The Tech Gap in Real Estate: Why StreetEasy Is Falling Behind in the Digital Age

Business, Technology
Reading Time: 3 minutes

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In today’s fast-paced world, technology has revolutionized nearly every industry, and real estate is no exception. While many platforms in the real estate space have embraced modern solutions, StreetEasy remains behind, relying on outdated procedures that add unnecessary complexity to the process.

The Modern Real Estate Tech Landscape

Companies like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com have evolved to meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy users. With advanced search algorithms, integrated listing databases, and real-time communication tools, these platforms set the standard for efficiency and user experience. They embrace digital transformation, making it easier for both real estate professionals and clients to access information quickly.

However, StreetEasy has one significant area where it lags behind: its brokerages’ licensing verification process.

The Outdated StreetEasy Process

StreetEasy requires new brokerages to provide a physical copy of their license to be listed. As a Senior Support Services Specialist at StreetEasy stated, “We require all new brokerages to provide us with a copy of the physical license.” This practice seems antiquated in an age where digital verification is standard. Licenses are typically renewable online, and brokerage details are readily available on Department of State servers. Instead of streamlining the process, StreetEasy insists on a manual, paper-based approach, creating inefficiencies.

The Disconnect Between Technology and Bureaucracy

It’s perplexing that StreetEasy relies on outdated methods when licensing information is already available digitally. Many regulatory bodies, including the Department of State, provide online access to licenses and business registrations, making verification a simple, automated process. Yet, StreetEasy continues to ask for physical copies of documents that could be verified online, creating unnecessary bottlenecks for brokers.

This outdated process isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a sign of a broader issue: the persistence of unnecessary bureaucracy. In a digital world, many companies continue to rely on paper-based procedures that waste time and energy, all while failing to provide added value.

Why It Matters for Real Estate Professionals and Clients

For real estate brokers, this means extra time spent mailing or scanning physical documents, leading to unnecessary delays in listing properties. Clients, in turn, experience slower, less efficient services, which is problematic when transactions need to move quickly. In an industry where time is often crucial, every unnecessary step makes the process more cumbersome.

By demanding physical copies in an era when digital verification is available, StreetEasy is falling behind its competitors, who have adopted more efficient processes. This reluctance to modernize makes it less competitive in a space that’s increasingly focused on speed and ease.

Moving Forward: Embracing the Future

StreetEasy has the opportunity to modernize and better serve both brokers and clients by adopting digital verification systems. Cross-referencing the Department of State’s database for licensing would speed up the process, eliminate the need for physical documentation, and improve overall efficiency.

Companies that fail to embrace modern solutions risk losing relevance. StreetEasy’s refusal to adapt to digital trends means it’s missing out on an opportunity to provide faster, more efficient service. In today’s market, innovation isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Conclusion

In a world where information is easily accessible, it’s difficult to understand why StreetEasy continues to rely on outdated methods. As other platforms streamline processes and enhance user experiences, StreetEasy risks falling behind by clinging to old systems. The time has come for StreetEasy to embrace the digital tools available and evolve to meet the demands of today’s real estate market. It’s time to leave outdated practices behind and move into the future.

 

 

Alexander Paykin, Esq., Managing Director of The Law Office of Alexander Paykin, P.C., based out of New York, focused his practice in real estate and commercial litigation and complex transactions. His firm also provides technology and finance consultancy services to its clients, including other law firms throughout the US.  With a background spanning multiple countries and businesses in finance and IT, Paykin brings a unique perspective to his legal practice.  His firm is modeled as a high-tech, client-centered practice, focusing on efficient service delivery in litigation and complex transactions related to business, commerce, finance, and real estate. He also operates a real estate brokerage and a real estate holding company.  Mr. Paykin regularly teaches continuing legal education courses and has been published in prestigious legal journals. His writings cover topics such as mutual insurer demutualization, the business judgment rule, law practice management, and the use of artificial intelligence in modern law practice.
Mr. Paykin sits on multiple professional committees and the boards of three 501c3 non-profits, as well as a condominium board.
Connect with Alexander Paykin on social media:
Twitter/X: @Paykinlaw

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