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ZipComps is a branded productivity and lead cultivation app for real estate agents.
Platforms: Browser-based; iOS
Ideal for: All agents
Top selling points
- Sharp, intuitive interface
- Tightly designed, not overdone with features
- Nicely integrated listing alerts
- Proprietary algorithm to find likely-to-sell prospects
Top concerns
- Only available in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego markets. The ramp up to other markets may delay adoption.
Rating: 3/5
1 = Not ready to improve business
2 = Functional; Lacking features to better business
3 = Good; Features will appeal to some
4 = Excellent; Wide appeal, minor concerns
5 = Superior; Best of breed features
What you should know
When I first looked into ZipComps, I came off as cynical about it not offering much.
Upon further review, the app provides exactly what a real estate agent needs. It’s easy to use and has a practical feature set.
Registration takes little time and a “Smart Farm” (intended for door-knocking) can be created in moments by entering an address or ZIP code to unearth homeowners likely to sell in six to 12 months.
The agent-branded app uses a private ZipComps algorithm to produce the list, but details like time-owned and equity are factors.
Multiple Smart Farms can be saved, and it’s easy to record results as each property owner is contacted. Users can expand a farm radius with a slider and adjust home details as needed.
ZipComps also offers a companion landing page URL for agents. It can serve as an alternative web presence for agents already invested in a site, and it provides a browser-based account management tool.
Listing alerts, value reports and client communication
The listing alert feature is something you’ve seen before.
However, ZipComps adds a one-touch “when to send” control that ranges from every hour to once a month. It allows for more precision and can be easily adjusted with buyer feedback. (Buyers can be invited to manually create their list or agents can set it up for them.)
Sellers can offer home value reports detailing comps, average price per ZIP code, sales trends, price per square foot and other metrics that make up a comprehensive look at the seller’s competition.
The reports flow nicely through an iPhone screen, while ZipComps’ Market Stats give a more general view of the price landscape.
Buyers who want to use ZipComps will be given a sharp, image-heavy property search tool that looks as good as the major portals. Getting a buyer to trust one source for property data remains an entirely different challenge, however.
The app also helps organize correspondence: Buyers and agents text each other about a specific property when something stands out, and ZipComps archives all communications.
What about the mortgage side?
The app offers branding for a preferred lender partner, which has its own account page and information within the app.
Buyers can be invited to pre-qualify, and agents are able to see any requests. I was assured the relationships are orchestrated for RESPA-compliance.
Markets and compatibility
ZipComps addresses the fundamental needs of agents without trying to do more than what’s comfortable on a smartphone.
The app is free for agents on the iOS platform, and Android users will see a version in 2017. (The website allows Android users to have an account prior to their app being launched.)
ZipComps is currently available in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego markets. The company has plans for expansion, but no hard dates have been set.
Have a technology product you would like to discuss? Email Craig Rowe.
