Oct 1, 2025
Author: Ron Daniel
From Virtual Tours to Group Chats: Modern Tools Every Realtor Needs
Explore essential modern tools every realtor needs, from virtual tours to team communication platforms, to enhance productivity and client engagement.
It’s wild how much the real estate game has changed in just a few years, isn’t it? I remember sitting in a meeting back in 2019, where someone casually mentioned virtual tours as “nice-to-have” features. Fast forward to today, and if your listing doesn’t have a virtual tour or a floor plan, you might as well not even bother. Buyers expect it now - 58% want virtual tours, and 67% want floor plans included in every listing. And honestly, I don’t blame them. Who has time to visit multiple properties in person when you can tour them from your couch?
Here’s the kicker: while buyers are fully immersed in this digital-first world, 61% of real estate firms are still clinging to outdated systems. That’s a massive disconnect. I’ve seen how this plays out firsthand at Pebb. Agents are juggling endless emails, struggling to keep up with client demands, and missing opportunities because their tools just aren’t built for today’s pace. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.
In this article, I’ll share some of the most effective tools that are helping agents not just keep up, but thrive. From virtual tours that wow clients to communication platforms that keep teams on the same page, I’ll walk you through what’s working, why it matters, and how you can start using these tools today. Let’s dive in.
Virtual Tour and Remote Property Showing Solutions
Let’s face it - static photos just don’t cut it anymore. Virtual tours have completely reshaped the way we showcase properties. Here’s a stat that always blows me away: listings with virtual tours get 87% more views than those without. And if that’s not enough, 54% of buyers won’t even bother with ads for homes that lack a virtual tour.
This shift speaks volumes about how buyer expectations have evolved. These days, 77% of Americans want a virtual tour before they’ll even consider an in-person visit. And get this - 84% want to see actual video footage of potential homes on their devices. When you can explore a 2,400 sq ft home from your couch with a glass of wine in hand, why settle for anything less?
Why Realtors Love Virtual Tours
Virtual tours aren’t just a win for buyers - they’re a game-changer for agents too. Buyers who take virtual tours spend 1 minute and 17 seconds on listings, compared to just 44 seconds for photo-only listings. That’s a huge difference! And here’s the kicker: after experiencing a virtual tour, buyers are:
71% more likely to contact an agent
77% more likely to attend an open house
78% more interested in the property overall
Real-world examples drive the point home. Take RentLondonFlat.com, for instance. They’ve mastered virtual tours to help 200,000 Chinese students moving to London every year find homes without ever setting foot in the UK. CEO EuGin Song summed it up perfectly:
"There are 200K students moving from China to London every year, and in almost every case they do not have the opportunity to visit the UK to choose their property in advance, so we have to do the deal online."
And it’s not just residential real estate. Juraj Vika from CBRE Slovakia saw similar results in commercial real estate:
"In CBRE Slovakia we use virtual viewings when working with local as well as international clients or big teams, helping them to shortlist properties faster and revisit them during the decision-making process. Clients save time, make a quicker decision, have a more realistic workplace vision and are truly aware of what they are going to lease or buy. And concurrently we considerably improve our sales process efficiency."
The numbers don’t lie - properties with virtual tours sell up to 31% faster. They also generate 90% more phone inquiries and 65% more email inquiries.
The Costs? Surprisingly Affordable
If you’re worried about the cost of creating virtual tours, let me put your mind at ease. Professional 360-degree tours typically run between $200 and $500, often bundled with high-resolution photos and floor plans. If you’re looking for standalone options, a Matterport or Zillow 3D Home Tour costs around $180.
For the DIY crowd, you can grab an Insta360 X4 camera for about $500 and a sturdy tripod for $100. Asteroom even offers a $110 DIY kit that works with most smartphones and cameras.
Dan Smigrod from We Get Around Network predicts an even brighter future:
"In 2025, AI will make premium services easier on budgets, giving [agents] marketing materials without the price tag."
Even hosting costs are manageable. Platforms like BoxBrownie.com start at $16 per tour, CloudPano offers unlimited tours for $33 per month, and Matterport plans begin at $69 per month for up to 20 tours. Considering that the return on investment for virtual tours can happen in as little as four weeks, it’s a no-brainer.
Tailoring Virtual Tours for the U.S. Market
When it comes to the U.S. market, attention to detail is everything. Here’s what you need to know:
Square footage clarity: Always display measurements in sq ft, not square meters. A 1,800 sq ft ranch or 2,500 sq ft colonial needs to stand out accurately.
Pricing in USD: Make sure all pricing is in dollars, and keep local market nuances in mind. A $450,000 home in Austin, Texas, is a very different proposition than one in San Francisco, California.
Date formats: Use the MM/DD/YYYY format for scheduling tours or noting creation dates. And if you’re working across time zones, always specify EST, CST, MST, or PST.
Integration with major platforms like Zillow is essential. Zillow listings with virtual tours get 40% more views and are 45% more likely to be saved for later. Matterport, for example, offers seamless integration to ensure your tours reach the right audience.
And don’t forget mobile users. With over 55% of virtual tour traffic coming from smartphones and tablets, your tours must load quickly and navigate smoothly on smaller screens.
Here’s a stat to keep in mind: 94% of home buyers search for homes online. And 70% say virtual tours give them a better sense of a space than static images. In a market where more than 60% of Americans choose agencies offering 3D tours, this technology isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Virtual tours have redefined how properties are marketed and how buyers make decisions. Once you’ve optimized your listings with these tools, you can take things even further by integrating platforms like Pebb to streamline your workflow and communication. The future of real estate is here - are you ready?
Group Chat and Team Communication Platforms
Virtual tours might have transformed how we connect with clients, but let’s not forget the backbone of any successful real estate operation: solid team communication. Without it, even the best-laid plans can crumble. Think about it - real estate is fast-paced. Scheduling last-minute showings, managing contracts, or jumping on urgent calls requires seamless coordination. A misstep here can cost more than just time; it can cost deals.
Here’s something that really hit home for me: over 70% of business leaders reported a boost in productivity tied directly to effective communication. And honestly, that checks out. When teams can instantly share updates, align schedules, and tackle challenges together, everything just clicks. But there’s a catch. More than 80% of employees depend on their managers to relay key information. This creates bottlenecks, especially when quick decisions are needed. That’s where having a reliable group chat or team communication platform isn’t just helpful - it’s critical.
Pebb: The All-In-One Communication Solution
At Pebb, we saw the chaos firsthand. Agents juggling WhatsApp for quick texts, email for documents, separate calendars for scheduling, and yet another tool for tracking everything else. It was messy, inefficient, and honestly, exhausting. So, we built Pebb to bring all those scattered pieces together in one place.
Here’s how it works: Pebb’s work chat organizes conversations by client, property, or project - no more sifting through endless threads. The news feed ensures everyone stays in the loop without missing critical updates. Dedicated groups let you focus on specific deals or team tasks. And when a quick text won’t cut it, built-in voice and video calls make it easy to jump into face-to-face discussions.
What’s even better? Pebb offers a free plan for teams of up to 1,000 employees. You get unlimited chat history, a news feed, a knowledge library, tasks, a calendar, and group features - all for free. And when your team grows, our premium plan is just $4 per user per month. It’s packed with extras like analytics to track communication effectiveness, advanced permissions to safeguard client data, and seamless integrations with your CRM and document systems. Plus, our team genuinely understands the demands of real estate, so you’re always supported by people who get it.
In today’s digital-first real estate world, every second counts. That’s why having everything in one platform isn’t just convenient - it’s a game-changer.
Other Platform Options
Now, you might be wondering about other tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Workvivo. They’re great for general business use and come with plenty of integrations. But here’s the thing - they’re not built with real estate in mind. These platforms often miss the mark when it comes to the unique needs of real estate teams, like juggling client conversations, internal coordination, and document handling all at once. With Pebb, you’re getting a platform designed specifically for your workflow, so you can keep deals moving without unnecessary distractions.
Key Features Realtors Should Look For
After working with countless real estate teams, we’ve nailed down the features that truly matter:
Mobile-first design: Let’s face it, agents are always on the go. Your platform needs to work effortlessly on a smartphone, with quick load times and easy navigation.
Smart notifications: You don’t need to know about every minor update, but when a client responds to an offer? That’s an alert you can’t afford to miss.
Seamless integrations: When your communication tool syncs with your CRM, document management system, and calendar, you save hours of app-switching.
Organized threads: Keeping client discussions separate from internal chats prevents confusion and keeps everything clear.
File sharing with version control: In real estate, working with outdated contracts or marketing materials isn’t just annoying - it’s risky.
Powerful search: Need to find that one crucial conversation about a property from two months ago? A robust search function can save the day.
As Tomás Fonseca from the Icons of Real Estate Podcast puts it:
"Effective communication is the cornerstone of success in any team, and real estate is no exception. In a world where every interaction counts, mastering the art of communication within your real estate team can be the game-changer you've been searching for."
The numbers back him up. More than half of employees report greater job satisfaction when communication flows smoothly. And in real estate - where timing and coordination directly affect your bottom line - choosing the right communication platform isn’t just a convenience. It’s a necessity.
Digital Client Management and Follow-Up Tools
Trying to manage every client interaction without a solid system? It's like juggling flaming torches - chaotic and bound to go wrong at some point. That’s where Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools step in to save the day for real estate professionals.
Here’s a stat that caught my attention: the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2024 Technology Survey found CRMs to be among the top three tech tools for generating high-quality leads over the past year. And it makes sense - real estate isn’t just about selling properties; it’s about building trust and nurturing relationships at every stage. The right tools can make all the difference.
Top CRM Tools for Realtors
Let’s talk about some of the standout CRM platforms that realtors are raving about:
HubSpot: This one’s a favorite for a reason. Their free plan supports up to two users and includes contact management, deal tracking, email templates, and basic automation. And their automation tools? They’re game-changers. Just look at NAHF - they grew from $200,000 to $62 million in assets under management in a single year, moving 5,000 leads through their sales lifecycle using HubSpot. That’s some serious ROI.
Follow Up Boss: If speed is your thing, this CRM focuses on rapid lead response. It starts at $58–$69 per user per month and offers instant lead routing from major portals, plus auto-text and email features. With a 4.5-star average from 97 G2 reviews, it’s clear users love the support and training. That said, some folks have grumbled about caller ID issues and the pricing.
Wise Agent: For those keeping an eye on their budget, this tool comes in at $49 per month. It’s got built-in commission tracking and prebuilt checklists tailored specifically for real estate workflows. While the interface might feel a bit dated, it’s reliable and gets the job done.
Pebb: Now, here’s where things get interesting. Pebb goes beyond traditional CRM features by integrating team communication tools directly into the platform. It handles client tracking, automated follow-up reminders, and task management, all while keeping your communication seamless. And at just $4 per user per month for the premium plan (with a generous free tier), it’s a steal. No need to juggle multiple platforms - Pebb keeps everything in one place, making it a go-to for agents who want simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
Why Automation Matters for Realtors
Let’s be real - real estate moves fast. A missed follow-up can mean a lost deal, and no one wants that. That’s where automation becomes your best friend. It ensures immediate responses, schedules follow-up tasks, and keeps leads engaged without you having to lift a finger.
"Real estate deals die in the follow-up phase. Agents juggle dozens of active prospects while managing current transactions, inevitably neglecting timely communication. However, HubSpot's sequences and workflow automation create fail-safe follow-up systems that run automatically." - HubSpot Staff
Picture this: A lead comes in at 11:00 PM on a Saturday. Instead of waiting until Monday, automation kicks in immediately - sending an acknowledgment email, adding the lead to a nurturing sequence, and scheduling a follow-up call for the next business day. By the time you’re sipping your morning coffee, the groundwork is already laid.
But automation isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about staying compliant.
U.S. Standards for Client Management
Here’s a heads-up: New FCC regulations introduced in 2025 have changed the game for how real estate professionals connect with leads.
"One-to-One Consent is Paramount: Forget blanket opt-ins! The new rules demand that consumers provide individual, specific consent to each business that intends to contact them via robocalls or 'robotexts.' This consent must be 'logically and topically associated' with the website where they provided it." - Communications, PSAR Blog
What does that mean for you? Every lead capture form needs to clearly state that consumers are agreeing to receive calls and texts from your brokerage. Leads collected before January 27, 2025, might not meet these new standards, so it’s time to review your database and re-confirm consent where needed.
Your CRM also needs to handle these compliance requirements seamlessly. For example:
Format phone numbers correctly (e.g., (555) 123-4567).
Use AM/PM time notation for scheduling.
Ensure data privacy in line with state regulations.
Regularly check the Do-Not-Call Registry and remove any listed numbers promptly.
The takeaway? Choose a CRM that not only helps you manage your leads but also keeps you compliant with the latest regulations. After all, the last thing you need is an FCC fine throwing a wrench in your business growth.
Automated Marketing and Lead Generation Platforms
Let’s be honest - lead generation is the lifeblood of any realtor’s business. But here’s the game-changer: automated systems that don’t just capture leads but also nurture and convert them, all while you’re busy closing deals. These tools run 24/7, working in harmony with your CRM and communication platforms to keep prospects engaged without constant manual effort.
The stats back this up: 75% of U.S. real estate brokerages now use AI, primarily for tasks like crafting property descriptions, automating content, and improving efficiency. Even more compelling, 91% of marketers say automation helps them hit their goals. The numbers don’t lie - automation works.
Email Marketing Platforms
Email marketing has long been a secret weapon in real estate, and for good reason - it’s 40 times more effective than social media. But forget those generic newsletters that clog inboxes. Modern email platforms are smarter, with automation features that nurture leads for months without you lifting a finger.
Take Mailchimp, for example. It’s a go-to for its ease of use and robust automation tools. Constant Contact offers templates tailored for property showcases and market updates. And ActiveCampaign? It’s like having a personal assistant, with advanced conditional logic for complex workflows.
At Pebb, we’ve taken this a step further. Our all-in-one platform combines email automation with team chat, client tracking, and task management - all for just $4 per user per month on the premium plan. No need to juggle multiple tools; it’s all integrated in one place.
Let me share a real-world win: In March 2024, Ryan Fitzgerald, owner of Raleigh Realty, implemented an automated email sequence that sent messages at strategic intervals after a client’s initial inquiry. The result? A 30% boost in lead conversion rates within three months. Agents spent less time chasing leads and more time showing properties and closing deals.
"As a result, we saw a 30% increase in our lead conversion rate within the first three months of implementation." - Ryan Fitzgerald, Owner of Raleigh Realty
And email automation is just the start. Realtors are also turning to conversational tools to keep leads engaged around the clock.
AI-Powered Chatbots for Real Estate
AI chatbots are no longer a novelty - they’re a necessity. These bots can handle up to 80% of customer inquiries, and in some cases, they’ve boosted lead conversion rates by up to 40%. The best part? They work tirelessly, day and night, to qualify leads and keep the conversation going.
Take CINC’s AI lead expert, Alex, for example. This chatbot, developed with Structurely, doesn’t just chat - it categorizes leads into “new,” “active,” and “old” groups, providing agents with detailed conversation context. It’s like having a virtual assistant that never sleeps. The downside? It’s an add-on to CINC’s hefty $899 monthly fee, plus $200 for the AI features.
For a more budget-friendly option, there’s Collect.Chat, with plans ranging from free (50 responses) to $99 per month (5,000 responses). Its conversational forms feel natural to prospects, earning it a 4.7 rating on G2. Or consider Crescendo.ai, which supports 50+ languages and offers 99.8% accuracy - all for just $2.99 per resolution, including AI agents and human backup.
The real magic happens when chatbots integrate seamlessly with other systems. PreviewCasa’s chatbots, for instance, sync directly with agents’ calendars. Imagine a prospective client booking a showing at 2:00 AM - no back-and-forth emails required. The bot schedules the appointment, confirms it, and updates everyone involved.
At Pebb, we’ve taken integration to the next level. When a chatbot captures a hot lead, it instantly notifies your team through the built-in chat system and updates your client tracking automatically. No switching between platforms, no missed opportunities.
Analytics and Customization for Better Results
Automation is only as good as the insights it provides. That’s why analytics are key. The best platforms go beyond basic metrics like open rates and clicks. They dive into customer behavior, conversion paths, and ROI tracking to give you a full picture of what’s working.
Take Smartzip, for example. Its predictive algorithms analyze big data to identify homeowners likely to sell within the next 18 months, with a 72% accuracy rate. That’s like having a crystal ball for your prospecting efforts.
Audience segmentation is another game-changer. By grouping leads based on demographics, behavior, or engagement history, you can deliver hyper-personalized campaigns that resonate. Instead of sending the same market update to everyone, tailor your message to specific buyer personas.
Integration is also critical. Your marketing platform should seamlessly connect with your CRM, MLS, social media, and advertising tools. Native integrations are ideal for smooth data flow. And with the rise of omnichannel engagement, your efforts need to span websites, social media, SMS, and email. Platforms like ManyChat excel here, covering Facebook Messenger, Instagram DM, WhatsApp, and SMS, with plans starting at $15 per month.
Here’s where Pebb truly shines. Our unified platform eliminates the hassle of managing separate dashboards for email, chat, team communication, and client management. Everything flows into a single view, so you can see which campaigns spark the most team discussions, which leads get the quickest responses, and how internal collaboration impacts client conversions.
All-In-One Employee Communication and Collaboration Platforms
At Pebb, we’ve seen firsthand how real estate teams struggle with juggling multiple tools like Slack, Zoom, and separate task apps. It’s a headache. These disconnected platforms often lead to information silos and wasted time flipping between apps - time that could be spent closing deals instead.
That’s why we built Pebb to bring everything together. With one platform, you get work chat, live news feeds, task management, voice and video calls, employee directories, and a knowledge library. And here’s the kicker: our standard plan is free for up to 1,000 users, while the premium plan costs just $4 per user per month.
The feedback has been incredible. Christina Matthews, who works at a construction company, summed it up perfectly:
"It combines everything - chat, tasks, news feed, knowledge, library - into one place and it's incredibly affordable"
Why Realtors Love Pebb
Let me break down why Pebb is such a game-changer for real estate teams:
Unlimited group chat storage: Never lose track of client details. You can set up channels for neighborhoods, property types, or client categories, keeping conversations neat and organized.
Live news feed: Market updates, new listings, and company announcements are all front and center - no more digging through email chains to find crucial updates.
Task management made simple: Assign follow-ups, track deadlines, and keep deals on track. With calendar integration, everyone stays aligned on showings, contract dates, and meetings.
Employee directory and knowledge library: New agents can quickly connect with the right team member, whether they’re looking for a luxury home expert or a commercial property specialist. Plus, the searchable library stores everything from training materials to market reports.
Pebb works for everyone - from solo agents to large brokerages. The free plan supports up to 1,000 users, and the premium plan is just $4 per user per month. By streamlining communication and workflows, it boosts productivity and helps teams deliver exceptional service to clients.
Why All-In-One Platforms Matter
When you consolidate tools into one platform, the benefits are immediate. No more bouncing between apps to chat, make calls, manage tasks, or check updates. This kind of efficiency saves time and cuts costs, letting your team focus on what really matters: selling homes and wowing clients.
Onboarding new agents becomes a breeze too. Instead of learning five different systems, they only need to master one intuitive platform. That means they can hit the ground running from day one.
And for organizations worried about platform changes - like the upcoming closure of Meta Workplace - Pebb offers a stable, affordable solution. As Dan Robins, our VP of Customer Success, puts it:
"We recognize the uncertainty many organizations face with the upcoming closure of Meta Workplace, and we're here to offer a hassle-free alternative"
Pebb also integrates effortlessly with your existing CRM, MLS systems, and other real estate tools. Everything flows into one central hub, eliminating silos and keeping your team running smoothly. In fast-paced real estate, that kind of seamless collaboration is a game-changer.
Conclusion: Digital Tools Are Changing the Game in Real Estate
Here’s a stat that says it all: 97% of homebuyers now use the internet to search for their new home, and 51% actually find their home online. The days of flipping through paper flyers or relying solely on phone calls? Long gone.
Think about it - virtual tours now let buyers explore properties without ever leaving their couch. CRM systems have turned chaotic lead management into streamlined pipelines. And platforms like ours? They bring scattered teams together under one digital roof. The results speak for themselves: real estate agents using CRM systems report up to a 29% boost in sales productivity and a 41% increase in revenue per agent. That’s not just a small improvement; it’s a complete shift in how business gets done.
Why It Matters for Your Business
When teams adopt the right digital tools, the benefits ripple across every part of the operation. Enhanced client service leads to more referrals and repeat business. For example, teams using group chat and collaboration platforms have seen a 25% drop in internal email volume and a 32% faster response time to client inquiries. Faster responses and personalized service don’t just make clients happy - they turn them into loyal advocates who bring their friends along for the ride.
And this is where unified solutions like Pebb come in. Imagine managing your entire workflow - chatting with teammates, sharing documents, organizing tasks, and hosting video calls - all in one place. With Pebb’s free plan supporting up to 1,000 users and premium features available for just $4 per user per month, it’s a no-brainer for teams looking to simplify their operations and boost efficiency.
The Challenge and Opportunity
Here’s the reality: 67% of realtors say keeping up with technology is their biggest challenge. But you don’t need to master every shiny new app that hits the market. What you do need are tools that work together seamlessly, fit the way you do business, and actually make your life easier.
Whether you’re a solo agent or part of a large brokerage, the tools we’ve talked about - virtual tours, CRMs, automated marketing platforms, and all-in-one communication hubs - aren’t just extras. They’re the backbone of staying competitive and meeting the high expectations of today’s clients. The real question isn’t if you should adopt these tools - it’s how fast you can get started. Because in this fast-moving industry, those who adapt quickly will always have the edge.
FAQs
How do virtual tours help realtors attract more buyers and close sales faster?
Virtual tours have completely transformed how realtors showcase properties. Imagine being able to explore a home without ever stepping outside - sounds convenient, right? These tours offer an immersive, 360-degree experience that lets potential buyers "walk through" a property from wherever they are. It's like bringing the open house to their living room.
This level of convenience doesn’t just make life easier for buyers; it also works wonders for realtors. Virtual tours tend to draw in more interest, connect you with serious buyers, and save everyone a ton of time. Plus, in a market where standing out is everything, having this modern tool in your arsenal can make all the difference. It’s not just about showing homes - it’s about showing them in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
How can an all-in-one communication platform like Pebb benefit real estate teams?
When I first started working with real estate teams, I noticed a common challenge: juggling too many apps just to stay connected. That’s where Pebb steps in and changes the game. It’s an all-in-one communication platform that pulls everything you need - work chat, news feeds, video calls, team directories - into one simple, easy-to-navigate solution. No more bouncing between apps or losing time trying to keep everything in sync.
What I love most is Pebb’s mobile-first design. It’s perfect for agents who are constantly on the move - whether they’re in the office, showing a property, or sitting down with a client. Staying connected is effortless, which means faster responses, better teamwork, and stronger relationships with clients. And here’s the kicker: all of this comes at just $4 per user. It’s a no-brainer for teams, big or small, looking for a smart and affordable way to stay in sync.
How does automation benefit real estate professionals in managing clients and generating leads?
Automation has become a game-changer for real estate professionals, helping them reclaim precious hours, stay on top of their workload, and operate more efficiently. By automating tasks like lead scoring, follow-ups, and client communication, agents can shift their focus to what truly matters - building strong relationships and closing more deals.
Beyond saving time, automation streamlines lead management by delivering timely, personalized interactions that keep prospects engaged. It ensures no potential opportunity slips through the cracks. With these tools in place, realtors can manage a higher volume of leads, boost client satisfaction, and achieve stronger outcomes for their business.
