Business

Top technological trends in the real estate sector and their impact

Published

5 years ago

February 3, 2021

Technology is changing our lives, companies and public institutions. Today we can clearly say that our routines, processes, etc. are modified by machines, wearables, information technologies, etc.

New data and communication software propels us forward into the future, from the personal to the global scale. In the midst of it, some realities disappear, either because technology makes them have no place in our world or because they do not adapt to technology and are “out of the game.”

In the global context, we look towards what happens in other leading countries in the world. Whatever the extent of our radius of action, it is convenient for us to know other markets’ situation, at the same time as ours, and to know what trends or what changes of greater scope may affect us.

Companies in the real estate sector that use technology to improve or reinvent their services. More specifically, there is an incredible price difference in favor of the client when it comes to online agencies. In short, they give this type of good reason to the real estate disintermediation projects.

Real estate disintermediation, the direct deal between buyer and seller, or between landlord and tenant, can have a parallel in other platforms such as Uber, Cabify or Airbnb, to name just three names. A software, an electronic device and an Internet connection are the technological common denominator for all these platforms. Perhaps real estate disintermediation will be the next hurricane in this commercial sector. The next sector will be shaken almost to the ground, like the taxi or the hospitality industry.

And yet, the technology works for the professional and the client in real estate in several ways that are not disintermediation.

What does technology do today for an office or real estate company with physical headquarters, such as the real estate companies we know so far?
For what, or why, does a real estate client pay a commission?

These are two broad questions that are answered every day since they ask about the best way to develop our work in the case of professionals. For this reason, we do not intend to exhaust the answers on this page on a day like today, for example, what would we answer?

Regarding what technology does today for the professional and the client, we must undoubtedly highlight information technologies, through the Internet and software:

Information to the client through the Internet. In this area of information, it is necessary to consider the high visual component that the digital medium allows, of static image (photographs) and dynamic (video).
Storage and management of information related to real estate.

Other technological services of interest are:

Online real estate reservations (think of real estate that is bought from banks or holiday homes).
Company-client communications through email and secure instant messaging applications.

On the other hand, other realities seem to be alien to technology, such as physically visiting the property or going to the notary to sign the deed of sale. There have been and will be those who choose to manage their real estate purchases and rentals themselves, the majority of those who go to the services of a real estate agency.

A primary example is Canada based real estate broker, Modern Solution Realty which specializes in digital practice of real estate, accelerated by the very best tools of technology. Modern Solution Realty has also allowed customers to pay staggeringly low commissions, a complete 2% for a full-service home-selling package and miminal commissions on selling homes.

Modern Solution Home-Selling Package includes the following features:

• Full-Service MLS® System

• FREE Home Staging Consultation

• Professional photography, video clips

• Walk-through Video Tour

• Full-color brochures

• Social media marketing on Facebook\Youtube\Instagram\Kijiji\ \Google\Twitter

• Comprehensive Online presence

• Advertised Open House

When it comes to selling their home, most people want a commercial real estate agent that they can not only trust but also get the highest possible price in the shortest time possible and with the fewest possible headaches during the process.

Trust: Seller and buyer, benefit from the brand image and the trust that the real estate company has generated in the market. Technology allows transparency and more engaging content, which further fuels a party’s confidence.

Quality information: This means; you can have access to more content which can allow you to make up your mind. You can use videos, photos, and other forms of content that will help to have a clearer idea about real estate options. A very remarkable example is augmented reality and virtual reality, which is gradually taking place in the sector.
You are saving time: Because the real estate agent takes the steps of requesting the registry note, putting the two parties who will sign the contract in touch, contacting the president of the community of owners and the property administrator when necessary. This time saving also includes not having to file too much paperwork and making frequent visits. Documents can be provided and assessed online, and things can get going.
Financial advice: First regarding the price and then regarding the possibility of mortgages, rental assistance or expenses and charges attributable to the parties involved in the transaction. Determining the correct price is a decisive factor for a good sale, and in this area, as this economic crisis has taught us, the market commands a lot or almost everything. Knowledge of market prices is another main contribution of the real estate professional that will serve as guidance when setting the price, which the owner will always make.

Business

Why Multi-Province Payroll Compliance Is the Hidden Challenge Canadian SMBs Face and How Folks Solves It

Published

25 mins ago

November 6, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Photo courtesy of: Folks

Byline: Shem Albert

Running payroll in Canada can feel like crossing a country stitched from many different fabrics. Each province weaves its own pattern of tax rules, leave policies, and benefit requirements, creating a landscape where a single misstep can ripple through every paycheck. For small and mid-sized businesses, the challenge often remains hidden until growth pushes hiring beyond provincial borders or brings remote workers into the fold. What seems like a routine back-office task quickly becomes a test of accuracy, timing, and local knowledge. This is the gap that Folks set out to close, offering a way for employers to navigate Canada’s regulatory patchwork without slowing their momentum.

Provincial Rules Add Complexity

Canada’s payroll environment varies sharply by province. Federal rules set the foundation, but provincial tax rates, deductions, statutory leave entitlements, and benefit premiums add layers of complexity that employers must monitor carefully. Small and mid-sized businesses with staff across provinces or remote employees face different tax tables, reporting deadlines, and leave calculations that directly affect pay accuracy and remittance schedules.

Folks built its payroll module to address these differences. The platform calculates the correct provincial tax rates and deductions for each employee, applying updates automatically so employers avoid misapplied withholdings or late filings. Multi-location tax management allows a company with workers in Ontario, Quebec, or several other provinces to process payroll without creating separate accounts for each jurisdiction. Bilingual functionality in English and French and secure Canadian data hosting support compliance while keeping employee records accessible across language and regional boundaries.

Unified Records Improve Accuracy

Payroll errors often stem from mismatched employee data. Changes in pay rates, banking details, or benefits eligibility may not align between HR and finance systems, creating incorrect deductions or delayed payments. Smaller teams juggling separate platforms spend valuable hours reconciling information instead of focusing on strategic work.

Folks resolves these issues by combining HR and payroll in one platform. Updates to wages, hours, or tax information entered on the HR side flow directly into payroll without re-entry. This single, verified record strengthens the accuracy of every payroll run and ensures employees receive the correct pay and deductions. By removing the need for repetitive administrative work, HR staff can redirect their time to tasks that support growth and employee engagement.

Automation Keeps Provinces in Step

Each province sets its own requirements for holiday pay, pay frequency, and statutory benefits, making manual calculations both time-consuming and error-prone. Businesses that expand or hire remote employees must keep pace with shifting provincial regulations or risk penalties and audit issues.

Folks address these demands with automation designed for Canada’s regulatory landscape. Pay statements, deduction calculations, and custom pay schedules follow the applicable provincial rules without extra configuration. The system’s automated updates mean that a company hiring staff in British Columbia or Quebec can meet local payroll standards without adding new layers of setup or monitoring. Employers gain the ability to expand into new regions while maintaining accurate, on-time pay.

Reporting Strengthens Compliance

Changing tax rates and reporting requirements require ongoing attention from HR and finance teams. Companies that rely on disconnected systems risk missing a provincial update or submitting incorrect remittances, which can lead to fines and interest charges.

Folks provides detailed reporting tools that compile payroll, deductions, and benefits information across all locations. Employers can generate clear remittance and deduction summaries, simplifying the process of meeting provincial filing requirements. For organizations that want additional guidance, Folks also offers a payroll management service that brings in-house specialists to assist with configuration, compliance, and regular updates. These reporting features help companies stay audit-ready and avoid costly compliance gaps.

Scalable Payroll for Expanding Businesses

Many small businesses begin in a single province, where local tax and payroll demands can be learned over time. Growth into new provinces or the decision to hire remote staff adds a level of complexity that manual processes cannot handle efficiently. Errors multiply, compliance risks rise, and payroll teams spend more time correcting mistakes than supporting expansion plans.

Folks provides payroll that scales with company growth. Provincial tax logic, automated deductions, bilingual support, and secure Canadian data storage are built directly into the platform. By maintaining an accurate employee record and applying province-specific rules automatically, the system allows Canadian SMBs to expand with fewer administrative surprises and more predictable payroll operations. Companies gain the stability of compliant payroll across provinces while controlling the time and costs that typically accompany multi-jurisdiction growth.