Client Case Study: New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty – Elevating Real Estate Technology

 

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty (NZSIR) is a member of the world's premier real estate network, specialising in marketing a varied range of luxury homes in New Zealand. With 31 offices and over 180 sales associates across the country, NZSIR needed a reliable and responsive IT partner that could meet their high standards and expectations.

As a company that thrives on building relationships, NZSIR desired an IT partner that could be considered an extension of their business and understand their unique needs and goals. They also sought to modernise their work approach by utilising Microsoft's collaborative tools, tailored for seamless teamwork across their network.

As Operations Manager Mats Leckie says, they were looking for an attentive, responsive and proactive partner who recognised and identified opportunities with the digital transformation of the business, and heard and understood the painpoints of internal processes.

 

“We sought a company that would approach us with fresh, innovative ideas and solutions, coupled with a personal touch that would make us feel valued as individuals, not just a number. We aimed for an IT experience that would be exhilarating, with endless opportunities within reach”

“It was a decision based on relationships, and in the realm of real estate, relationships form the cornerstone of our business.”

However, their prior IT systems did not meet the standards of service and support they required. They encountered challenges such as delayed response times, a lack of proactive solutions, and outdated hardware and software. These hurdles impacted their operational efficiency, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

The solution

Both Brains started by conducting a thorough IT audit and assessment of NZSIR’s existing systems and infrastructure. They identified the gaps and opportunities for improvement and proposed a strategic plan to address them. Some of the key actions they took included:

• Migrating NZSIR’s email and data to Microsoft 365, enabling cloud-based access, storage, and collaboration for all staff and sales agents.
• Providing full helpdesk support and managed services, ensuring fast and friendly resolution of any IT issues or requests.
• Supplying and installing new laptops, monitors, printers, and other hardware for all offices and staff, with regular updates and maintenance.
• Setting up and configuring Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive for NZSIR's network, facilitating easy communication, file sharing, and document management.
• Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as multi-factor authentication, firewall, EDR, and backup solutions, to protect business data and devices from threats and breaches.

 

“Ryan and his team have delivered a lightbulb moment in terms of Azure desktop migration and back up services, systems and processes where he’s made it understandable but easy.

“Our sales agents and support staff could instantaneously see the benefits.”

The results

Two years down the track from when conversations were first held, Mats sees Both Brains as a strategic partner in NZSIR’s business growth trajectory.

“It’s been transformative for us,” he says, quite simply.

“As a business, our goal is to lead in real estate technology, and with this implementation, we're poised for the future. Both Brains has impressed not only me but also our sales agents. Previously, our IT approach was more passive, but now we engage in frequent meetings and consistently explore upcoming projects, exchanging ideas and concepts collaboratively.

One example is Both Brains’ collaborative involvement in our website upgrade which has been crucial, highlighting that digital transformation is an ongoing journey rather than a finite task.”

“We're always evolving, and Both Brains is right there with us, ensuring we never stagnate.”

Since partnering with Both Brains, NZSIR has experienced significant benefits and improvements in their IT systems and operations enhancing their efficiency, productivity, and staff satisfaction.

Some of the key outcomes they have achieved include:

• Improved communication and collaboration, as staff and sales agents can chat, call, video conference, and share documents with each other and with external parties, using Microsoft Teams and other tools.
• Enhanced customer service and satisfaction, as staff and sales agents can respond to customer inquiries and requests faster and more effectively, using the latest technology and devices.
• Reduced IT costs and risks, as Both Brains provides proactive and preventive IT solutions and support, minimising downtime, errors, and incidents.
• Strengthened trust and relationship, as Both Brains acts as a true partner and advisor for NZSIR, listening to their needs, providing honest feedback, and delivering tailored solutions.
  
  

Ryan Howard, Managing Director of Both Brains, says that they are proud to partner with NZSIR and help them achieve their vision.

“Our role is to work with businesses and tailor IT solutions to their specific needs. We believe that people are the core of any business, and we want to help them use technology effectively and efficiently.

Why do we value New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty as a partner? They are attentive, they have a vision for the future, and they strive for excellence for their staff and business, to keep top performers, enhance productivity and support their sales agents.”