Developed by an Adelaide-based start-up, REBid combines property with technology by simplifying the buying and selling of real estate.

Providing agents with an online offer management tool, REBid enables agents to efficiently deal with expressions of interest in a transparent manner that gives clarity to buyers and sellers. Agents are also kept in the loop throughout the entire management of the sales process.

Beneficial for both buyers and sellers, REBid CEO, Bill Waterhouse, said it was time for the real estate industry to embrace digital technology.

"In an era where people do just about everything online, we thought it was time for real estate agents to also embrace the digital age. But we also know that buying and selling a house is usually the biggest financial transaction most people undertake, so the role of the real estate agent is critical. That is why we've set out to work with the industry, not disrupt it," he said.

Neville Pozzi, CEO of REIWA, said that REIWA made the decision to partner up with REBid to remain relevant in an age where technology is constantly evolving.

"All industries need to embrace new technologies or they face the risk of digital disruption from the outside. At REIWA, we have partnered up with REBid to offer an online solution that's not only beneficial to our members but also enhances the customer experience for the real estate buying public," he said.

Mr. Waterhouse told WILLIAMS MEDIA that REBid is not trying to disrupt the industry, but are an ally with an aim to give agents an edge in the listing process.

"We are pro-agency, we're not an interrupter. That's why the REIWA and the REISA are working with us. They've gotten lots of interest from agents who are looking for an edge in the listing process. This gives them clarity to sellers as to how well they can do their job. REBid will allow them to do their job even better," he said.

"Agents are often maligned as being non-transparent, and REBid will allow real estate agents to maintain clarity and transparency in the sales process," he said.

Greg Troughton, CEO of the REISA, said the transparency was a major determining factor in adopting the sales platform.

"Best practice and professionalism are a major focus for our members, so we've partnered up with REBid because the transparency of the online sales transaction enhances the integrity of the sales process," he said.

Both Pozzi and Troughton agreed that REBid offers up an alternative method of sale that would suit some, but not all properties.

"It's always up to the agent, in consultation with the vendor, to choose the most appropriate method of sale for each property. REBid simply offers another option to choose from," they said.

Mr. Waterhouse echoed this, telling WILLIAMS MEDIA that REBid is simply an alternative option.

"We're certainly not trying to interrupt the auction space - that will always remain an important part of real estate. However, there are some sectors of the market where auctions aren't ideal, and REBid offers an alternative option, which has some elements of an auction," he said.

Mr. Waterhouse told WILLIAMS MEDIA he is hopeful the other REIs will soon jump on board and adopt REBid.

"Its taken us a year to convince the REIs that we're an ally, so you certainly need to be diligent in approaching these things. There will be people out there attempting to disrupt the market, so the real estate industry certainly needs to be careful about that. That's not what we're trying to do though, we're very supportive of the industry," he said.

"The younger generation really gets it, they're extremely adaptive to change and onboarding new technologies. It's just a matter of getting the older generation on board," he said.

To find out more about REBid and how it works, visit the website here.

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