Realay has launched a mobile application that brings voice-activated AI technology to real estate referral management, providing independent brokers and agents with hands-free tracking capabilities. The Michigan-based platform's new app, available on the App Store, allows professionals to speak commands instead of typing information during busy moments, capturing details, sending notifications, and automatically tracking everything through OpenAI integration.
The platform first gained traction among independent brokers by solving a specific challenge: how small brokerages compete with national franchises for out-of-market referrals. While large brokerages like Coldwell Banker can call sister offices across the country, independent brokers traditionally had to hunt for agents through Facebook groups. Realay built a vetted network of independent brokers across all 50 states, tracking referrals through a bidirectional communication system that eliminated the "black hole" problem where referrals disappeared without updates.
"We've taken everything that made our platform successful and made it accessible anywhere, anytime," said John LeRoy, Founder and CEO of Realay. "The voice activation feature means agents can make referrals as naturally as having a conversation. There's nothing like this in the market." The mobile app makes this network accessible anywhere, with voice activation powered by OpenAI integration available at https://openai.com.
The platform's newest feature addresses another broker challenge: managing contractor networks. Real estate transactions consistently require service providers like painters, plumbers, electricians, and locksmiths. Realay now allows brokers to organize their preferred contractor networks within the platform. When an agent needs to refer a contractor, they can access the broker's vetted list through the app via voice command. Contractors join through broker invitations and pay a subscription fee, creating a new revenue stream for brokerages.
"Every real estate transaction involves contractor services at some point," LeRoy added. "We're streamlining those connections and helping agents provide even more value to their clients while creating new revenue opportunities for brokerages." The platform operates on a pay-at-closing model where Realay receives 5% of the referral commission while the originating agent receives their standard 25% referral fee, with no upfront fees or monthly subscriptions.
Realay reports that 81% of referrals on its platform are currently engaged, meaning the receiving agent is actively working with the client. This conversion rate significantly exceeds typical lead generation services, where conversion rates hover around 1-2%. Ann Filippis, Realay's Operations Director, explained the company's approach: "We don't just match referrals algorithmically and hope for the best. Our team reaches out to receiving agents to confirm they're available and ready to work with the client. If an agent is on vacation or dealing with a family emergency, we find someone else. That white-glove approach is what keeps our engagement rates high."
Julie Capron, broker-owner of The Collective Home Group in Buchanan, Michigan, explained how the platform changed her workflow. She had been managing high volumes of referrals through spreadsheets and struggling with the administrative burden before adopting Realay's solution. The Realay mobile app is available for download on the App Store, with Android support coming soon. Brokers and agents can register at https://realay.com to join the platform's growing network.
