The Property Edge Podcast

Why Your Database is Bleeding Money: Hard Truths from a PropTech Pioneer

A confronting reality: most real estate agency databases are filled with errors, duplicates, and dead leads. But agencies continue investing in new tech while ignoring their deteriorating data foundation.

In this week's Property Edge podcast, proptech specialist Tristan Lovell (from GoList) delivers a masterclass in turning messy data into money. His key message? Stop throwing good money after bad tech until you fix your data.

TL;DR:?

• Messy databases kill opportunity - many agencies can't even generate accurate lists of past clients or prospects by region due to poor data practices.?

• Clean data pays for itself – putting the time into cleaning and augmenting the database can deliver immediate returns through better, targeted, efficient prospecting.?

• Never merge departing agents' contacts – instead create 'orphan' accounts to preserve data value for future recruitment.?

• Sales and property management system integration is finally catching up through new bridge solutions.?

• 2025's PropTech wave promises streamlined processes and 10x social media lead generation efficiency.?

Listen to it here:

Your database isn't a filing cabinet - it's your most valuable business asset. Yet most agencies can't even pull an accurate list of past clients. The solution isn't complex: get a specialist or develop one from one of your team to help clean your data, then maintain it properly.?

“If you've got a listing that's just come up for sale, you might want to send it round to all your current landlords. To say, hey here's a great investment. Here's all the details you want to know. Keep it in your rent roll. Sell it to an existing landlord.”? Tristan Lovell

When agents leave, resist the urge to merge their contacts into other profiles. Instead, create 'orphan' accounts that preserve data value for future recruitment and centralised prospecting. Smart data management today creates opportunities tomorrow.?

The days of manual data entry are numbered. 2025 will bring AI-powered solutions that slash admin time and boost lead conversion through instant response. But even the best tech can't fix dirty data - get your foundation right first.?

Small agencies don't need big budgets - they need smart data strategies. Offshore teams and data specialists deliver immediate ROI through clean, actionable data. Meanwhile, the traditional divide between sales and property management systems is finally closing through new integration solutions.?

“One thing I see in a lot of databases is there's appraisals that go back way beyond 12 months. So they're like hopeful that one day maybe they might sell their property.”? Tristan Lovell

The message is clear: clean your data first, then worry about new tech. Because even the finest tools are only as good as the data they're working with.?

Watch it here:

The Property Edge Podcast from Land Services SA has the duel purpose spreading best practice ideas while helping us better understand the local proptech landscape.?

If you have any requests or recommendations for future guests, please message us!?

Learn more about the Property Edge platform at www.propertyedge.app?

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