Digital transformation is revolutionising industries across the globe, and the housing sector is no exception. Traditional sales centres that heavily rely on paper-based processes are starting to adopt more digital technology, and this is where the digital sales centre solution from Signtouch is leading the way.

In this blog we take a closer look at the key advantages that a paperless sales centre brings to the housing sector, and why the future of house buying is set to be completely digital by 2025, according to industry opinion.

For a sneak preview of the housebuilder sales centre of the future, click here!

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity

Eliminating the need for physical paperwork and manual data entry enables the sales team to streamline their workflows and focus on core sales activities, most importantly interacting with prospective buyers. By utilising digital tools, such as Signtouch’s fully customisable screens, you can enable prospective buyers access to material that matters most to them. With the Signtouch solution every piece of site information you wish to share is available at the users’ fingertips, in an immersive and fully customisable touchscreen experience. Moving away from paper-based marketing collateral also helps to minimise mistakes and eliminate delays in information gathering, helping to make sure your sales team have access to up-to-date information on your development at any given time. Furthermore, using a digital and customisable solution means you can make each experience personal to the prospective buyer, leading to a more meaningful and ultimately more successful experience all round.

Improved Customer Experience

Digital interaction changes the customer experience in new home sales for the better, as we discussed when looking at the omnichannel marketing new home buyers expect. Moving from a paper-based sales centre allows housing developments to focus their energy on a digital solution, which offers a multitude of benefits for prospective homebuyers, enhancing their overall experience throughout the purchasing journey. Digital platforms and interactive tools enable customers to explore and visualise properties virtually at the touch of a button or swipe of a fingertip. Through virtual tours, 3D models, and augmented reality (AR) applications, potential buyers can get a realistic sense of the property’s layout and design, aiding in the decision-making process. Moreover, digital documentation allows for seamless collaboration and quick turnaround times for document signing and approvals, providing customers with a convenient and streamlined experience.

Speaking at the Signtouch launch event at Samsung KX Centre London, Steve Mariner, Sales & Marketing Director, Barratt & David Wilson Homes shared his view on why moving away from paper-based marketing in the industry is an exciting move for customers; “There’s so many opportunities now to digitise the early part of the journey, and really get customers engaged.”

Cost & Time Saving

The cost savings associated with going paper-less are far reaching and applicable across industries. When looking at the housing sector in particular, it’s evident that transferring even part of the sales process to digital can have significant financial benefits. MSV Housing revealed transferring one area of its operation to a digital system saved £22,500 per year.
The housing group also said migrating its gas safety reporting processes to an online document management system has saved 234 days of work annually since 2020. The north west community-based landlord, which owns and manages 9,000 rental homes across the region, reported reducing time by an average of 15 minutes per property by cutting needless paperwork.

The elimination of people led processes associated with paper-based marketing also significantly reduces expenses related to printing, storage, and document management. By embracing digital platforms, the housing industry can minimise overhead costs associated with physical infrastructure, from filing cabinets to printers.

Sustainability

Sustainability has fast become a key focus for nearly all industries, with a reported 95% of companies considering sustainability a top or high priority this year, according to Software AG. With the global production of paper and cardboard totalling more than 400 million metric tons each year, every business needs to look at ways they can adapt and move towards a paperless future. Reducing paper use benefits the environment in a multitude of ways including reducing deforestation, waste, and water use. Transforming to a fully digital sales centre solution can also help to significantly reduce carbon emissions, with a typical tree absorbing around a ton of CO2 over 100 years; less paper means more trees for us all to benefit from.

Embracing a paperless sales centre in the house building and buying industries brings many benefits, ranging from improved efficiency and productivity to enhanced customer experiences. By harnessing the power of technology, companies can streamline their sales processes, improve customer experience, reduce costs, and contribute to a sustainable future. As the housing industry continues to evolve, embracing a paperless approach becomes essential for staying competitive and meeting the expectations of modern homebuyers. Embrace the future of homebuying with the fully automated digital sales centre from Signtouch; revolutionising the on-site experience for both buyers and developers.