All images via Ideal Properties Group
There's no question that the strict measures imposed by the quarantine are difficult for agents and renters alike. People are still planning to move to New York for work, pleasure, or both. Realtors still have listings on the market that pictures and online descriptions can only do so much for. All parties would like to take care of business, but not at the risk to their health and others'.
But thanks to technology, the real estate industry does not have to quietly wait this out on the sidelines. Rather, prospective buyers and renters can "tour" apartments from their homes and make plans to see their favorites in person as soon as the restrictions lift. Some brokers have long since made apartment videos part of their marketing materials; most recently, Ideal Properties Group launched a new "Showings on Demand" platform as a full-cycle digital alternative. CityRealty recently spoke to Aleksandra Scepanovic, Managing Director of Ideal Properties Group, about the possibilities the platform presents during this trying time and the place it may continue to hold in the rental process even after the quarantine passes.
But thanks to technology, the real estate industry does not have to quietly wait this out on the sidelines. Rather, prospective buyers and renters can "tour" apartments from their homes and make plans to see their favorites in person as soon as the restrictions lift. Some brokers have long since made apartment videos part of their marketing materials; most recently, Ideal Properties Group launched a new "Showings on Demand" platform as a full-cycle digital alternative. CityRealty recently spoke to Aleksandra Scepanovic, Managing Director of Ideal Properties Group, about the possibilities the platform presents during this trying time and the place it may continue to hold in the rental process even after the quarantine passes.
Was the Showings on Demand system developed directly in response to COVID-19? If not, was there anything in particular that inspired it?
The “Showings on Demand” portion was directly developed in response to COVID-19. The rest of the platform, which is focused on the entire rental process, was already built. Certain very minor elements are still under development.Who does Ideal Properties Group see as the target audience for Showings on Demand?
Everyone. The entire city and beyond, everybody who is looking for a home or a real estate investment can benefit from using Showings on Demand.Is there special software that needs to be downloaded to use the platform? How mobile-friendly is it?
No, there is no special software that needs to be downloaded. It is 100% mobile-friendly, as it was made with mobile devices and tablets in mind. A desktop version also exists for those who would prefer to search this way.What aspects of rental transactions can be done through the platform?
Ideal Properties Group’s backend system allows for the entire rental transaction to be done online, from client registration through lease signing.After the current COVID-19 pandemic, do you think online tours will remain a substantial part of the real estate process?
This depends on how long the pandemic is with us. If people get used to viewing homes through virtual live-streamed tours, then possibly. However, this capability will always have its place for transactions where a client is simply physically not in New York City or in a specific neighborhood, or they are sick, or working from home. This platform can always come in handy.
Ideal Properties Group Exclusives:
Located in thriving Clinton Hill, between Lafayette and Greene Avenues, rich with some of Brooklyn's finest restaurants, retailers and artisans, 373 Classon is moments to Pratt Institute with its sculpture garden, as well as numerous playgrounds and stretches of tree-lined streets of historic Victorian brownstones. 373 Classon is one block from the G train and a short distance to the Franklin Avenue C and Shuttle trains.
CitiBike awaits with the nearest station less than a block away.
CitiBike awaits with the nearest station less than a block away.
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