Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa Real Estate Investor Magazine - September 2017 | Page 20

TECHNOLOGY
Estate
Management
Local app opens communication
BY MONIQUE DU TOIT
ADVANTAGES
FOR RESIDENTS
1
Convenient communica-
tion: Receive push-noti-
fications from management,
or communicate directly via
the chat function.
Access to information:
view rules and regu-
lations, notices, contact
details for management and
service providers.
No more admin: Receive
levy bills, view usage
stats, request approvals, and
file a report.
Safety first: a security
button can be pressed
to request immediate
response, a community
alert can be sent to notify
others of a problem, or an
anonymous tip-off can be
sent to notify the necessary
authorities.
2
3
4
18
R
esidential complexes and estates
are fast gaining popularity within
South Africa.There are undoubt-
edly many advantages to living in such
an estate, not least of which security.
On the flip-side, however, sectional ti-
tle complexes can become a headache if
owners and management aren't on the
same page.
The rise of smartphones and constant
connectedness have paved the way for
a more effective means of communica-
tion within estates. One such example is
EstateMate. The premise is simple, says
director Nicole Hiestermann: “Our aim
is to enable every resident within a com-
plex to have a mobile app or access the
web app where they can efficiently com-
municate with the body corporate and
management, as well as reduce the work
load of property portfolio managers.”
In order to run a smooth operation
within a residential estate, an open
channel of communication is essential.
This is the difference between a safe and
unsafe estate, a well-run and dilapidat-
ed complex. With the help of updated
technology, these kinds of apps provide
both home owners and management
the ability to stay up-to-date on issues
that affect everyone. Given the fact that
many households are now busier than
ever, Hiestermann explains that Estate-
Mate makes it easier for home owners to
voice their concerns in a more time-effi-
cient manner. Typically clumsy methods
SEPTEMBER 2017 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine
of communication are overridden by an
easy-to-operate app found right on the
user’s smartphone.
Estate managers and HOAs are also
receiving a much-needed efficiency
boost, with several features geared to-
wards a smoother experience. The days
of struggling to convey information to
all residents are over, with the ability to
send once-off notifications or reminders
at the push of a button. Information of
all home owners are also easily accessible
within the app, making it that much easi-
er to contact someone if a problem arises.
Furthermore, management meetings can
be sped up, thanks to instant activity data
accessible to all in attendance.
The app is available on both iOS and
Android, with information also available
on the web. Furthermore, three packag-
es are available: standard, custom, and
white labelled. All versions offer the
same standard features, with the option
of customisation and personalisation.
This offers all residential estates, big or
small, the option to increase efficiency.
The age of technology has been with
us for quite some time - showing no
signs of slowing down. While our res-
idential estates are increasing in sophis-
tication and convenience, they would do
well to include a management app to
their repertoire.
SOURCES
EstateMate