Software: RELAY™ Overview

Nice overview! Thanks for the comprehensive assessment.

Frank,

My team uses RELAY, and it is great. I was first introduced to this online transaction management solution through Carolyn Nelson's Blog here on Active Rain. It is a great tool to have and very, very affordable. I like the fact that there's no monthly fee, just an annual subscription fee.

One of the coolest features it has is the ability to fax a document right from the program! This means, that my Client Care Manager does not need a separate fax line in her office to fax any documents we place on the RELAY system. She can simply fax it directly from her computer---or any computer she has access to! We can also receive documents from a client to fax into the system. The system automatically files the document in the correct location and we all have instant access!

The customer service thus far has been great! The fact that an agent and/or the agent's team members can view, manage, and send documents which are stored online is a HUGE timesaver. There have been times when I was out of the office and did not have access to a document. Well, with the click of a mouse, it's located for me! I've also been hundreds of miles away when an agent requested a disclosure prior to submitting an offer. Well, with it already loaded in RELAY, I or my Client Care Manager can quickly send it via email or fax to the agent!

Frank,

I haven't had a chance to work with another agent w/ RELAY. This is our first six months with the program and I am finding that many agents have not yet got to the point where they have implemented RELAY into their practice. However, I am going to make it a habit to invite them into my system. I think I can extend them an invite to also view files I select for them to view online---just as I can invite the sellers and buyers. This is going to be a new process for me in 2008.

Jaclyn- I have used the system with both sides of the transaction and the vendors involved and it makes for a very smooth transaction! I definitely recommend you start to utilize more of the features, you will be pleasantly surprised at how efficient it is. Since all the parties have access to the allowed documents any time you will get fewer phone calls from Agents/Vendors.  
Frank- Thank you for posting an overview of the program. As a Relay Certified National Trainer I highly recommend the system.  

Dean,

Great insight. You are right---I do need to implement more of the included features. This system is very easy to use. My main dilemma is finding the time to discover the new features so that I can use them to team's fullest advantage. I'm devoting more time now in effort to prepare for a successful 2008. Most of my "quiet" time learning is done with the babies in the bed, late in the night. :)

Question, What is your favorite tool in RELAY?

Jaclyn- My favorite tool hmm? It's tough to limit it to one tool because the way they work together is the real benefit. But here are a few things I use that I really like:
    Exporting activities to my outlook calendar.
    Using the provider workspaces for everything- remember since you don't pay per transaction you can
    use Relay to coordinate many types of business transactions.
    Using the public documents for marketing- Create a listing presentation, Virtual Tour or any other type of
    marketing tool then place it in public documents and link it on your website, in e-mails wherever you
    can. When a prospect follows the link and signs in they get to see your marketing and you get to capture
    the lead right in Relay.
    Adding common documents to checklist templates.
I could keep on going but hopefully that includes some useful items you haven't tried yet. I always remind people to use Relay for listing management as well as for the contract to close part of the transaction.

Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. 

Frank- I don't think we have any AOR's offering it as a benefit yet. I don't have any major chains here using it system wide but I do have some brokerages that have implemented it for their brokerage. As I explain the risk management aspects and E&O savings they can experience not to mention the increased efficiency of their agents more and more brokers are becoming receptive. It is definitely gaining momentum.