Why 2018 Was a Pivotal Year for Real‑Estate CRMs
In 2018, the real‑estate market accelerated toward digital, demanding CRMs that could handle lead capture, client communication, and transaction tracking without overwhelming agents. The most successful tools balanced automation with human touch, offered mobile access, and integrated seamlessly with MLS feeds and marketing platforms. Below is a concise comparison of the leading solutions that met those criteria.
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Top 2018 Real‑Estate CRMs
- Zoho CRM for Real Estate
- Follow Up Boss
- Real Geeks
- Contactually
- PropStream CRM
Key Trade‑Offs to Consider
Ease of Use vs. Customization
Agents value intuitive dashboards, but advanced agents need granular workflow control. Zoho offers a gentle learning curve but limits deep custom fields without paid add‑ons. Follow Up Boss is designed for quick onboarding but offers fewer built‑in automation options compared to Contactually, which requires a steeper learning curve to fully leverage its AI‑driven follow‑up sequences.
Pricing Structure
Cost is a decisive factor. Contactually charges per user, making it expensive for teams. Real Geeks bundles CRM with lead generation at a flat rate, appealing to solo agents. Zoho's tiered plans start lower but can climb as add‑ons are added. PropStream's subscription is higher but includes data analytics that justify the price for investment‑focused teams.
Integration Ecosystem
Seamless MLS sync, email, and social media integration reduce manual entry. Zoho integrates with many third‑party tools but relies on connectors for MLS feeds. Follow Up Boss offers native MLS integration for major markets. Real Geeks excels in local MLS sync and offers a proprietary lead management system. PropStream's strength lies in its property data API, ideal for investors.
Automation Capabilities
Automated drip campaigns save time. Contactually's AI suggests next steps based on client behavior, a feature absent in Zoho's basic plan. Follow Up Boss offers automated reminders, while Real Geeks provides pre‑built email templates tied to lead stages. PropStream automates property alerts but focuses more on data than client engagement.
Mobile Experience
Agents often work on the move. Follow Up Boss and Contactually have robust native apps with offline mode. Zoho's mobile app is functional but occasionally lags with large contact lists. Real Geeks' app is lightweight but lacks advanced reporting features. PropStream's mobile app is tailored to property data browsing, not client management.
Support and Community
24/7 support is crucial during high‑pressure closing periods. Follow Up Boss offers live chat and phone support. Zoho provides community forums and extensive knowledge bases. Real Geeks has dedicated account managers for premium plans. Contactually relies on email support, which can delay issue resolution. PropStream offers video tutorials but limited live assistance.
Comparison Table
| Attribute | Zoho CRM | Follow Up Boss | Real Geeks | Contactually | PropStream CRM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy | Easy | Steep | Moderate |
| Base Price (per user/month) | $12 | $25 | $120 (bundle) | $65 | $200 |
| MLS Integration | Connector needed | Native | Native | Connector needed | API |
| Automation Depth | Basic | Moderate | Templates | AI‑driven | Property alerts |
| Mobile App Quality | Good | Excellent | Lightweight | Excellent | Moderate |
| Support Availability | Forum & email | Live chat & phone | Account manager | Video tutorials |
Choosing the Right Fit
Agents who prioritize low entry cost and simple lead capture may lean toward Zoho or Real Geeks. Those needing sophisticated automation and AI guidance should evaluate Contactually, accepting higher costs. Follow Up Boss strikes a balance for teams that value quick deployment and strong mobile support. Investment‑focused agents who rely on property data may find PropStream's analytics worth the premium. Ultimately, the best CRM aligns with an agent's workflow, budget, and long‑term growth strategy.