1.6 Understanding the Main Interface (Typical Real Estate Workflow)

Once logged in (typically via web browser for the full view), you'll see the main Close Master interface. While it might seem like a lot initially, understanding the layout and how it supports a typical real estate process will help you navigate confidently.

Conceptual Real Estate Workflow within Close Master:

  1. Capture Lead: A potential seller fills out your "Free Home Valuation" Form on your website. A buyer lead clicks your Facebook Lead Ad and their info is automatically sent. A referral calls your tracked agency Phone Number. You meet someone at an open house and Manually Add them as a Contact. The lead's information now exists as a Contact record in your CRM.
  2. Qualify & Track: An assigned agent uses the Conversations inbox to send an initial follow-up text or email. A potential deal (Opportunity) is created and added to the "Seller Pipeline" or "Buyer Pipeline" in the Opportunities section, placed in the initial Stage (e.g., "New Lead").
  3. Automate Initial Follow-Up: A Workflow is automatically triggered by the lead capture event (e.g., form submission). This workflow might: send an immediate welcome SMS/Email, wait a specified time, schedule a follow-up Task for the assigned agent (e.g., "Call Lead within 15 mins"), and add relevant Tags (e.g., Source: Website, Seller Lead).
  4. Engage & Schedule: The agent continues communication via Conversations (SMS, Email, Phone Call through the platform). When ready, they use the Calendars feature to book a showing or consultation appointment, potentially sending the client a booking link.
  5. Manage Appointment: An automated Workflow sends appointment confirmation and reminder messages (SMS/Email) based on the scheduled Calendar event. After the appointment, the agent updates the status in Calendars to 'Showed' or 'No Show'.
  6. Manage Transaction: As the deal progresses (e.g., offer made, accepted), the agent updates the Opportunity card's Stage in the Pipelines. Documents like listing agreements or offers might be sent for e-signature using the Payments > Documents feature. Tasks for transaction coordination might be automatically generated by Workflows based on stage changes.
  7. Post-Close: Once the deal closes, the agent updates the Opportunity status to "Won" (Closed). This can trigger a final Workflow to send a thank you message, request an online review (Reputation), and add the contact to a long-term "Past Client" nurture sequence.

Main Navigation Areas (Left Menu Bar - Typical Layout):

This vertical menu provides access to the core sections of Close Master. Key areas for real estate professionals include:

  • Dashboard: Your main performance overview and customizable snapshot (See 1.8).
  • Conversations: The unified inbox for managing all SMS, Email, FB/IG DM, GMB messages, etc. (See 8.1).
  • Calendars: View your schedule, manage booked appointments (showings, consultations), update status (Showed/No Show). (See 8.2).
  • Contacts: Your central CRM database. View, filter, tag, and manage all your leads, clients, sphere, vendors. (See Chapter 3).
  • Opportunities: Your visual sales pipelines. Track listing and buyer deals through custom stages. (See Chapter 5).
  • Payments: Access Invoicing (commissions), Document Signing (e-signatures), Products (if selling services), Orders, Transactions. (See Chapter 14).
  • Marketing: Tools like the Social Planner (schedule posts for listings, market updates), Email Templates & Campaigns (newsletters, property alerts), SMS Templates/Snippets, Trigger Links. (See Chapters 6, 15).
  • Automations: Build and manage your automated Workflows for follow-up, reminders, tasks, etc. (See Chapter 10).
  • Sites: Build and manage Websites, Funnels (landing pages), Blogs, Forms, Surveys, Chat Widget. Access the Media library (property photos, logos). (See Chapter 9).
  • Reputation: Monitor online reviews (Google, FB) and request testimonials. (See 8.3 / 15.3).
  • Reporting: Access detailed analytics on Ads, Attribution (Lead Sources), Calls, Agent Performance, Appointments. (See Chapter 16).
  • Affiliate Manager: (If used) Manage your referral partner program. (See Chapter 18).
  • Memberships: (If used) Create and manage Courses (agent training, client resources) and Communities (team/client groups). (See Chapters 11, 12).
  • Settings: Configure your entire account (Business Profile, Phone Numbers, Email Services, Domains, Calendars, Custom Fields/Values, Tags, Integrations, Team - My Staff, Your own profile - My Profile). (See Chapter 22).

Other Interface Elements:

  • Quick Actions Menu (Lightning Bolt Icon - Top Right): Provides shortcuts for common actions like + Add Contact, Book Appointment, Send Review Request, Create Opportunity.
  • Help Menu (? Icon - Bottom Right): Access platform help documentation and potentially support channels.
  • Custom Menu Links: The Close Agency may add custom links in the left menu pointing to specific agency resources, training materials, or support pages.