​Apple bolsters local enterprise play with Harcourts iOS deal

Trans-Tasman Real Estate group Harcourts is using Apple’s iOS technology to transform its business applications, utilising the tech giant’s iPad and iPhone to boost productivity.

As Cupertino bolsters its enterprise play both locally and at a global level, Harcourts has been recognised for developed cutting edge business solutions using Apple technology.

Following the rollout, Harcourts has become the first international real estate company to be profiled by Apple, in recognition of the company’s game-changing mobile business solutions, built through Apple technology.

Harcourts New Zealand CEO Hayden Duncan, says innovation with mobile technology is at the forefront of everything the company does.

“We’re changing the playing field of the real estate industry by becoming more agile and responsive to clients’ needs,” Duncan says.

“We can deliver what they need faster and more effectively which gives us a competitive edge and further establishes our brand as a leader in innovation.

“The custom suite of apps developed in Australia, has completely transformed the way our agents do business in New Zealand.”

By nature real estate is a mobile business - agents are on the road, meeting clients, inspecting properties and showing homes.

“The apps created give our agents instant access to the tools they require to do their job effectively in the field,” Duncan adds.

“They have access to an unprecedented level of information wherever they are including, detailed client and buyer information, real time for sale and sold property data, third party industry data sources, as well as an array of local and international marketing products.”

Duncan says Harcourts harnessed the power of iOS to create efficiency across the business, in some instances to saves agents hundreds of hours per year.

“Property management is the perfect example,” Duncan explains. “A Property Manager inspects 100 properties every quarter.

“One average inspection report requires 30-45 minutes of coordinating photos and paperwork in the office.

“With Harcourts’ eInspect app, photos and notes can be merged to produce the report on their iPad at the property, in minutes. The reduction in total time spent to report on each property saves around 50 hours per quarter.

“This is significant for the productivity and profitability of our members’ businesses when thousands of dollars can be re-directed into providing a better level of service for our Landlords and Tenants and investing in professional development for employees.”

Duncan says Harcourts has produced three custom apps since 2011 with Australian developers which include, eOne for agents to manage and access information about properties and contacts; eCampaign which helps agents to create a fully customisable marketing plan; and eInspect which has transformed the way agents conduct property inspections and report to clients.