In agent forums and online communities, a key topic of conversation is a CRM’s speed and efficiency. Many agree that Follow Up Boss excels in this area, acting as a unified command centre that integrates calls, emails, texts, and even social media interactions into one screen. High-volume teams appreciate this, as it eliminates the need to switch between multiple tools.
On the other side of the spectrum, many agents build their business on nurturing relationships and generating referrals. For them, a CRM needs to prioritize consistent communication and easy contact management over speed and high-volume lead distribution. In this case, there are plenty of testimonials for IXACT Contact.
In forums and on review sites, agents discuss its features for regular follow-up, from the automated monthly newsletter (with customizable, relevant content) to the “frequent contact coach” that reminds them when to reach out to past clients. Several users mention that it’s “easy to use” and “doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary features,” making it ideal for agents with a more traditional approach to organization. Its integrated tools help them stay present in their clients’ lives consistently but pleasantly. The only common complaint is that the platform “could use a facelift” and that its design is less modern than some newer platforms. You can see their opinions here.
In the world of CRMs, you don’t always need a complex platform. Wise Agent is an affordable solution that, as one user admitted on Reddit, “won’t be the most exciting, but it gets the job done.” It’s an appealing option for agents who want a simple, yet complete, platform to manage their day-to-day.
Users value it for its ability to handle many tasks from a single place, including creating marketing emails and integrating with other key applications. Many individual or new agents consider it an excellent, low-cost option to get started without sacrificing the basic functions needed to stay organized and in contact with their clients.
You can see these comments here:
Cannot get myself to use a CRM – What would you do?
CRM: Anyone use Wise Agent? Trying to decide between that or Lion desk
Top Producer is a legend in the real estate CRM world. It has been on the market for decades, and some agents have used it for 15, 20, or more years. While the platform has received criticism for its older interface, users agree it has improved in recent years.
One broker on Capterra mentioned that after investing about $10,000 trying other systems in 2023, he returned to Top Producer, impressed with the quality of its customer service and its team collaboration features.
Everything in this platform is centred on making sure no client “falls through the cracks,” offering an integrated transaction management module with checklists from listing to closing. As one agent mentioned: “It doesn’t look as cool as some of the newer products, but at the end of the day, if the basic follow-up features aren’t as good as Top Producer’s, those extras are just noise.” If your work style is methodical, structured, and based on traditional sales processes, this tool can give you the reliability you’re looking for.
You can read what users are saying here:
Agents! What are you using for CRMs? I am very new to the industry and what like a little discussion
Choosing a CRM is a big decision, and cost is a key factor. Here is a summary of the estimated prices for some of the most popular platforms, so you can align your budget with the tool that best fits your business.
| CRM | Approx. Cost (CAD/year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Follow Up Boss | CA$1,140 | Great for teams; excels in integrations and speed. |
| IXACT Contact | CA$885-1,035 | Includes a monthly "done-for-you" newsletter. |
| Wise Agent | CA$688 | Flat rate; includes 24/7 support. |
| Top Producer Pro | CA$2,966 | For agents who want structure and detailed control. |
| AgentLocator | CA$2,988* | All-in-one Canadian lead-gen system (setup and ad costs are separate). |
*Prices are estimates converted from USD. It is recommended to verify current costs directly with each provider.
Ultimately, the smartest CRM choice isn’t the one the market dictates; it’s the one that makes you a more effective strategist by aligning the tool with your natural way of working. Real agent opinions show that each system has a personality: if you tend to work in a more creative way, you’ll appreciate a simple CRM that allows you to customize content without overwhelming you with technicalities. On the other hand, if your approach is more structured and based on metrics, you’ll prefer a more robust platform that gives you granular control.
At Homestead Den we are experts in all of these CRMs, so we can work with the one you have already chosen and trust the most. If you already invest in a CRM you like, that’s perfect! You don’t need to change your entire ecosystem if you don’t want to. Our value lies in going beyond the tool: we configure everything technical and optimize every detail, build the funnels, automate the follow-ups, and ensure your CRM is not a headache but a consistent and predictable growth engine. We free you from technical complexity so you can focus on closing deals and being the CEO of your business.
Making the right choice for your business tools can feel like a big decision. Now that you’ve heard what real agents are saying about these powerful CRMs, it’s time to find your perfect match. To help you take the next step, we’ve created a free downloadable guide that gives you a quick match map to find the best CRM for your specific work style, along with an easy-to-read price snapshot so you know exactly what each platform costs in CAD. Stop guessing and start strategizing. Download our guide today and align your CRM with your business goals.
