Enhancing Home Building with AI: 5 Ways OSCs Can Leverage Technology Without Losing the Human Touch
Just because you can’t leave it to AI (artificial intelligence) as we talked about last month, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it at all!
The home building industry is experiencing a transformative wave with the integration of AI into various facets of operations. One crucial area where AI can make a significant impact is in Online Sales Counselor (OSC) programs. These programs play a vital role in engaging potential buyers and guiding them through the home-buying process. The challenge lies in seamlessly incorporating AI to enhance efficiency without compromising the personalized touch that is essential for successful customer engagement. Here are 5 ways new home builders can integrate AI into their OSC programs while maintaining a strong human connection:
- Chatbots for Instant Response:
Implement AI-powered chatbots on your website to provide instant responses to customer inquiries. These chatbots can answer frequently asked questions and provide basic information during an OSC’s off hours. Or they can be available for individuals who are not yet ready to speak with a human. When utilized correctly, they can easily allow a transfer to a live person for more complex queries and personalized interactions. You can’t have one without the other, or you will lose potential clients who need more details than pre-canned responses. Chatbots can be utilized to provide assistance to the OSC when needed but will never replace the human element.
- Personalized Virtual Tours:
Enhance the virtual home tour experience by leveraging AI to personalize the content based on the customer’s preferences. Utilize data analytics to understand customer behavior and preferences, tailoring virtual tours to showcase features that align with their interests. This is something many tech companies are beginning to offer to provide that Netflix effect whereby your content is curated based on your previous choices and desires.
- AI-Driven Lead Scoring:
Implement AI algorithms to analyze customer data and behavior, providing OSCs with insights into lead scoring. This enables prioritization of leads based on their likelihood to convert, allowing OSCs to allocate their time and resources more efficiently. It’s important however to have insight into lead return visits to the website. If this data is not viewable by AI, a human can see that while a prospect may not be opening emails or answering phone calls, if there are continual visits back to your website, you may need to think outside the box (And the AI) to find a way to connect with that buyer.
- AI-Powered CRM Systems and Content:
Upgrade your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system with AI capabilities. This enables OSCs to better understand customer preferences, track interactions, and provide more personalized recommendations, fostering stronger relationships with potential buyers. Using AI to write some of your emails can be a timesaver, but always requires a watchful eye to make sure information is accurate, relatable, and applicable.
- Augmented Reality (AR) for Stronger Visualization:
Incorporate AR technology into your OSC program to help guide buyers for better visualization. From communities to floorplans AR can help with new communities and phases and help agents pre-sell without a model. AR allows customers to visualize customization options in real-time, creating a more immersive and engaging experience that enhances their connection with the property.
Striking the Balance: Human Touch in the Digital Age
While integrating AI into OSC programs brings numerous benefits, it’s crucial to maintain the human touch. AI should serve as a supportive tool, freeing up time for OSCs to focus on building genuine connections with potential buyers. Regular training and monitoring ensure that AI enhances, not replaces, the personalized service that sets the home building industry apart.
The synergy between AI and OSCs in the home building industry holds immense potential. By adopting these 5 strategies, new home builders can leverage technology to streamline operations, gain valuable insights, and ultimately provide a more personalized and engaging experience for their customers. Embracing AI doesn’t mean losing the human touch – it means elevating it to new heights in the digital age.