New desktop-based software solution to aid property agents

Property24 — 2008-09-09T12:28:08+00:00

A new software package has been launched that will provide estate agents with real time online listing options and deal tracking facilities based on their own desktops.

Property24’s new Executive Suite package, developed in conjunction with Pro Solutions, uses the Windows Communication Foundation as the core architecture for the application.

“Executive Suite provides real estate agents with a comprehensive suite of functionality that ranges from real time integration with Property24’s listing system, maintaining CRM information around buyers and sellers, brokering a deal and then tracking the deal progress right through to the sale of the property. Commission around the deal is then calculated based on the agency’s defined commission structure. Exectuive Suite is also integrated with L@w Active” says Dereck Gibbs, director of Pro Solutions.

“Executive Suite was first developed as a centrally hosted web application. Due to the complex nature of the application and limited network connectivity speeds of the average Estate Agency, interaction with the system was deemed too slow,” continues Gibbs “In order to solve this problem, we decided to design a new Windows Desktop version of Executive Suite. The idea was that the agent would install this application on his local PC but the application would, only when necessary, connect to a central database server to access the most recent data. This has greatly improved the performance and functionality delivered to the client”.

This solution was achieved by developing a methodology whereby most of the application data is cached on the agent’s PC. The use of the Windows Communication Foundation enabled the local hosting of the software.

“The project was by no means an easy task,” says Christo Wiid, General Manager of Property 24, “we had to combine all of the features of a fully-fledged agent administration system with cutting edge technology in order to deliver a system that was well beyond any other offering”. Wiid continues, “I would like to commend both the Prosol and Property 24 teams for the effort and dedication to this project which highlighted the benefits of a 10 year relationship which withstood the many challenges faced.”

Complex sells 35 units in one day

Property24 — 2008-08-11T09:58:21+00:00

A new residential development last week had 35 of its 72 units reserved in the first day after launching online, Property24 reported on Monday.

Located within four kilometres of Monte Casino in Fourways, Gauteng’s new Woodlands Gardens 24-hour guarded security estate offers one and two bedroomed units between R440k and R590k including costs.

Brendon Hargroves, MD of Development Services, said that the development had launched on Property24 on Thursday, and was featured on the home page by around 3 pm.

“By 19h00 the same day Brendon contacted me to say that he had 35 reserved units since the development went live,” said Christo Wiid, GM of Property24’s Real Estate Services.

Hargroves confirmed the numbers, saying it was all about positioning the development and that the company would now be forced to open phase two in order to have stock available for the launch scheduled for this week, as only six units remain available.

Property24 Media Coverage

New desktop-based software solution to aid property agents

Complex sells 35 units in one day