The best video calling tools for agents
Business may no longer be conducted in the usual, face-to-face way during lockdown, but deals can still be done, and sales can still be progressed. All that’s needed is a more creative approach.
That’s where video-calling comes in. Meetings with solicitors, surveyors, landlords, buyers, vendors and lenders can still take place through a video call. Some agents are even conducting valuations via WhatsApp or Zoom in order to keep the market moving.
But with so many tools available, how do you decide which is the best one for you and your clients? We’ve taken a look at the most popular video calling tech on the market to look at which work best for agents.
Zoom
Zoom’s virtual meeting facility was well-established prior to the arrival of COVID-19, but the tool has soared in popularity since the crisis hit. Zoom is easy to download and then log-on to when starting a meet with useful extra features such as the ability to record meetings.
The platform is free in its basic form but group meetings are restricted to 40 minutes unless you have a paid-for Pro, Business or Enterprise account. The only way around this is for everyone to leave the meeting after 40 mins and then start another meeting, which isn’t ideal.
How can you access it?
Desktop and phone.
Is it free to use?
Yes, although calls on the free version are limited to 40 minutes. The paid for version extends this to 24 hours.
How many people can chat at once?
Up to 100
What’s the privacy like?
Amid growing security concerns, Zoom has recently released an update to bolster its data protection measures. Will it be enough to ease users’ privacy worries? The jury’s still out although one way to ensure a meeting is secure is to ensure you only allow people you know into your meeting.
Best for?
Scheduled 1-to-1 meetings. You can send a link to your client in advance, which they can simply click to join the video call.
Skype
The most well-known video calling app on the market, Skype has been successfully connecting us since 2003.
Benefits include a stable interface and features such as live subtitles and real-time translation. Skype group calls are free and use a single link to invite everyone in.
One to one calls are different – both people have to have Skype accounts to make these calls for free, but it costs money if they don’t.
How can you access it?
Desktop and phone.
Is it free to use?
Yes.
How many people can chat at once?
Up to 50.
What’s the privacy like?
All Skype video calls are encrypted.
Best for?
Bringing together large groups for multi-branch team meetings.
Straightforward to use, WhatsApp has the added bonus of being familiar to most agents and clients, and is already downloaded on most phones.
Video calls are stable and good quality, and the service also offers a low-data mode which is particularly useful if you’re on the move.
But beware that agents using WhatsApp for work purposes are required to use the platform’s business-only version. The business version is identical to the personal one and at the moment both are free, although it is likely that WhatsApp will eventually start charging for its ‘enterprise’ version.
How can you access it?
Phone only.
Is it free to use?
Yes.
How many people can video chat at once?
A maximum of 4.
What’s the privacy like?
End-to-end encryption provides some degree of privacy.
Best for?
Virtual home tours or simple video calls involving 2 or 3 people.
Read more about virtual viewings during the Coronavirus crisis.
Microsoft Teams
Primarily created for business, Microsoft Teams offers particularly stable video calling, making it perfect for large team meetings.
Additional functionality allows users to share their screens and chat online.
How can you access it?
Desktop and phone
Is it free to use?
It is to attend a Teams meeting, but to organise one you need to be registered for and have a paid-for Office 365 account. Most businesses do, assuming they’re using Microsoft’s suite of products such as Word, Outlook and Excel.
How many people can chat at once?
Up to 250
What’s the privacy like?
Not bad. Encryption practices are followed, plus additional privacy and security controls are on offer depending on your Microsoft subscription level.
Like all the platforms reviewed here, they are required to adhere to detailed guidelines published by the ICO in the UK.
In summary, the ICO says: “Personal data shall be…processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures”.
Best for?
Large group training sessions
House Party
Initially aimed at teenagers, House Party has seen a massive increase in downloads since the start of the coronavirus crisis and is used by some agents who want to connect with young renters or buyers.
Not only is this one easy to use, but you may find your clients are already using it to keep up with those endless demands for quiz nights with family and friends!
How can you access it?
Desktop and phone.
Is it free to use?
Yes.
How many people can chat at once?
A maximum of 8.
What’s the privacy like?
Reports of security breaches have been strongly denied by House Party, but some reports say the app collects a ‘worrying amount’ of information from its users in return for its free service.
Best for?
Video calls with younger clients.
FaceTime
If you and your clients are Apple fans, it may well be that FaceTime is your best video calling option.
Installed as standard on all iPhones, iPads and Mac computers, FaceTime offers outstanding video quality and a stable connection.
How can you access it?
Desktop and phone.
Is it free to use?
Yes.
How many people can chat at once?
Up to 32.
What’s the privacy like?
Good. Apple is known for its strong encryption practices, meaning that the company can’t access any of the information you share during a call.
Best for?
Reliable video calling when all users are on Apple devices.
