Blueroof360, a real estate technology firm that offers custom Web design, multiple listing service search and lead management systems, has developed a new productivity tool that features a native application as its centerpiece. The blueQub app will be available next month and aims to be a one-stop utility app for real estate agents working in the field.
BlueQub will be available for both iOS and Android, and the platform includes a synchronized desktop client as well. According to Greg Tracy, president of Blueroof360, the service was developed by Realtors, for Realtors.
Creating a “Swiss army knife” type of real estate app is a challenge, particularly when developing a product to be utilized by both real estate professionals and their clients. Tracy stated that design and usability was a major priority.
“One of the most important considerations about blueQub is its design and ease of use. It’s intuitive because it wasn’t developed by a group of tech guys. It has been created largely by myself, a real estate professional, along with a tremendous amount of feedback from other agents, brokers and clients,” Tracy said.
The application includes lead and contact management, Internet Data Exchange (IDX) search, mapping, file sharing and a transaction dashboard.
When I demoed the platform, I was impressed at how the mapping was integrated into the mobile app. Maps are available in-app without having to navigate away to a native app like Google Maps and enable a user to map multiple routes for property showings. A real estate agent can share the routes with clients and even track mileage, which is critical to any independent contractor working in the industry.
The lead management module integrates leads from Zillow, Trulia and realtor.com. However, the app will also work with pre-existing broker and agent tools via an API (application programming interface). The app can function as a stand-alone product, acting as a hub by connecting other technologies.
Being a real estate pro himself, Tracy’s favorite feature of the app is the transaction dashboard.
“Keeping track of multiple files can be very challenging but with blueQub, I can see everything about a file in one place. I can see all the property information, the people associated in the transaction, the notes, events and documents for the file, and all of my deadlines — all on one simple page,” Tracy said.
One of the elements that differentiates blueQub from similar apps in the real estate space that I have tested is the client collaboration. Clients can access the app via their mobile device or desktop browser and access files such as appraisals, inspection reports and prequalification documents. They can also utilize the property search, share photos and have the ability to leave notes and information. This collaboration process is also possible with an office administrator or other team members in the office.
BlueQub supports many MLS markets across the Unites States and the IDX search functioned quite well during my demonstration. The photos can be displayed full-screen in the mobile app, and all of the traditional listing data is included. Tracy stated that blueQub currently supports more than 140 MLS areas serving most of the major metropolitan areas around the country and are adding new MLS feeds every week.
The blueQub app will be available in early September for existing Blueroof360 clients and by mid-to-late September for everyone else. The service is priced at $29 a month for an individual real estate agent, and group pricing is available. For group pricing, brokers can contact Greg Tracy directly at greg@blueroof.com. You can visit blueQub.com to learn more about the platform.
Tom Flanagan is the director of information technology at Residential Properties Ltd. in Providence, R.I. You can contact him at tflanagan@residentialproperties.com or @tflan on Twitter.
