Introduction
In a significant development for rental property seekers, At Home Co., Ltd., headquartered in Ota City, Tokyo, has announced a collaborative effort to enhance its online rental application system, known as "Smart Application." This new initiative includes partnerships with three moving and relocation service providers: Apple Inc., Treasure Factory Co., Ltd., and Nakao Transport Co., Ltd. This collaboration aims to streamline the moving process for applicants, strengthen customer satisfaction for real estate companies, and ultimately improve the overall rental experience.
Overview of the Collaboration
The integration of Apple, Treasure Factory, and Nakao Transport into the Smart Application platform is set to elevate the convenience for those wishing to apply for rental properties online. By eliminating redundancy in the moving process, both applicants and real estate agencies can enjoy a more efficient application experience. The Smart Application allows renters to input necessary details such as their name, address, employer, and emergency contact in a single online form. This data can then be quickly shared with moving companies, rental guarantee firms, and utility service providers.
Benefits to Applicants and Real Estate Companies
Traditionally, applicants were required to fill out multiple forms for different services—rental applications, utility setups, moving contracts, and more. The new partnerships minimize this redundancy, meaning applicants can expect a much smoother transition to their new homes without the hassle of repeated paperwork.
For real estate agencies, the integration not only aids customer satisfaction but also reflects their commitment to modernizing operations and adapting to digital advancements. By utilizing Smart Application, agencies can facilitate a more efficient data management process and further engage in a paperless workflow—creating a more sustainable and streamlined business model.
Expanding Service Network
At Home’s ambitions do not end here; the company is also looking to expand its network of partners. In addition to moving services, future collaborations may include rental guarantee firms, short-term insurance providers, and various utility services to further ease the moving process for consumers. The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports both applicants and real estate professionals alike.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Various challenges in the rental application process have historically burdened both applicants and real estate professionals:
1.
Real Estate Agencies: Companies have faced inefficiencies as they transfer applicant information to their internal management systems manually. This process is cumbersome and time-consuming.
2.
Applicants: Prospective renters juggle numerous tasks when relocating, involving several forms and applications across different service providers. This often leads to confusion and frustration, as applicants need to repeat information for various agencies.
3.
Service Providers: Rental guarantee companies, utility service providers, and moving firms experience delays during the application process, especially if there are issues with documentation or incomplete information.
To tackle these problems head-on, At Home is committed to fostering further collaborations with relevant businesses, thereby enhancing the interconnectedness of services and promoting digital transformation within the rental industry.
About Smart Application
The Smart Application system by At Home enables users to complete their rental applications seamlessly online. Users fill out essential information in a dedicated form, and the system facilitates easy connections with necessary service providers. It brings a significant improvement in administrative efficiency, eliciting positive responses from real estate businesses regarding its impact on application processing and data management.
Future Initiatives
At Home's "Smart Solutions" initiative leverages cutting-edge technology to optimize and streamline real estate operations. This includes a full-service support system spanning inquiries, property viewings, application submissions, crucial explanations, and contract proceedings. Aimed at allowing real estate companies to focus more on core business activities, this holistic support system is pioneering in enhancing operational effectiveness.
At Home remains committed to supporting over 63,000 affiliated agencies across Japan by promoting operational efficiency and innovation in the real estate sector through continuous development and implementation of new products and services. This ongoing dedication to catalyzing IT adoption and digital transformation (DX) in the industry positions At Home as a key player in the modernized real estate landscape.