Screen sharing for real estate agents

How can a real estate agent see a client's phone screen?

GuidedView is a screen-sharing app for help over the phone, and real estate agents use it when a client's question is really about their screen. The agent sends a one-time invitation by text message or email while the two are on a normal call. The client opens it on the phone, tablet or computer they want to share: iPhones and Android phones use the free GuidedView app, and computers use a supported desktop browser with no download. The client confirms they are on a call with the agent and approves sharing, and the agent sees the screen live in a browser on a phone or laptop, which helps between showings. GuidedView is view-only. The client signs, taps and types everything, and can pause before private steps such as adopting a signature or signing in to a bank to send proof of funds.

What do agents walk buyers and sellers through?

A single transaction can put a client in front of a home search app, a showing scheduler, an e-signature email and a transaction portal, often for the first time.

For buyers:

• Setting up saved searches in a home search app with the right price range, area and must-haves, then turning on alerts
• Requesting showings through the scheduling link or app your brokerage uses
• E-signing a buyer agreement, an offer, counteroffers and addenda
• Finding documents and deadlines in a transaction management portal
• Attaching a pre-approval letter or proof of funds to send with an offer

For sellers:

• E-signing the listing agreement and seller disclosure forms
• Approving or declining showing requests in a showing app
• Opening offer PDFs on a phone and finding the price, terms and contingencies
• Signing counteroffers and checking the transaction timeline

Example: why aren't my listing alerts coming through?

A buyer says new listings never show up on her phone, while your other clients see them the day they hit the market. With GuidedView, you can check the whole chain in one call:

1. Open the saved search

   She opens the home search app and the saved search, and you check the area, price range and filters. An overly narrow filter is a common culprit.

2. Check alert frequency

   You watch her find the alert setting for that search and switch it to instant or daily, whichever she prefers.

3. Check phone notifications

   If alerts are on in the app, she opens her phone's Settings and you watch her confirm notifications are allowed for that app.

4. Check email

   If she prefers email alerts, she opens her inbox while you watch, and you look together for alerts landing in spam or a promotions tab.

Because she shares her whole screen, you can follow her from the app to Settings to her email without asking her to describe each one.

Example: e-signing an offer on a phone at 9 p.m.

Offers rarely wait for business hours. When a buyer is signing from a cell phone, the problems are small and maddening: the signing email is buried, the document opens zoomed out, a required initial is three pages back. Send a GuidedView invitation, and once they approve sharing you can say 'scroll up, there is one initial left on page four' instead of asking whether they see a tag anywhere. Your client can tap Pause before adopting a signature if they prefer, then resume to finish. When the signing confirmation appears, you both see it, and you end the session.

Can't I just use FaceTime or a video call?

Sometimes, yes. If you and your client already use FaceTime together and it works for both of you, its screen sharing may be all you need; our FaceTime comparison covers the tradeoffs. A video call is also the better tool for a live virtual walkthrough of a house, because GuidedView shares a screen, not a camera.

GuidedView fits the other cases: clients on different devices than yours, clients who do not want a video call, and quick questions when you are already on the phone. The client taps one link and never has to join a meeting.

Does the client's privacy hold up?

• Nothing appears until the client confirms who sent the invitation and approves sharing.
• Each invitation link works once, and unused invitations expire after 30 minutes.
• Only the agent who sent the invitation can view the session.
• GuidedView does not record or store screen video.

GuidedView does not replace your brokerage's policies, your e-signature platform's disclosures or any state rules on how documents are presented and signed. Check your brokerage's guidance before using it on transactions. To start, see how it works, compare pricing, or create an account.