The recession is taking a big hit in the homebuilders and Construction Sector. Even in Vancouver, BC, since the 2010 Olympic bid was announced in 2003, we are seeing a downturn in this once-upon-a-time super hot market.

The idea goal for any homebuilders is to improve customer satisfaction, increase margins, and achieve a better operational efficiency. Percentages count in this business.

The 3 most popular CRM companies based on a recent survey are Microsoft Dynamics CRM for the Construction Sector, CDC Software’s Pivotal CRM for Home Building and Real Estate, and Sales Simplicity Software. They are not ranked in any particular order. I’ve attached their resource box below.

Features to look for in CRM for the construction sector niche:

• usable UI for inputting, searching, or managing Customer data
• critical CRM elements for work-flow, all communication (emails, letters) auto-populated
• standard and flexible reporting features
• Purchase agreements or work orders and contracts
• electronic lead management – auto-populate form web site or email sign up
• built in graphics view for “virtual lots or tours”

Microsoft Dynamics CRM for the Construction Sector

Microsoft Dynamics CRM with the Construction Industry Solution enables you to manage all your business development, sales and marketing activity by client, contact, influencer and project. Specifically designed for all sectors of the Construction Industry, specialist versions are available for; Contractors, consultants & architects Building products and plant hire suppliers. Based on the market leading Microsoft CRM solution (used by over 8000 organisations worldwide), Microsoft CRM with the Construction Industry Solution has already been selected by companies such as Amey, Bardon Contracting, EIC, Hanson, IJM Timber and Rok. Used from within Microsoft Outlook, it enables every Outlook user in your organisation to share information on clients, contacts and projects. So, if you use Microsoft Outlook, then you already have the skills to use Microsoft CRM with the Construction Industry Solution.

About Pivotal CRM for Home Building and Real Estate

Pivotal CRM for Home Building and Real Estate is an industry-tailored customer relationship management system designed to help building and real estate firms better manage relationships throughout the customer lifecycle—from the first point of interest to the management of post-sale service and repeat sales. The only comprehensive solution for managing the complete front-office marketing automation, lead management, sales automation, and customer care activities of home builders and real estate companies, four of the top 10 U.S. Home Builders use Pivotal CRM for Home Building and Real Estate to help them cost effectively deliver a superior customer experience. Awarded IT Product of the Year and Best Sales, Marketing and Customer Service Automation product at the 2006 Innovative Housing Technology Awards, Pivotal CRM for Home Building and Real Estate is used by many leading U.S. home builders, including Beazer Homes, Centex Homes, Toll Brothers, and WCI Communities. To learn more, please visit www.pivotal.com/homebuilders.

About Sales Simplicity

Sales Simplicity Software, Inc., based in Chandler, Arizona, is the creator and marketer of leading sales automation, CRM, marketing and eLead management tools for new single-family, semi-custom and custom homes; condo and multi-family builders; developers and new-home realtors; and, apartment sales and rental agents.