As you might or might not know I'm always looking for new ways to help our clients grow their business and every once in a while I run across a product that will not only help realtors grow their business, but one that can help us as affiliates grow our business....which brings me to the reason I'm writing.

I'm a big proponent of using technology to generate leads and I teach this to industry professionals all the time.  One product I've always liked is Proquest which uses a Call Capture feature via an 800 number to follow up with potential buyers and sellers.  About two months ago I ran across a product called Text My MLS and started to take a closer look at it.  I even went so far as to talk to the founder and creator. 

As you might have noticed, more and more people are texting as a form of communication...Especially the X and Y Generations.  They want information and they want it now. They're also starting to buy homes.  We're in a world of immediate gratification...wouldn't you say?  Text My MLS taps into that perfectly.

Here's how it works:

A buyer drives buy the front of a listing and notices there's a sign rider on the Real Estate sign that says "Text MLS1000 to 70734".  Once they enter this information into their cell phone and hit send four things will happen.  First, an email will be sent to the realtor with their phone number and the listing they're requesting information about.  Second, an email will be sent to you alerting you to the fact that the realtor has received a lead from the service you provided them. Third, a text message will be sent back to the prospect with the real estate agent's information and fourth another text message will immediately follow with the property description and link to the flyer that's been sent via the text message.  They can click on the link and view the flyer right then and there...complete with property photos.  There's also a place for your information and company contact info.

This tool is extremely valuable in this Seller vs. Seller market because listing agents need to be prospecting for their buyers all the time and in multiple ways.  We're not in the environment of "Stick it on the MLS and it will sell" anymore.

You as an affiliate service provider can now walk into an Open House and have a value added conversation with an agent by helping them find more buyers.  Don't forget that over 70% of the buyers out there will work with the first agent they talk to.  Call Capture products like this will allow them to be that first agent!

I know your asking "Why are you sharing this with me Christian?"  Simple.  I believe that you, like myself are probably very motivated to drum up more business.  I'm sharing this valuable information with you for two reasons.  One, because I want to strengthen our working relationship and two because it is my hope that by helping you succeed you'll remember me when opportunities present themselves.

I've worked out a special deal with Text My MLS for California ONLY based on the barter system.  I'll share their great idea with my contacts if they give them a discount to create added value for myself in the Title Industry and you in your industry.

In a nut shell here's what you'll get (In California Only):

Free Sign Up ($150 value)

Two Advertising Packages to pick from:

Gold $100 (25 Codes)

or

Platinum $150 (50 Codes)

 I've had so much success with the product that I put together a tutorial on how to use it, just to make my life easier in answering quesitons.  Here it is.

Use the codes however you please.  Broker and Public opens are where I would use them as an Escrow Officer, Lender or? ....but everyone has their own creative juices...you might come up with something better.  I can't give this type of product away because we're governed by RESPA, but I'm sure you can figure out some creative ways to market with it.

Here's a sample you can click over to right now: Sample

You can sign up for Free at Text My MLS if it's something you'd like to check out further.

IMPORTANT: The FIRST time you sign up make sure you enter the promo code in the appropriate box to get the special pricing before buying.

Promo Code: CS1212-E

See you out on the playground!

Christian

P.S. I almost forgot....they are giving me a trial period on this promotional offer through the end of the year...meaning I don't know if they'll honor it in 2008.  Just a heads up.