Greetings all,

What is your idea as the most valuable tool
regarding the Internet and real estate? Is it a website? Is it qualified leads? Is
it free reports? etc. etc. etc.

In my experience, the quality and content of the website determines whether visitors will contact you. Then it is the quality of the agents response (usually email) that determines whether serious prospects will want to work with you. I don't believe in "free reports" - just put the content on your site. Offering "Free Relo Packages" just pads the pockets of the courier companies - not the agents. An agent can go nuts (thinking these are real prospects)trying to follow up on all the unmotivated people these "Free" offerings attract. You have to build the relationship first and foremost - by contact and content, then offer the Relo Package.



[This message has been edited by WM (edited 12-15-2001).]

I believe that the quality of the website is secondary to the exposure to qualified buyers on the Internet. A site that can target geographically is your best bet. I recommend Virtualrelocation.com. Not only can you buy positioning cheap, you can link to their calculators and local pages to help jazz up your website.

Of course, you could just rely on the major search engines to notice your web page, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Thanks Doug, for telling it like it is about Free Reports. I really feel that these are a waste of time. Most buyers and sellers don't need the info contained in these reports because if they are educated (and most of them are) they can do the research on the net or elsewhere.
I myself don't use these reports and I do believe that we should post as much info as possible. In the long run it saves us money and time.



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Roger 'A' Arsenault
http://www.CalgarysRealtor.com
CIR Realtors
Canada's Largest Independent Real Estate
Company

You can provide all the free information & content you want. However, your website must become interactive, otherwise people will come, take, leave and you'll never create a pipeline of prospects.

If you offer some free services online in addition to your content, you can become interactive. For instance we use 3 services to generate prospects,
1) A MLS homes by email service that sends the prospect an email daily, even if there are no new properties.
2) A free weekly home buyer newsletter.
3) A free online CMA whereby we email a ballpark analysis within 24 hours.

By responding in a personal way, we have been able to generate many new clients.

It's good to see all of these future agents online now. I feel so alone at the office.

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Denver Metro Real Estate

Colorado,

What program are you using to repond every day, etc.

Thanks,

Jim

I think a good web site is the most important tool but along with a good web site I think you have to have a top web master that knows what they are doing to get you placed in the search engines. We at Results-Net are one of the lucky ones to have Doug.

From a brokers perspective, I would say the most valuable internet tool is one that you use often, and which produces results. Fancy
sites that post colorful listings look nice, but if they don't generate result, they're
basically useless. The websites, engines,
forums, and other virtual hand tools I use on a daily or even weekly basis, and which allow my business to thrive are the things I consider valuable.

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Jim

If this were true then you would be directing thousands of users to a poorly designed website. How does that make sense? Once those same users reached your site they would leave anyway because it was either too confusing to navigate through or gave the impression that that realtor was not a top-quality agent. In this system you've just wasted your money.

As the owner of an internet agency that specializes in working with real estate agencies I can tell you your website MUST represent you in a high-quality way and even tie into your agencies brand and identity. Marketing is the second necessary ingredient because you MUST have both to succeed.

With thousands of websites going up every day, it is more important than ever for a business to determine how its website will receive the level of exposure necessary for it to be a success. Due to the fact that eSolutionBuilder has competed in some of the most competitive markets in the world, the team has become experts at instituting strategies of sound site promotion. Website promotion involves far more than simple submission to the search engines. It requires a comprehensive plan of attack that is laid out in advance of the site going on-line. eSolutionBuilder is confidant any site can receive greater results with the kind of site promotion support offered by our professional staff.

Brian Apt
eSolutionBuilder
(714) 791-1665

Looks, useability, and content, is very important. Interactivity is important too, but if the top are not satisfied, nobody's going to be interactive with you. I am a web designer and developer going into the real estate world (licensed next week I hope). I hate going into sites that is unbearable to the eyes. It just doesn't look professional. I hate going to business sites where I have to look for the menu button (if it's a game site or entertainment site, I don't really care). Last, but not least, hate going to a site where it has some really cool description but when you go into it, it has nothing for content. Most of all, I hate it when it is all of the above. Simple is good, but some people are just so lazy, that they just use a template.

Hopefully next week I can decide on which broker I will go with. That way I can start building my site. With the above criteria emphasized in it.

A good web site that changes frequently and keeps up-to-date. The web site should have a variety of information on your topic as well as the area. This will always bring back return vistors. Also add a little splash so vistors will say WOW!

The biggest challenge we face is keeping our site fast as well as attractive. We also find that Flash, animations, frames and heavy graphics slow, bog and even crash our visitors computers.

One thing we learned, when we did a test for a month, is that even high end users, government employees, and government consultants as well as AOL employees and Web executives, a broad group that we sell too --- have SLOW connection speeds as a rule.

Yes, we found some high speed connections but the Bell Curve of connection speed showed that MOST of our visitors were accessing our site from thier location at very slow phone line speeds!!!!!

We test on a phone line frequently and try to have our entire page up in under 20 seconds no matter what and something for them to read in a couple of seconds. We don't do well enough but we try constantly to improve.

Jody

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My personal Real Estate Site - with lots of essays and articles for you wherever you are. And, I sell in the Nation's Summer Capital; Rehoboth Beach Delaware:
http://www.JodyHudson.com

I agree that a up to date website is the most effective tool.. You can provide many images of each home listing and all necessary information 24 hours a day.. Most people still buy homes the old fashion way.. They Look in the paper, mls books and drive through neighborhoods.. Hey Location is everything!! But when they pull up your website with 10 images of each home, and detailed information & map, it quickly seperates potential buys from non-buys.. A website is a great way to educate your clients about the homes they are interested in- Saving you alot of time in the long run.
I have found that Flash can be used sucessfully with slow connections. It all depends on your web developer. I have a site from http://www.ProRealtyWebsite.com and have been very impressed with their service.... I can update listings, run a newsletter, and manage my content all from the web.. as well as have a little Flash to spice it up.. and it loads fast as well..

Thanks..

The most valuable asset on the site is having reciprical exchanges and posts on major realty sites. If people can't find you site, what is the purpose of having it. It should be posted on major realty search sites like americasdoorstep.com or agentsonline.com. I wasn't gettting much action from the search engines because I was so low on the totem pole.

Thanks Doug & WUD1234..I totally agree with your recommendation on reciprocal links. Risa Saltmas is doing just that at RE/MAX Thanks Doug & WUD1234..I totally agree with your recommendation on reciprocal links. Risa Saltman is doing just that at RE/MAX Town & Country and has great success with reciprocal links www.risa.net

Also, she has a web marketing tips newsletter that you can sign up for or go to the site for back issues. If you ever get stumped for a new web marketing idea her site is the simplest site to use for a online marketing boost.

Dawn

AAAAAAMen!!!!! Doug, you hit the nail on the head. My company builds and markets websites for Real Estate Professionals, and my clients are always wanting to cram in as much junk as they can into their websites...Free Reports, Buying Tips, Selling Tips, The entire MLS!!! What the heck do they need to contact you for???? Your website should make the visitor feel comfortable enough to want to pick up the phone, and give you a call. As a Realtor, you are in the relationship business. Creat an emotional bond with the visitor, let them know you are accessable, don't try to be a realtor.com, it doesn't work.

If anyone is interested, my company can be found at www.realestate-webdesign.com

Thank You -

[This message has been edited by scottp (edited 02-13-2002).]

I've had real estate web sites up for about 8 years now and made lots of commissions form them; here's what I've found works best for me.

1. First and most important, consumers have to be able to find your web site. You can have the most wonderful or the worst web site ever and if no one finds it then nothing is going to happen.

Search engine placement is one way to attract visitors. Two good ways to make sure this happens is to have your site designed properly with the proper content, HTML, and meta tags to help this process along.

Another huge asset is to either do it your self of employ a search engine placement specialist, I chose the specialist.

His job is to monitor my sites and ensure they get and maintain top rankings.

A second, effective way to draw traffic is to be listed on other sites where consumers visit looking for Realtors (Realtor.com is not one of these sites. You have to ask yourself why a consumer would choose you from the herds of other Realtors there? They most likely would not)

One fairly new way that can actually guarantee top rankings is to simply buy them. A couple of search engines now offer "pay per click" which ranks your site according to how much you're willing to pay for a top position usually charged when someone clicks to your site from that search engine. Only the top ranked search engines are worthwhile for this option in my opinion.

Print ads and media are one more way you can attract consumers. Each of my listings has a sign rider that says "A Featured Home at [url=http://www.KnoxvilleMLS.com\"]www.KnoxvilleMLS.com\"[/url] and every piece of paper and ads that leave my office have my web site printed on it along with my e mail address.

And now that you've attracted tons of traffic you have to give them reasons to stay there and to return time and time again.

Lots of content that delivers what potential buyers (and sellers) are looking for will make this happen along with a well laid out and easily to navigage web site.

Potential buyers, especially those from out of the area, are most often interested in schools, listings, things to do in the area, mortgage information, and buying tips.

Sellers want to see other homes displayed with virtual tours, lots of pictues, and information about the selling process and tips to make their home seller faster for more money.

One last tip. Don't "garbage" up your site with too much stuff. Flash intros may look cool to you and your web designer but if some poor buyer is accessing your site with an old 28.8 modem chances are he will be gone before the show is over much less hang around to do something.

One real estate web site I've always admired to it's simplicity, content, graphics, and ease of natigation is Alice Held's in Arizona. To see what an effective web site looks like visit: www.Come2Az.com

1. Be found

2. Make it a worthwhile experience

One last thing. This should go without saying but I find lots of agents sadly neglect this part of doing business on the www.

RESPOND TO YOUR E MAIL VERY OFTEN. Today's Internet savvy consumer doesn't like to be kept waiting and if you do that they will contact your competitor.

My experience has been that if I get an e mail from a prospective buyer then they've sent that same e mail to at least 10 other agents in my area. In this case being first to respond is often the deciding factor in who they choose to work with.

Answer those e mail at least twice a day and more often if possible, it's critical.

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Jim Lee, CRS, ABR, GRI, e-PRO
Realty Executives Associates
Knoxville, Tennessee
http://www.KnoxvilleMLS.com
Jim@KnoxvilleMLS.com
1999 REALTOR of the year, Knoxville Association of REALTORS

Qualified leads and pin point marketing, web or other, are your best tools. If you can get them in the door, you can sell them.

SOHO Tech
Voice, Data and Theater





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Voice, Data and Theater
SOHO Technologies

The Strategy in Context.
The keys to an easier life in the Internet world are: Keep it simple and Don't cut corners.

To keep things simple only do it once. Whether you are uploading property information, phoning a supplier, obtaining support or trying to send an email it is always the same. The less links in the chain and the less hassle you go through the easier your life. Equally make sure that you aren't trying to increase your IT power where it isn't needed. Billions of pounds are wasted each you on projects which never get anywhere or produce no actual return. Finally don't skimp on essentials. Keeping your computers running, data intact and lines of communication open is essential. Imagine the cost if it failed. Merchantinter.net clients make only one call when resolving any computer related issue. This policy decreases the client's operating expenses and maximises the return on their computing investment.

There is a strong possibility that the several deliberate features of this scheme can be misunderstood and it is important that you feel comfortable with the rationale and reasoning behind the decisions underlying potential changes in your business.:

Many Estate Agents are still not making good use of IT and are genuinely confused by the use of computers.
Basic standards are not achievable yet by all Estate Agents, many of whom opt out of any I.T. because they cannot cope with the full scale of the task.

There is little support material for IT purchasing due to the broad base of suppliers and products;

The Estate Agent’s true cost of ownership of an effective I.T. system can be greatly reduced.
Progression and Transition
In the first few months of any progressive scheme of work there are transitional problems. We recommend that until the scheme has worked through the Estate Agent should attempt to raise achievement to the level they can deal with.

Assessment and Record Keeping
Record keeping in this scheme is relatively simple as all the tasks are intended to be achieved by all staff. Assessment is also simple as the targets are effectively learning outcomes which can be monitored by observation and other means as appropriate.

Contexts
Opportunities should be taken to discuss the use of computers and for staff to consider the advantages and disadvantages of their use over traditional "pencil and paper" methods, so that they develop an understanding that the use of information technology may not always be the most appropriate solution.

Commitment/Guarantees
The progressive nature of the targets only gains its full benefit when Estate Agents can rely on their colleagues succeeding with their own targets. In our experience this process is greatly improved when the scheme as a whole is explained and discussed with the full staff, before being agreed as the way forward on developing IT.

Free information is the best way to get people to your site!

Only provide some information, to spark an interest and make them request the full "copy" by filling out an online form.

This gives you the chance to obtain contact information and a possible lead.

Visit my site www.suncoast.ca - it is setup the provide free mortgage information by request.

Thanks,
Justin

I read this email and 100% AGREE, you might want to consider hiring an expert like the guys at ConversionExperts.com, they make more Top Ten and #1 search engine listings than anyone!

T

deleted blatant advertisement

[This message has been edited by joker (edited 05-13-2003).]

IMHO, there isn't one top important tool, but a combination of important tools.

1. Search engine visibility is important. Everything else may be A-1, number 1, but if you don't have people going in the site, it's useless.

2. Good content. Visitors need something useful. This is what helps assure "stickiness" to get them to come back. This could be MLS search capability, weekly/monthly newsletter, community info, etc. The factor of interactivity falls in here. Interactivity, done properly, contributes to good content.

3. Reasonable web design. A crappy, amateurish design will make a lot of surfers hit the back button in a hurry.

Just my .02.

Someone sent me this link, looks like a cool way to push people to one's website http://www.emailforrealty.biz

...may be this one? ;-) www.MyRealTour.com

It is important to find out how many people come to your site after your most recent ad. Then you know if your most recent ad was good or a waste of money. A lot of people use web counters, but they're a pain to keep your eye on them without messing up your count. A real "desktop website counter" (runs on your computer) helps a lot.

The most valuable tool on the internet in my opinion is the name of the domain itself. The domain name provides instant RECOGNITION and BRANDING for the company or owner.

BetterLocation.com

[This message has been edited by BetterLocation (edited 09-04-2004).]

I think the most important thing for a successful web site is.... EMAIL!

Getting customers to your site is a challenge, but it's all about getting them BACK and establishing a 'virtual relationship' that makes your site successful in turning them into real customers

I think the key is having a website that is deep in content, and that is added to and expanded regularly with new content. Coupled with a monthly EMAIL newsletter sent out to a mailing list of subscribers, inviting them BACK to your website... highlighting new articles or information on your site to get them to come BACK.

Think about the sites that you visit regularly... why do YOU go back? Because you KNOW there is always new content. If the site was the same day after day after week after month, you would not go back! You need to always be adding and creating new content to use as a 'lure' to get people to return.. again and again.

And the BIG secret to success? Monitor and respond to your email ASAP! Not once a week, once a day... but many times during the day. And not with an autoresponder.. but with a personal message. You will receive business by default... JUST BECAUSE YOUR RESPONDED. It's an amazing little secret that most people just don't get... still!

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Real Estate Web Design and
Marketing

List your NH property at I Sold This House.com

That is simple..Your Mind and making sure you write the content for the consumer not the search engines.

There is nothing more frustrating then as a consumer visiting a top ranked website and having problems navigating through it because of all the spammy text links. Plus reading content that really tells you nothing and is just there for the SEs.

The second most important thing about a website is conversion. Conversion is key. In top markets like Las Vegas without a good follow up system..you are dead in the water for converting.



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The Best Real Estate Agents in Las Vegas and Atlanta in the Las Vegas Real Estate Market Atlanta Real Estate Market offering Las Vegas Homes for sale and Atlanta Homes

Three things----good content to keep the visitors you do get, quick follow up to keep the visitors you do get and good search engine position to get noticed by a potential visitor.

Visit the most comprehensive Las Vegas Real Estate and Henderson Real Estate website online. Or look at pictures of my Parrot

I say combine the best of both worlds. You need a good looking site that is SEO optimized and loaded with the code to track and maintain users.

Flash is not such a bad thing, if developed properly.

I am a new member to the site and noticed the topic and felt I could offer some help. For the last few years, I have been determined to learn as much about technology and marketing, and how they can benefit me in selling homes. My number one goal in selling is to not forget about my past clients and their needs. That is why I try to stay in touch with my customer throughout the year. By searching google, I have found several applications that can help me keep my customers without spending countless hours and dollars! Some of the applications I have tried (which will remain nameless) have restrictions and hidden costs, so be careful! The applications I am currently using is one of the easiest, most effiecnt for my time and money. If interested, check out www.loyalty247.com. I believe they also do offer the first month free.