Of course, even we’d agree that the rapid evolution of real estate tech can present some barriers in the way of its smooth adoption. Of them, being able to decipher tech jargon and industry vernacular is one of the largest impediments for users. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest to overcome.
To ease your real estate tech research and buying journey, here are a few common terms you might encounter and their definitions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Don’t let Sci-Fi blockbusters fool you: AI isn’t just for robots. In the context of real estate technology, AI is being integrated into existing solutions to handle everything from listing queries to lead generation with chat bots, removing the burden from office staff. A key selling point of AI is that it can learn about people it interacts with, eventually refining its behavior and conversation patterns to approach (but never replace!) life-like correspondence.
CBS Code
The Call Before Showing (CBS) code allows a listing agent to control lockbox access by requiring the showing agent to call for authorization prior to opening the lockbox. Note: not all lockbox providers offer a CBS.
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Push Notification
The rapid adoption of smartphones has introduced multiple different ways to receive notifications. In addition to phone calls, texts and emails, push notifications have become a common method of communicating updates. Push notifications are sent from an app, even when it’s closed. And, unlike phone calls and texts, which can be delayed due to service provider outages, push notifications only require access to a Wi-Fi or data connection.
Here’s an example of what a push notification looks like from ShowingTime Live Connect.
Looking to learn more about how to enable push notifications within the ShowingTime app? Click here to review our step-by-step walkthrough.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
It can be difficult to balance the number of different login credentials you have to use throughout the day. That’s why some real estate tech providers leverage single sign-on (SSO) capabilities to allow users to log in to one single account to access multiple services from different providers.
ShowingTime for the MLS users within some MLSs can access their service from within their MLS software using their existing login credentials. If you’re a ShowingTime for the MLS user, you can find out how to access your ShowingTime service by clicking here and finding your MLS Getting Started guide.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Gone are the days of using physical media like CDs or floppy disks to install software you need to run your business. That’s because services like the ShowingTime Appointment Center have shifted to the far more convenient and user-friendly software as a service model, which simply means that the software is available online, accessible from any compatible device that can connect to the internet. Best of all, a SaaS product can incorporate new updates and features quickly, without requiring you to purchase additional software, wait for an update disk in the mail or take up valuable storage space on your device.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
SSL refers to a protocol that, as the name implies, keeps information you send online secure as it’s transmitted to the intended recipient. Security is a priority at ShowingTime and should be a priority for any provider that you may be considering for your tech needs.
Did you know: The ShowingTime app uses an encrypted SSL connection to communicate with ShowingTime servers, which means that data passed between the app and ShowingTime’s servers remains private.
No matter where you are in the buying process, the ShowingTime Resources page is your destination for greater insight into real estate technology. Visit showingtime.com/resources/ to learn more.
Searching for the right technology for your business can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re considering adopting a ShowingTime service, our helpful sales team can work with you to answer any questions you may have. Click the button below to speak with our team and get a head start on making technology work for you.
