Home Gain, can it work for you?
I worked with multiple agents around the country and have found that there is a better rate of success with Home Gain than the others. In addition, just because someone has a high success or failure rate does not mean the program will or will not work for you. Various factors can change your outcome.
It has been my experience that it does not matter what program or method you use, if you do not work it, nurture the leads, and remain consistent, it does not matter what program you use or how well you optimize your site for the search engines it will not work. Too often people tend to place blame on the lead generating programs when the blame should be placed on the account holder (broker/agent). Like drip campaign programs, you cannot subscribe and expect the program to run on auto pilot.
I have seen poorly written proposals that consist of one or two sentences, outdated information, etc listed on many of the lead programs that are the responsibility of the broker/agent, not the program. One proposal stated, "Thank you but call me so I can find out what you want". Now that sounds very appealing and makes buyers or sellers want to utilize you for their next purchase or the sale of their home. NO WAY! Brokers and agent cannot seem to keep their bio and contact information up-to-date on the MLS. Is it the MLS's fault? If it were up to me, I would fine the broker and agent for inaccurate information. How can buyers and sellers contact you when your phone is disconnected or the email address is invalid?
One agent recently contacted me because she could not understand why her Home Gain account was not benefiting her. Well, once I logged in, she had 78 buyer leads over the past month that she did not even respond to and probably another 50+ that have expired over the past two months. Then, I looked at her proposals, what a waste of money.
Needless to say, I had to write two new proposals to start the process, upload her image, and updated the contact information. After spending three days writing a buyer and seller proposal, and repeated emails being sent for her bio and brief sales history, I finally completed the proposals and got it uploaded. Those outstanding leads are now turning in to success. Having zero buyers and sellers over the past six months has turned in to seven buyers and five sellers! How many of the others could have lead to success?
The point is, it does not matter if the leads are paid for through a lead generating site or if it is a result of blogging and SEO. If you do not work it, the dollar result is ZERO. If you do not have the time or want to take the time to take full advantage of what the programs have to offer, who is to blame? The only problem I find with most of these programs is that it does not send out a confirmation email before providing the seller or buyer with further detail.
I see potential on all lead generating programs if it is used as a tool to supplement current income. Take the time required to work it!
Carolyn Nelson, Online Real Estate Assistant
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