Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is a game-changer for innovative property management. It empowers you to manage leads, nurture relationships, and grow your business. However, with two central deployments available - cloud-based and on-premise CRM - choosing the right CRM for your estate agency can be difficult.
This blog will guide you through the key differences to help you pick the perfect system for your innovative property management agency.
Cloud vs. On-Premise Property CRM: A Breakdown
The main difference between these two CRM systems lies in data storage.
On-premise CRM: Your lettings and property management agency will buy a licence and install software on your own servers, which are located on-site. This offers a greater sense of perceived control and security; however, it requires an in-house IT team to set up, maintain, update, and back up.
Cloud-based CRM: An external provider hosts the software, and you can access your data remotely, anytime, anywhere, from any online device. This is ideal for flexible work styles, as agents aren’t limited to operating their business on-site. Subscription fees typically cover updates and maintenance, eliminating the need for dedicated IT staff.
Which CRM is more affordable?
Cost is usually a huge deciding factor for many innovative Lettings Agents. Typically, a cloud-based property CRM is more cost-effective for a few reasons:
Lower Upfront Costs: Unlike an on-premise CRM, where you have the burden of hardware, software licences, and IT staff, a cloud-based CRM provider offers a subscription model with minimal upfront investment. While other costs such as user accounts and training might exist, the savings often outweigh them.
Reduced IT Burden: Cloud-based CRM removes the need for an in-house IT team, freeing up resources and potentially saving on salaries. Rather than troubleshooting software issues, agents can focus on what they do best: nurturing client relationships and winning instructions.
Scalability Made Easy: Cloud-based CRM scales effortlessly with your agency’s growth. As you recruit new agents or expand your property portfolio, your CRM seamlessly adapts to these changes.
Which CRM is more secure?
Security is arguably the most important consideration when choosing a CRM system. While some innovative property managers believe that on-premise CRMs offer better security due to in-house server management, that’s not always the case.
A reputable software provider will prioritise data security by adhering to international standards, such as ISO 27001, and complying closely with GDPR. Always ask your provider about their security processes and certifications. If it isn’t obvious that your supplier is ISO certified, don't be afraid to request a detailed explanation of their data security measures – the safety of your client information should be a top priority.
If you have any concerns about your IT security and want a no-obligation consultation with one of our cyber security experts, please email info@evolutionit.uk or call 01372 389 250.
Which CRM is more suited for scalability?
As your business grows, your CRM needs to evolve, too. A cloud-based CRM offers numerous functionalities that help innovative lettings and property management agencies stay ahead of the curve:
Effortless Upgrades: Cloud-based CRM software providers handle updates and customisations seamlessly, ensuring you always have the latest innovative property management features without disruption. Your team can easily leverage the latest technology without the substantial cost of implementing it yourself on an on-premise CRM.
Seamless Integrations: Cloud-based CRM integrates effortlessly with third-party integrations such as your website, social media platforms, and industry tools, giving you a unified view of your data and simplifying workflows.
The Veco Advantage: Cloud-Based CRM Built for Innovative Property Management
While many cloud-based CRM solutions offer similar benefits, Veco Plus goes a step further. Here's how Veco Plus empowers estate agents:
Comprehensive Training: We understand that not every estate agent has the same level of experience, and this can make tasks like compliance feel daunting for some. Our integrated client accounting caters to qualified accounts personnel and those without formal training. This helps you streamline your workflow no matter where you are in your property management journey.
Simple and User-Friendly: We know agents aren’t required to have training, but that doesn’t have to hold you back. That’s why Veco Plus is designed with intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces. We even offer comprehensive training for every Veco subscription to ensure your team can get up and running quickly.
The Final Verdict: Cloud-Based CRM with Veco Plus
For most innovative Lettings Agents, a cloud-based CRM offers a compelling combination of affordability, accessibility, scalability, and security. With minimal upfront costs, reduced IT burden, and effortless upgrades, a cloud-based CRM frees you to focus on what matters most – building strong relationships and growing your business.
While CRMs are valuable tools, the property industry thrives on relationships. Satisfied clients are your biggest advocates, and agents shouldn’t underestimate the impact of customer centricity. Using your CRM strategically to personalise your customer-first approach will attract and retrain vendors, landlords, and tenants.
Ready to take your estate agency to the next level?
Schedule a free demo of Veco Plus today and see how our cloud-based CRM can help you streamline your operations, improve customer service, and achieve your business goals.
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