The Tools You Need as a Real Estate Agent

 

Key Takeaways

• The real estate industry rewards speed and visibility
   
• New agents can compete by using the right tools early on
   
• Focus on lead generation, CRM, and e-signature tools to start
   
• Tools like SignFast, Canva, and Follow Up Boss make daily tasks easier
   
• Start small, stay consistent, and use tools to build trust and stand out
   

 

It’s Not Just About Being Fast Anymore

In real estate, the slower you are, the slower your sales. But in today’s world, it’s not just about speed—it’s about being seen.

You’re not the only one trying to get noticed out there. There are agents with bigger names, stronger networks, and years of experience. Some have sold dozens of homes. Some have teams behind them. And some are already the “go-to” agent in your area.

So how does someone pick you instead?

You use tools to help you, and not the tools you use to fix your car, no. These tools are software, apps, and platforms that will help you organize, monitor, market, gather leads, and streamline documents so you could save time and focus on building your brand to earn more trust.

 

Why Tools Matter When You’re Just Starting Out

Starting out means you are still learning, and you have to have an edge to stay competitive and even break to the top as time passes by. Also, since you are a rookie, people don’t trust you. It will be hard to get the first sale, even the few after it, and that is normal. That’s the definition of starting up. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have tricks up your sleeve.

That’s where tools help.

The real estate industry takes time; yes, it is slow. But why are we talking about you, having to be faster when the industry itself takes time? How about this: if you were the home buyer, especially a first-timer, would you trust someone who takes long to get a response? Would you trust someone who doesn’t know how to organize himself? Would you trust someone who doesn’t pose as an expert? Of course, no!

Lead generation is important as well. You are not going to get sales if you don’t pick up the phone and start dialling, but that sounds like old school. Today, we have tons of tools that can help you generate leads. Even when you are at home, eating at the kitchen table, you can do so with the right tools.

 

Essential Real Estate Agent Tools You’ll Need

 

a. Lead Generation Tools

Getting leads is one of the hardest parts of being a new agent. These tools help you get in front of people who are already looking to buy or sell:

• Zillow Premier Agent
  Be seen on one of the most popular home search platforms. When buyers look at a listing, your name can show up next to it.
   
• Market Leader
  This platform provides exclusive buyer and seller leads in your area. It’s a paid tool, but it’s built to help new agents fill their pipeline quickly and consistently.
   

 

b. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Tools

Once you get leads, you need to keep track of them. A CRM helps you remember names, follow-up dates, and client details—all in one place.

• Follow Up Boss
  Built for real estate agents, it helps you keep track of texts, calls, and emails so no lead slips through the cracks.
   
• HubSpot CRM
  A free tool that's easy to use. Great for organizing your contacts and keeping track of your conversations as you grow.
   

 

c. Marketing & Design Tools

You don’t need a graphic designer or a huge marketing team. These tools help you look professional online and offline:

• Canva
  Design listing flyers, Instagram posts, business cards, and more. It’s beginner-friendly and packed with templates.
   
• Mailchimp
  Send emails to your contact list—like new listings, open house invites, or helpful tips for buyers and sellers.
   

 

d. Scheduling & Communication Tools

Time is your most valuable asset. These tools help you book meetings, stay in touch, and never miss an appointment.

• Calendly
  Let clients book calls or showings without all the back-and-forth texts. You can set your availability, and it does the rest.
   
• Google Workspace
  Email, calendar, Docs, and Sheets all in one place. Great for staying organized and syncing your schedule across devices.
   

 

e. Document & E-Signature Tools

Paperwork is a big part of real estate. These tools make it easier to send, sign, and manage contracts from anywhere.

• SignFast
  A fast, simple way to send documents for e-signature. Clients can sign from their phone or computer, no printing needed.
  (Also a great choice if you want a clean, affordable alternative to big-name tools.)
   

 

f. Property Showing Tools

Managing property showings can get messy. These tools help you stay organized and make the experience smoother for clients.

• ShowingTime
  Schedule, confirm, and manage home showings without the stress. Everything is handled in one app.

 

Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Tools

Having tools is one thing—using them well is another.

When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to try every new app you see. But that can get overwhelming fast. Instead, keep it simple and start with the tools that help you most right now—like your CRM, lead generation, and document signing tools.

Here are some beginner-friendly tips to make your tools actually work for you:

Start Small

Pick 2 or 3 tools to focus on first. You don’t need everything all at once. A CRM to track your contacts, SignFast for paperwork, and Canva for marketing is a solid start.

Learn as You Go

Don’t skip the tutorials. Watch the demo videos, read the how-to guides, and explore the settings. The more you understand your tools, the faster they’ll help you.

Use Them Daily

Make your tools part of your routine. Check your CRM every morning. Schedule social media posts weekly. Send follow-ups right after meetings. Good habits build a strong business.

Stay Organized

Don’t let your inbox or contact list become a mess. Keep your tools tidy so you can find what you need fast—whether it's a lead's phone number or a signed contract.

Keep Things Simple for Clients

Use tools that are easy for your clients to use too. SignFast, Calendly, and email-friendly documents show people you respect their time and make things easy.

The goal isn’t to rely on tools to do your job—but to support you while you do it better and faster.

 

Bottom Line

With all the tools we have today, it is almost impossible to have a reason to quit early. We have it easier today than it was 10 or 20 years ago. Imagine selling houses, and there weren’t even social media platforms to utilize, and mind you, these are free marketing tools. The biggest and the best in the world, and you are just going to quit. Now, imagine you are a rookie in the 90’s. Hard enough right? Which is why let’s utilize what we have.

You’re not just selling homes. You’re building a brand. And every tool you use is part of how people see you.

Start small. Stay focused. And use your tools to show clients that you’re ready to do business—even if you’re just getting started.

 

FAQs

What tools do new real estate agents need the most?
Start with a CRM to track leads, a tool like SignFast for sending and signing documents, and something simple for marketing like Canva.

Are these tools expensive?
Not always. Many tools have free versions or trials. You can start small and upgrade later when your business grows.

Can I manage without tools at first?
You can try, but it’s harder to stay organized and keep up. Tools save time and help you look more professional from day one.

What’s the easiest tool to start with?
Try HubSpot for organizing your contacts, and SignFast for sending documents. Both are beginner-friendly and easy to learn.