I posted a question about agent websites in the Broker's section - hopefully this will not be considered "spam" since this question is different -
In the Broker section, I wanted to know if it is sensible or reasonable for a broker to not allow his agents to have their own website apart from the company website. Nobody has answered anything substantial yet. This question is slightly different.

I am brand new and really would like to know - how important is having your own website? Will I be able to thrive without one?

Should I consider going to another agency even if the commission is less and if I have to pay a desk fee if it means I can have my own website?

Or, what can I do in absence of my own website?

Yes, it's important to have your web site, at least in my opinion. It may generate some leads and that would be nice of course. But the main reason is that many of your prospects will "check you out" online. They expect to find your web site. It ads credibility. Don't try to understand it, but it does It also serves as an extended business card. It can tell your potential customer more about you and help they decide to do business with you. In today's day and age not having a site is becoming almost like not having a business card.

If your broker forbids you to have a personal website, run like hell. That's VERY shady.

A website can be your major lead source, if you work it right. Several key points to any successful realtor marketing are:

1. Consistency and persistence - your marketing materials have to be in front of the prospect's face any time he thinks about real estate.

2. Demonstrate knowledge - you have to convince your prospects that you know what you're doing and you have the answers to their questions.

3. Quick followup on inquiries - self explantory.


Traditionally, you'd send out mail with various newsletters and sold stats, and then answer all phone calls and follow up. The website can make such marketing a breeze.

It's always there, so someone can visit it at any time of day and night. It's like a 24/7 marketing flyer. You can post market stats, provide a home search, talk about real estate news in the area, etc. Then, they fill out your form and you have a lead waiting in your email. All you have to do is follow up.

The website is much cheaper to maintain and you can cram a lot more information than on mailouts. It's definitely the way to go. Nowadays, most realtor mailouts simply direct people to the website for more info.

Hi Pepperjack-

That seems strange to me that your company would prohibit your own website. This can only enhance your business there by enhancing the companies. I understand the need to review the site for compliance but other than that I would think you would be encouraged instead of discouraged. Might want to look at some other options or explore the reasoning behind this a little deeper. Good Success to you.

Having a site today is nearly an EXPECTATION. That's because the public views them more as an online brochure, than a business development tool.

The best sites serve as providing quality information, while enticing visitors to opt-in to special reports, offers, or sign-up pages.

Honestly, some brokers don't understand the importance of personal websites. There's more to it then just having one up. If my broker was adamant I had to stick with their template, where I could stick my picture and some text then I'd run.

The way it was explained to me was that companies like it if you use the websites that THEY provide their agents (usually customizable too), they do not encourage you to create your own from scratch. Though, if you insist on doing it, they won't tell you not to (or shouldn't anyway). One of the reasons you should have your own website (and not one through your company) is because if for some reason you leave XYZ company, the website you created for yourself through the company, that all of your clients are familiar with, will not follow you (they'll shut it down after you leave). But, if you have your own site, that you set up yourself, you can take it with you and customize it to the various companies that you work for. The website address won't change, and therefor, your clients will be able to find you should they decide to buy or sell after you've moved companies.

If you want to create your own website you can. OR you can atleast have your own domain name then forward it to your given URL. If you want to do that a great place to register a domain is http://www.sundevildomains.com you can also get hosting there if you want to build your own website or you can just forward the domain over to your existing location so you atleast have your own unique domain that you can advertise.

The prices are great and there is 24/7 customer support in case you have any questions

This broker does not want ANY website out there but the company website. There is no "template" for each agent to build their own page within the site, or anything like that. They are a name on a list on a page that nobody visits anyway and that's all; they are expected to be content with that or they can hang their license elsewhere.

asu, the broker has said that the agents can NOT have their own websites while working there him.

My question was is it possible to be successful without your own website.

Of course you can be successful without a website. However, NAR reports that 80-some% of home buyers start the Internet so you're missing out.

I don't understand why the Broker won't allow a personal website. Is it because he doesn't want the agent to brand themselves? If so, then does he have a problem with you advertising yourself in any other capacity? It just doesn't make sense to me.

I agree with ronsmith & your broker. Hang your license with someone else if he is prohibiting you from getting business without any logical reason because that is essentially what he is doing.

I did not want to think that it was greed-induced myopia but I really think that is what it all boils down to.

thank you for your replies.

I am inclined to agree with you assessment of the myopia. We are allowed to have our own web site. The broker allows you to have it accessed VIA the company web site by a higlighted text next our agent picture.He encourages you can have your own also. I customized my version of the broker influenced web site and purchased several domain names that automatically forward you to my website. Just click on the link below and then read the address bar. You'll see what I mean.

Our broker allows us to use any of his info to further our own business. He can see the big picture and realizes our success means more money for him. If I have some doubt about using his infomation with my advertising, I just run it by him. So far, no problem. Perhaps your broker should see the advantage in you being more successful. By the way, you NEED a website. Then place the web address on everything you send out and on the sign on your vehicle. Easy lead pickup.

My manager sounds very much like Alamoreatlor's, she's very encouraging about our websites, offers all of us a free (templated) site and does not mind at all if we go out and buy our own. My success brings her money as well, so she works for it, too!

Another thing about websites is that you can use them to see what advertising is working for you. I use www.StatCounter.com to keep track of traffic on my site. It tells me how people found me (did they click a link or go directly to my site), what pages they looked at and how long they were there. I can see if a particular ad gave me more hits than usual or what tends to hold someone's attention. It's also good to check after a mass mailing, did people in that area check my site more afterwards?

And yes, put your website address everywhere! It DOES pay to advertise -- but it costs too, so make sure it's working for you.