Day Two: Website Property Search Tools

Let's assume that at least 30% of Realtors nationwide have custom or template based websites.  That would mean that out of 1.2 million Realtors that 240,000 websites exist purely for real estate agents.

• Over 1.2 Million Realtors (1)
  
• Over 4.9 million homes on the market in 2008 (2)

Template based websites from companies like Advanced Access, Homes or Best Image all tend to have their own internal property search tools.  So not only can a Realtor take advantage of MLS property marketing but they can also have their own property search tools directly on their website.Custom websites may also use 3rd party applications or custom built programs to display properties in such a way that may be different than what the MLS may offer.

Depending on your MLS limitations and your property search tool capabilities you might find some added benefits in also using property marketing tools on your website in addition to your MLS.  They are:

1. Property data is on your website and not simply a link to your MLS.
2. Custom Search Options (Some MLS / IDX Solutions don't allow you to create custom searches that might meet your buyers criteria and then send them a link.)

Also I might add that it is of my opinion that many Realtors won't do much more property marketing outside of adding the listing to the MLS which is almost always required.  In the event that this is true in your market then you've now added one more way to promote your properties above and beyond what your competitors are willing to do.

Tomorrow: Website On Page Promotion

Sincerely,

John F. Jones III

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My Previous Post In This Series: Day One - Online Property Marketing