Home buyers want detailed information. If you don't give it to them you miss out on a lead.

I always tell our advertisers to provide as many details about a property as they can (whether online or in print). Some advertisers think by not providing certain information it will force the customer to call or email for additional details. I believe you're missing out on a potential lead by not supplying the information. Today we received a copy of a REAL lead which came in via our website from a listing which was posted to Zillow (one of our partner sites). I have removed the listing details as well as prospect:

"I am writing to you as a service to you and your associates. I came upon this listing on Zillow and frankly I have been disappointed many times by the lack of detail posted online for properties. Frustrated is probably a better word. I'm searching Zillow and many other sites for information on properties, and I am just like MLLIONS of others just like myself. I reside in Yuma, Arizona and am looking for property in Tennessee and when virtually no details are included in a listing, I simply move along to another property, hoping to get some better information. The phrase "Get ahead for a change" means nothing to me. I've been getting ahead for my entire lifetime. Millions of people search for property for retirement purposes and many of us do it online before we travel to see property and there are so many listings that we do not have time to email for further information on a property which has no, or almost no, basic information included in the listing. You will have much greater success if you give a reasonably complete description of a property instead of simply dumping it online with no details. Also, often there are photos but they rarely (very, very rarely)include any information as to the view. We, who seek property, would like to know whether we are looking at, or from, the property. I would like to know whether there is a HOA and the fees, if applicable. What about water  other utiities? For example, High speed internet access is VERY important to me, while I couldn't care less about cable TV. I do not mean to be critical of you (in particular)in saying this, but my frustration level just happened to peak out as I viewed this listing. It was entirely random that this letter was written to you. I've never done it before, and I never will again. I am NOT applying for a job, but I can state to you, without qualification, that if I were on your staff, as the internet interface person, your sales would soar! Baby Boomers (me included) are looking for a place to retire and there are at least 25 Million of us. Stop them in their tracks by giving complete information online. You will be glad you did! No one else is doing it and you could really stand out if you do. Sincerely, (name removed)"

Details, details, details. Consumers want it and if you're not providing it either online or in print then you're missing out on a potential lead. With Homes & Land, we give our advertisers the option to have both a print caption and a web caption. Obviously, you can fit more detailed information online then you typically can in print. Make sure you take advantage of this feature and give details!

 
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: Online Marketing - Tips, Advice, Wisdom
Post is included in group: Real Estate Rookie
Post is included in group: Tennessee Realtors - Join Hands

3 Comments on Home buyers want detailed information. If you don't give it to them you miss out on a lead.

I largely agree with the author of that letter.  Before I started to get my real estate salesperson license, I was a buyer.  I too was frustrated when I found a property advertisement ONLINE that was nearly barren with information.  Folks - the information is FREE!  Share it with the buyers!  I understand that sometimes it is not appropriate for certain advertising forums, but it should always be available online.

05/12/2008 04:19 PM by Tiffany Wilson (Shorewood Realtors)


I certainly agree - give them as much information as possible.  But the time it takes to fill out a complete property profile on ZILLOW is amazing!  I did this for one property the other day and I think it took over an hour.  Clicking on the various sections and adding the info.   I wish the consumers realized that this lack of info is not always because we as agents are reluctant to share info - but, because of the nature of data sharing on the internet - we don't have much control over how much information is transferred to a particular site. 

05/12/2008 10:24 PM by Bo Buchanan-Blue60.com Directory For Real Estate Pro's (Blue60.com)


Nothing wrong with giving them lots of information. The more information the more interested they may be in your listing. Yes it is nice to get both sides when possible. It's good to see quickly as well even if someone else brings the buyer

05/17/2008 10:05 PM by Roland Woodworth "Ft. Campbell Area Realtor" (Exit Realty Clarksville)


Leave a response…

Name:
Notify me of new comments:
Comment:
What does the graphic say?
 
Real Estate Media: Russell Haskins | Homes & Land |  Integrated advertising that delivers! (Homes & Land)
Russell Haskins | Homes & Land | Integrated advertising that delivers!
Knoxville, TN
More about me…
Homes & Land

Office Phone: (865) 675-1622
Cell Phone: (865) 680-4233
Email Me

Links

Tags (Tag Cloud)

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog
ATOM 1.0 Feed for this blog

Find TN real estate agents and Knoxville real estate here on ActiveRain.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
© 2007 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved