Lead Generation Systems

Laurie, I think it depends on your area. Some of my clients use HomeGain and others use HouseValue. The opinions vary for both and the number of leads that come in varies greatly. A lot of it has to do with the proposals. You have to give the lead the information they are seeking or at least peek their interest to the point of them wanting to schedule.

I'm still amazed at the number of leads that use invalid emails and telephone numbers or provide information belonging to someone else. 

If you're getting bombarded chances are a lot of other area agents are too, and there goes the exclusivity. One of my best sources for leads has been walking my dog. Anything that gets you face-to-face is worthwhile and will generate better returns in the long run.

Weichert, Realtors has their own online lead capturing system.  It is one of the key factors that had me choose Weichert as the place to "hang my license."

First off, Weichert bids on something like 17,000 keyword searches a day.  So chances are, that when someone does a search on yahoo, google, ask.com, etc., one of the top results will be www.weichert.com

Then, as buyers search the listings (not just weichert listings), if they see one they want more info on, they can call an 800 number or send an email.  A call center operator takes their call.  Meanwhile, an auto-dialer calls the cell phone of one of the Weichert agents in the area of the listing the buyer was interested in. Usually within 2 minutes of making their online inquiry, the Weichert agent is then conferenced in to the call with the buyer.  You can bet that buyers sitting at home looking at their computer are impressed to be able to talk to an actual person in real time while they are still looking at the listing online.  The conversion rates seem quite good.  One agent told me of the 3 transactions she has had recently, one was a walk in while she was on floor time, and the other two were Weichert Lead Network leads.  The key to the high conversion rate is the real-time capture, screening and qualification process that the Weichert Lead Network does with the buyer while the autodialer works on bringing an agent into the call.  One of the agents in my office was actually in the driveway of the listing when her cellphone rang with a lead network call about that very listing.  The buyers thought it was incredible (so did the agent, in all fairness) and they were on their way out the door to meet with the agent in just a few minutes after she got on the line with them.

Not to sound like a blatant Weichert, Realtors advertisement, but I strongly suggest you contact your nearest Weichert, Realtors office and talk to their managing broker.  Ask about the effectiveness of the Weichert Lead Network, and see if transferring your license to a Weichert office might make sense for you.  You can find the nearest Weichert office (or test out the lead network system) at www.weichert.com.

Another thing to aks these services is whether they sell each lead multiple times.  LowerMyBills.com sells their inquiries at least 6 times.  I can wee why the lead generation business is so popular today!

Greg Zaccagni