Amy Casey

So, I guess I can say I am 'hopeful', but some may say 'gullible' instead! I have a relationship with a lead referral service to whom I pay a referral fee for every closed deal. So far, I have yet to receive an 'A' buyer, but I get a lot of emails!

Secondly, I decided to try another lead referral service that is $195/month. I must say that I get a lot of leads, but many of the emails are bogus, and I get no replies. These folks are looking for foreclosures and I don't have any in NYC! So, that one is getting cancelled.

I just got a sales call from Market Leader. My problem is, they all think it is do GREAT that they provide a contact management system with their service. I don't know about you, but I already use OUTLOOK, and input all of my clients/ potential customers in my MLS system so I can create property searches for them and send them listings. Trying to keep both updated is enough work, now I'm supposed to use a THIRD contact management system???

What am I buying here? Anyone who can offer sound advice based on experience, good or bad, would be greatly appreciated!

Since I come from a software consulting firm and my main business was to integrate disparate software systems, I have found the work flow of this business very challenging. I am seeking input from savvy tech folks to give me advice on improving my workflow!!!

Thanks, everyone!

Yes, but how??? I have not been in the business long enough to get word of mouth referrals. The only listing I ever got, was my next door neighbor, and my manager STOLE the listing from me for himself! He made me do all of the work, actually, OFFERED that I could do all of the work to get buyers, and he got the sale side. Luckily for me, I worked my buns off and got a direct buyer so I got paid. I do mailings, blah blah... but I can't seem to get any LISTINGS, not even a nibble!

Come on, Active Rain, share your secrets...

I work with a ton of buyers, have been hounded by lead generating companies, have five websites, place legal 'generic' or 'puller' ads, and have gotten plenty of TIRE KICKERS...I've done GOOGLE Words, GOOGLE AdSense, I've done it all. Persistence pays, but not this month's bills! LOL

What works for you??? Thanks, Active Rain ;)

I don't know if I'll ever get used to the game of pricing, offers, BLAH BLAH BLAH

"If you want a price of A, then you better ask for more, because buyers always want to pay less, and then you won't get what you are asking."

But if you overprice, or 'buy listings" as we call it, then you are getting buyers in the wrong price point! It is very annoying to me to have to play the 'game'.

Have you ever had an offer that was accepted without negotiation? Is it really an art, or just a P**SING contest?

It drives me crazy when agents try to make a listing look better through distorted photos, or exaggerated features. Don't tell me it's a 2 bedroom when the room is 8x9 and can barely fit a desk and chair! Let's work together to find our clients what they really want and not waste everyone's time.

If your property boasts outdoor space, get it right! For those of you not familiar with New York City construction, a 'terrace' is a set back patio because the building gets skinnier as it is built higher. Traditional penthouses were built on the rooftops and were surrounded by a 'set back terrace'. If i have a client who wants a terrace and your listing really has a BALCONY, it drives me mad! Balconies are built sticking out of a building and usually have one above and below and typically are very small with not much room for even a table and chair.

I actually had an agent tell me once, "if you look through the gym in the building next door, you can see the Hudson River!" How's that for RIVER VIEWS????