you manage your business more effectively and improve client relationships in the long run.
If you need help implementing a new CRM into your firm’s operations, hire the Cindtoro team. We will take care of the little details while you do what you do best. Commercial real estate.