It often seems as if every day there is a new app, a new technological feat, a new digital advancement being introduced into the global real estate market. It is often difficult to discern between the necessary and unnecessary. At Harcourts, we have invested hours upon hours developing strategies and we are very proud of our achievements and service offerings in the tech space and are happy to say that we lead the real estate market in certain aspects of the technological world. However, we find that balance is essential, the balance between yesterday, today and tomorrow - most importantly the balance between real human relationships and the digital universe. However difficult it may be.
 
In this day and age, we are more connected than ever, connecting with clients, friends and family on social media and messaging platforms. What's most exciting about this evolution is that clients and our agents can engage and receive feedback in a blink of an eye, undoubtedly increasing efficiency. On the flip side, technology is often seen as the enemy of human interaction, especially, considering the current COVID-19 pandemic and the need for human interaction being so high.
 
Ironically, in the end, it was technology that brought us all together. Without apps like WhatsApp allowing us to video call and hear voice notes of those closest to us, the isolation would have been much harder.
 
This has translated to the real estate market in a very interesting way. We are gaining insight into our own systems and team members who are innovating and it has been highly insightful. Our agents are navigating a reality whereby human relationships remain at the forefront of the way we do business and making use of these very technologies.
 
This has to be one of the most interesting things we have learned as a company during this period, that if your values are focused on continually bringing the priorities and needs of people into the fray, your company will gravitate towards that even when there are obstacles along the way.

Real estate has always been about people, even with automation and robotic inclusion, the human factor cannot be ignored and that is why we have continued to be successful in these uncertain times -  we are perfecting the balance between people and technology.

Statement issued by:
Richard Gray
Harcourts South Africa