Tech, communication key to real estate growth

The challenges facing the real estate industry can be effectively addressed through improved communication and digital transformation, according to experts at delaware Philippines’ recent Industry Brunch and Learn event.

Titled “Transforming Real Estate: Utilizing SAP S/4HANA for Digital Innovation and Market Leadership,” the event brought together industry leaders to explore how technology, paired with process improvements, can resolve common issues in the sector.

Carl Dy, a property guru and author, identified internal challenges as the primary roadblocks to growth.

“The true hurdles often lie within overburdened employees, inefficient processes, and poor communication. These internal issues not only affect the workforce but also lead to subpar customer experiences, eroding trust and loyalty,” Dy said.

He stressed the importance of moving from a sales-centric approach to one that prioritizes long-term relationships with customers through better communication and transparency.

Communication gaps, particularly during key stages of the customer journey, were highlighted as a critical problem.

Delayed responses from agents and a lack of updates after property purchases contribute to customer frustration, Dy noted, urging companies to address these weaknesses.

Aldin Anos, industry leader for real estate at delaware Philippines, reinforced this perspective, noting that technology is a “powerful enabler” when combined with organizational change.

“Many real estate companies still rely on outdated systems and manual processes, leading to inefficiencies and errors, which in turn cause setbacks that hinder these organizations from growing,” Anos said.

The Role of Technology in Real Estate

At the heart of the event’s discussions was SAP S/4HANA, a software solution designed to meet the specific needs of real estate businesses.

According to Anos, the suite of tools within SAP S/4HANA can streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve customer experiences.

Its applications range from project management to financial accounting and customer relationship management.

Rosette Carrao, Partner and Delivery Head of delaware Philippines, emphasized that technology, when used alongside better communication practices, offers a significant opportunity for both customers and businesses.

“We want to help industry leaders realize that addressing unique challenges in the real estate industry—such as portfolio management, contract and lease management, and third-party management—through technology and communication can be a huge win,” Carrao said.

People-Centric Approach Still Critical

While technology offers solutions, it is not a cure-all for the industry’s problems, explained Simone Pigason, Senior Vice President for Customer Success at delaware Philippines.

“The real estate industry landscape is changing, but what has not changed is the need for a people-first perspective. The key is not just in adopting technology, but in rethinking processes and strategies to fully leverage its capabilities,” she said.

Pigason added that companies that balance technological adoption with a focus on process improvements and customer satisfaction will be better positioned to lead the industry in the future.

Event Takeaways

The Industry Brunch and Learn event attracted over 31 participants, including representatives from major real estate companies such as PNB Holdings Corporation, Robinsons Land Corporation, Greenfield Development Corporation, and San Miguel Properties.

The event addressed the pain points real estate companies face and highlighted how digital transformation, using solutions like SAP S/4HANA, can help overcome these challenges.