Gone are the days when land investors would rely solely on the hands-on advice of real estate agents. Now, there is humungous information available at your fingertips, essentially removing the need for the traditional estate agent. This is where Geographic Information Systems (GIS) comes into the picture. GIS is a framework for gathering and analyzing data to create layered mapping displays. Estate agents can apply GIS to their online systems to show potential buyers important information, including flooding risks and land quality. With this information at hand, investors can anticipate potential issues that would ruin their investment. To keep an edge over the online competition, estate agents need to evolve. Below, we guide you through ways estate agents utilize GIS to improve their services to the end-user.
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GIS, an origin story
If we take a trip back to the 1960s, we will find that Roger Tomlinson was the first person who coined Geographical Information Systems. He created the first computerized GIS system that was used to map information about land in Canada — it is still used today when it comes to land mapping. Initially, it was used to save data analysts’ time, but it far surpassed that today. Now, we fast forward and reach the mid-90s. Businesses started playing around with GIS and finding ways to help them out. Although Tomlinson sadly passed away in 2014, his creation of GIS and advancements in the field are still being used and improved today, which pays perfect homage to a geographical superstar.
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Spatial analysis
GIS lets clients see ‘what’ is happening in an area and ‘where’ it is happening. By narrowing down search parameters, agents can help clients find properties to fit their needs better. For example, a client may want to know where the routes to schools and workplaces are. Through GIS, estate agents can provide more in-depth information on routes, including traffic information and upcoming road developments. The more information the agent can provide, the more likely they are to close a sale and leave with happy customers. With GIS, clients can access bird’s-eye view maps of the property area and reveal layered information, including shopping access, entertainment facilities, and the closest transport links. Buyers are often looking for a move that is stress-free and offers convenience. If you’re looking to make a move to another country, you can find out essential information before you obtain residency by investment in Malta, for example.
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Land sale data
When a buyer has a specific address in mind, it’s a lot easier to find information on how much it costs, what the area is like. Spot trends in appreciation and depreciation of the area according to industry experts in a conversation, we had with the team at maltasothebysrealty. Through GIS, buyers don’t need to know the address. Potential buyers can set their desired parameters and find areas based on land data. Searching through land data, buyers can narrow down their search based on zip code, average prices, and acreage. Allowing clients to access this information means that the estate agent is approached closer to the final stages and doesn’t have to waste time answering simple questions.
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Improved communication between agents and clients
Communicating in a technological world is easier than ever before, with emails, social media, and live chats. Through sending text communication, it can be difficult to portray information and create a clear image of the property and the area. Now, with the implementation of GIS, estate agents can save time by sending visuals. The client and the agent can drop pins on the map and write notes that can be discussed further.
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Mobile on-demand
Real estate agents aren’t glued to their desks, so they need the ability to take the GIS software with them while they venture out into the world to meet clients and carry out assessments. Some GIS systems are integrated with mobile apps, allowing users to take their mapping systems on the move. Accessing the data on the move is highly beneficial because it allows the agent to answer any question that may arise at viewings, accurately and in real-time.
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Find land and property
The priority for potential land buyers hasn’t changed in years — the investment relies on the land and location. Traditionally, this would include manually trawling through data and assessments to narrow down the search, which results in having to guestimate which investment would prove more worthwhile. However, with GIS, the guesswork can be removed entirely by giving clients accurate information about potential land at the click of a button. Further, GIS helps present information surrounding wetlands, average prices, and census information, which can influence whether a buyer will invest.
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The future of GIS in real estate
As GIS application continues to grow, real estate agents will discover more benefits for analyzing today’s property market. Some local governments invest heavily in GIS development so that land parcels can be researched more efficiently. Technology developments will continue to improve the details provided by GIS to go further than basic needs like school access and transport roots. Despite how long GIS has been around, it’s still only just being discovered by some industries. Therefore its growth is still optimistic today.
People are constantly searching for an effortless customer experience and expect to be met with technology in every sector. Estate agents must keep up with current advances. Using GIS brings the seller and the buyer closer together in the tech-centric age.
