Realtors need leads, and lots of them, to run a successful Real Estate Business. Working leads takes time though, and many Realtors struggle once they start getting a high volume of calls or inquiries. Do you harness the power of technology to capture these leads? Or does that one phone call get lost in the shuffle? Do you have a database that keeps all of these leads organized and automatically contacts them on a regular basis, without you having to do anything? No problem, we’ve found the answer!
Lead generation and prospect capture are two tools that every Realtor should be utilizing. To that end, we would like to offer up the following synopsis of some tools, as well as our thoughts on the systems. We looked at three services: ProQuest, by RealtyStar; DriveBuy Technologies; and Michael Anderson’s Automated Prospecting software. We compared them according to the service they offer, cost (both initial and ongoing), tech “savviness,” type of data captured, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) compatibility (i.e.: Top Producer or Microsoft Outlook), and added our own two cents’ worth. We’ve posted this information in a summary format, but if you are interested in learning more about any of these systems and how they can help grow your business please contact us to discuss it.
After you’ve reviewed these tools and their capability for lead generation and capture, we would love to help you implement one to turn your business around. The surest way to get more closings – more leads!
| Proquest, by RealtyStar | DriveBuy Technologies | Automated Prospecting Services | |
| Website | Click for ProQuest | Click for DriveBuy | Click for Automated Prospecting |
| Service Overview | Recorded information line for listings. Unique 800 number for each listing. | A unique code provided for each listing that buyers can text to request additional information. Within 10 seconds, a text message is returned containing information about the listing and including Smart Links to a website with additional information and pictures. | Software package enables users to build their own website with unlimited pages. A sophisticated system of auto-responders is then designed to allow the user to stay in “hands-off” contact with the lead. |
| Initial Fee | One Time $297 | No initial set up fee | $997 (Currently offering $500 discount for first 100 orders.) |
| Ongoing Fees | $29.95/Month $0.189/Min up to 1500 $0.149/Min after 1500 | $8/Month per code $9 Per sign/rider | None, unless you want software updates. Then $99/year |
| Consumer Website | No | Yes: via Smart Links in text message | Yes: content completely controlled by user |
| Data Captured | ANI (Sophisticated Caller ID) which captures 100% of numbers, even unlisted or those who used *67 before dialing. | Cell number captured – unsure of how it is stored, but I received a phone call within several minutes of texting for the demo. | Data capture forms designed by agent. |
| CRM Compatibility | Unknown, but does text, email, fax or web display captured data. | Top Producer, Outlook | CRM system Internal to APS |
| Contract Requirements | Not noted on site. | None. Pay month to month and only for active codes. | None: one time fee. Optional software update subscription is $99/year. |
| Comments | I did the demo text on the website and received a text back immediately with Smart Links. I was also texted by the salesperson within a few minutes, and called within an hour. I was impressed by the quick response and knowledgeable suggestions. I was also provided with references, both on the web and with numbers to call to verify how the service works. Standard text messaging rates apply for the consumer using the service. | ||
| Pros | Tried and True approach 6-month money-back guarantee Affordable monthly fees | Affordable Tech Savvy for mobile users Codes are reusable (switch from listing to listing like a lockbox) Codes can be branded, i.e.: HOME123, PAM789, etc. | Complete package, including web site, data capture, automatic responders, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). |
| Cons | Moderately expensive initial outlay | Only data captured is cell number, not name, address or email. | Expensive initial outlay Not tailored specifically to Real Estate |
DriveBuy Technologies and ProQuest by RealtyStar are both very user friendly and won’t break your budget. DriveBuy Technologies, with its instant gratification in the form of text messaging and Smart Phone compatibility meets the needs and desires of today’s buyers, but limits the data capture for you, the agent. This is where your personal touch comes in, follow up and get that additional info – it gives you a reason to call! You need to then introduce them to your automatic MLS property search tool that will automatically email properties that meet their needs. The recorded 800 number information line by ProQuest provides excellent data capture opportunities, but is less likely to leave trace information behind on the consumer’s side; they have to rely on their memories after listening to the message. But again, golden opportunity for the Realtor: you can leave a message about your automated property finder service on the recording to peak their interest in signing up for property email alerts.
Automated Prospecting Systems by Michael Anderson is a much bulkier package, and a bigger financial outlay, but provides a highly sophisticated system for someone wanting an “all-in-one” package deal. We encourage you to visit their web site or contact us for additional information if you are ready for a sophisticated package.
A Virtual Genie has experience in building successful Real Estate Systems designed to enhance your business in prospecting, staying in touch with current clients during transactions and listings, and post-closing follow up. Visit our web site to learn more about our team and remember: Your Wish is Our Command!
For more information about how a Virtual Assistant can help you Contact Us
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Past Blog Posts by Pam:
What do you see - Obstacle or Opportunity? *Featured*
Are you Sweating the Small Stuff?
AR Blogs by my partner, Markelle Harden:
Half of 2009 is Gone: How Much $$ Have you Wasted?
The Case for Realtor Preview Tours
How do you fire a referred client without burning referral bridges?
What are your statistics for new business?
Facebook & Twitter: Are you Referable?
ONE FREE THING to Gain New Leads in 2009
Using Post-Its to Reach Your 2009 Production Goals
Best Contact Task Management Software Available for 2009 Organization Goals
Are You Using the Credit Crunch to Your Advantage When Working with Buyers?
Cape Coral, Florida. As CBS News called it this morning - "Ground Zero of the housing crisis" last year. But one Realtor is turning that tide with an innovative approach to marketing foreclosures. Marc Joseph of Foreclosures Tours R Us is shepherding literal boatloads of potential buyers to multiple waterfront foreclosures at one time. He is making change happen at a local level that has the potential to create a positive ripple effect across the whole nation.
Click here for the CBS News article. (The photo is courtesy of CBS as well.)
What an inspiration! As I watched the story this morning it made me think about what I'm doing to help the economic situation. Here in Fort Mill, SC my partner Markelle Harden and I are offering a free monthly listing tour to local agents. We meet in the morning at a lovely downtown coffee shop, Bac In Tyme, and then pile into a corporate van and away we go. While many brokerages do in-office tours after sales meetings, this tour allows for some unique opportunities:
How about you? What do you do that is innovative and WORKS? Please comment and share your ideas. Let's work together to turn the tide across the nation!
If you happen to have a listing in the Fort Mill, SC area and would like to join us for our next tour in May, please contact us!
For more information about how a Virtual Assistant can help you, Contact Us
Past Blog Posts by Pam:
What do you see - Obstacle or Opportunity? *Featured*
Are you Sweating the Small Stuff?
Blogs by my partner, Markelle Harden:
How do you fire a referred client without burning referral bridges?
What are your statistics for new business?
Facebook & Twitter: Are you Referable?
ONE FREE THING to Gain New Leads in 2009
Using Post-Its to Reach Your 2009 Production Goals
Best Contact Task Management Software Available for 2009 Organization Goals
Are You Using the Credit Crunch to Your Advantage When Working with Buyers?
We bridge the gap between Realtors and Success! We offer a wide variety of services to fit any budget, and we offer the expertise of a coach without the cost.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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