Artificial intelligence solves a key problem in the marketing of property in Switzerland

24.07.2024

For real estate professionals in particular, regular property listing is a Sisyphean task that is generally still carried out in analogue form. It is, therefore, a slow, complex and time-consuming process for property managers and agents. AI-based software innovations from Casasoft, in collaboration with IAZI, solve this problem immediately in the first of several steps, thereby increasing efficiency in the property sector.

Despite advancing automation in the real estate industry, listing properties is still generally an analogue process and, therefore, a veritable Sisyphean task. Property managers and agents, just like the layperson at home, must manually enter dozens of property-specific attributes and descriptions into the corresponding data mask online for each individual property before the respective advertisement can be published. This costs time, money and stress and is at the expense of efficiency. These are all resources that could be much better invested in direct dialogue with sellers and home seekers. In addition, this means that the residential properties are placed on the property market later, which in many places is characterised by demand exceeding supply.

More efficient processes thanks to the use of AI
To make this bottleneck in the property marketing process more efficient, Casasoft, which specialises in property management software, and the property consultancy IAZI have joined forces—the common goal: To offer property professionals a better and, above all, faster process. The key to success lies in the combination of a database on residential properties that is unique in the Swiss property landscape and the Casaone customer relationship management (CRM) system tailored to property managers and agents. In combination, this results in new AI-based applications, including a comprehensive AI-trained chatbot, to solve this central problem in marketing properties in Switzerland.

Specifically, thanks to a first new function in Casaone, real estate properties can now be prepared for publication as an online advertisement with just a few clicks. Only the property’s address is required, after which, through the use of specially trained artificial intelligence, all non-confidential information from IAZI’s extensive data set is compiled and incorporated in a process-optimised manner. This can include up to 35 attributes that previously had to be entered individually by hand – or were often not even recorded in the first place.

However, the possibilities of artificial intelligence in the listing process do not end here. In the near future, artificial intelligence will also support the creation of the listing description based on the property data recorded in Casaone, allowing it to be created with just one click. Property professionals will then be able to create and list their properties more efficiently than ever before.

Fewer hurdles improve market supply
By automating key parts of the advertising process, property professionals can not only save time and money in a regularly repeated process but ultimately also stress.. “The new AI-based function from Casasoft creates greater efficiency and makes it possible to focus more resources on the essential aspects of marketing in direct customer contact,” emphasised Martin Waeber, Managing Director Real Estate of the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group. The new AI-based process in Casaone would benefit not only the sellers but also those looking for real estate properties. Waeber continued: “Sellers save time and money, while properties available to those looking come onto the market more quickly and with higher data quality.” This means that both sides can be brought together even faster and more precisely, especially in urban areas with a concentration of process-intensive apartment buildings, emphasised Waeber.

Sebastian Sinemus
Senior Communications Manager Real Estate & Media Spokeperson

[email protected]
+41 79 819 21 50

Marta Andreoni

Head of Design for Automotive

Introduce yourself and your role at SMG

I’m Marta Andreoni, Head of Design at SMG Automotive. I lead the design and UX writing team shaping AutoScout24 user experience. 

In my role, I wear many hats. My main focus is ensuring we stay true to our vision “simplifying people’s lives and connecting humans through innovative digital platforms” and our brand promise, “make it happen”. I challenge my team to think user-first, push for innovation, ease of use for our customers and make forward-thinking decisions, even within business and technological constraints.

 A big part of my role is supporting each designer’s growth, motivation, and career development. Through one-on-one coaching, mentoring, group work, and projects, I help my colleagues set and achieve their goals while fostering new learning opportunities.

What helps you feel empowered and confident in your role?

If I had to mention one thing I would say “being proactive” has been key to feeling more empowered. I enjoy solving problems, so when issues or opportunities arise, be it in the product, market or the team, I get curious and I proactively investigate the reasons and try to bring inputs to be discussed with others, this makes me feel I can be part of the process or solution and my point of view is going to be taken seriously. My optimism also plays a role, giving me confidence that even the most complex challenges can be solved. 

Besides, having trust from other managers and colleagues makes me feel in a safe environment where I can take ownership on topics I’m passionate about. 

What’s one thing SMG does well in fostering an inclusive workplace? What more can be done to amplify and support different perspectives in the workplace?

In my experience, we strive for balancing top-down and bottom-up inputs, ensuring employees can influence product directions, processes, and culture. People are approachable, and our strong feedback culture helps voices be heard. Across SMG, initiatives like regular People & Culture Surveys, topic guilds, and events in our locations across the world foster open exchange and mutual learning.

That said, I’ve noticed that quieter voices sometimes get less space, or interacting with top management can feel intimidating, especially when giving critical feedback. To make participation more inclusive, we could apply more facilitation and group work techniques like structured turn-taking, written input, and smaller group discussions – ensuring everyone, regardless of confidence level, seniority or personality, feels comfortable contributing. 

Design is often about seeing the world differently. How do unique perspectives contribute to more innovative, inclusive, or impactful design?

Design is about understanding diverse user personas and perspectives to create solutions that truly meet their needs or create new opportunities. I believe in the power of collaboration to shape user experiences – bringing together different disciplines, backgrounds, and lived experiences helps challenge assumptions, uncover blind spots, and drive more inclusive, innovative, and impactful solutions.

Looking back on your career, what’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you had known earlier as a leader in design?

There are three things no one really prepares you for as a design leader: dealing with constant change, facing failure and handling emotions at work. These topics aren’t talked about much until you face them. I was lucky to learn from others’ experiences, but much of it came through my own.

One thing I wish I had understood earlier is the power of emotional intelligence, my job is no longer about the content and the design, it is about people. Self-awareness, not just of your own emotions, but also how others feel and react, can be the difference between conflict and harmony, frustration and clarity. The more I grow as a leader and designer, the more I realise that design isn’t just about doing the design job, delivering solutions on the market: it’s about navigating people, their emotions, and making change more acceptable and transforming issues into opportunities, both within the organisation and through great products.

 

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