#Japan #Tokyo #Real Estate #NTT DOCOMO #At Home

At Home Partners with NTT Docomo

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate technology, At Home, Inc., headquartered in Ota City, Tokyo, has made significant strides by partnering with NTT Docomo, renowned for its advanced telecommunications services. This collaboration focuses on enhancing the "Smart Application" system for online rental applications, facilitating a more efficient and user-friendly process for prospective tenants.

The Integration of Services

With the partnership, the number of rent guarantee companies available through the "Smart Application" service has escalated to 60. This integration means that applicants can now seamlessly submit their personal details—such as name, address, workplace, and emergency contact—directly to these guarantee companies, streamlining the review process. Previously, applicants faced cumbersome paperwork, often involving faxing or mailing handwritten documents, which created potential for errors and delays. By leveraging the digital capabilities of the Smart Application, At Home is not only easing the burden on real estate companies but is also significantly reducing costs associated with paper usage and mailing fees, especially in light of postal rate increases from October 2024.

Addressing Industry Needs

The transition toward this digital approach comes at a pivotal time. At Home conducted a survey in April 2024, engaging nationwide franchise operators involved in rental brokerage and management. The results were revealing; nearly 70% of respondents indicated that more than 80% of rental transactions utilize rent guarantee companies. However, a troubling trend emerged: many of these companies continued to handle interactions through outdated Fax or postal methods, exacerbating operational burdens for real estate agents. As the demand for rent guarantee services escalates, the need for more efficient practices becomes imperative.

Streamlining the Rental Application Process

At Home’s "Smart Application" is a straightforward online platform that allows potential tenants to apply for rentals by simply filling out a dedicated form. This system provides a gateway to not only rent guarantee services but also partnerships with short-term insurance providers and utility connection services. By facilitating these integrations, At Home is fostering a significant reduction in paperwork and enhancing operational efficiency for real estate agencies. Many participating franchisees have reported improved convenience in managing application reception and data oversight due to these technological advancements.

Innovative Solutions for the Future

The "Smart Solution" initiative by At Home employs cutting-edge technology to optimize real estate operations, ensuring that real estate companies can focus on their core activities, such as client service. From initial inquiries about properties to property viewings, applications, essential disclosures, and contracts, this holistic support system is designed to transform daily operations into a more streamlined process.

At Home remains committed to fostering creativity and productivity across its network of over 63,000 franchise locations throughout Japan. The ongoing development and provision of various products and services are pivotal to invigorating the real estate sector and driving IT advancements alongside digital transformation efforts.

Through this partnership with NTT Docomo, At Home is poised to redefine standards within the real estate industry, enhancing both tenant experiences and operational efficiencies for real estate professionals.