About 8 years ago I purchased a product I am sure most of you have heard of. I purchased 6 Talking House transmitters. If you are not familiar with this product, it is a simple AM transmitter that makes it possible to record information directly ( and with eaze ) to the unit with information about....well.....anything. Most Realtors have purchased them to place in homes so potential buyers can hear features of a home from their automobile. Here is how I have used mine to help get a slight edge:
1.) My messages are done carefully. I give potential buyers just enough information to hopefully make them more curious and set-up their call to me!
2.) I have found that when potential buyers are driving and looking at multiple homes that my Talking Houses do stand out and remain at Top Of Mind from the dozens of other properties they have looked at.
3.) I always offer a FREE REPORT to potential buyers and list my Toll Free 800 Call Capture Number. Sometimes I will offer a couple FREE REPORTS. My 800 number is coded so I know why they called and what property they called from....so I can track who actually listened to my Talking House and called as a result of it!
4.) I will offer my Talking House to FSBO's. In return I secure a signed agreement that they will pay me a commission if I bring them a buyer as a result of my Talking House. Remember.....I can track the calls. Is it fool-proof? No....but we know that most FSBO's give up trying to sell themselves after 4-6 weeks....and they usually will give me the opportunity to list in appreacition for our soft sell FREE Talking House.
5.) I have let churches and organizations use my Talking Houses to get their message out. If they are having a fundraiser or event, they only need to place their own sign and my transmitter and they appreciate the FREE service we provide to them.
6.) I use my Talking House in every listing presentation. It has often given me the edge. Before going to the listing appointment I will record a message about the subject property and play it for the owners during my presentation. It does connect with sellers. Just as people enjoy seeing pictures of their own homes, they love to HEAR about their homes as well!
The Talking House technology is really 70's-like.....but they can work. Frankly I think they are priced much too high for the technology enclosed within the black box.....so I am always looking to purchase used units that are no longer being used by agents or former agents. They now sell for about $250 dollars each.....but they might be a great investment for a new agent looking for an edge or for an agent looking to seperate him/herself from local competition.
How do you use your Talking House? I'd be curious to hear how they are working for other agents. And....oh, by the way....I'm always looking for used units that are still in good working condition!
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