I have something stuck in my head. It came from the Stefan Swanepoel seminar that I went to a few weeks ago. Stefan spoke about advertising, specifically print & mailers. He said that while a large number of realtors used the "I'm #1 in sales," or "I'm the top listing agent," only 19% of the public believed statements like that. The rest of the group relied upon online reviews. Wow. Pretty powerful stuff. Especially since I've used those ads myself.
After the seminar, I couldn't stop thinking about that point. I use online reviews all the time. So it made perfect sense to me that others would too. For instance, when I'm making a purchase, I go to Amazon & look up my item to read what others are saying. Or I check at Epinions or Consumer Search. Getting the lowdown from other purchasers makes a difference for me. And the same goes for restaurants & services. I look at b4-u-eat or the Houston Press for dining and RateKingwood for local services.
I am fortunate that the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) understands the value of the online review. They have implemented something called the Client Experience Rating. You can opt in for this program that sends an email to a client after closing for a rating/review of the realtor. It is all or nothing participation. You can't pick & choose the clients emails are sent to. However, you are able to respond to a bad review. And not every client takes the time to fill out the survey, so you may send out many more than are rated. I think this service will help fill the bill for those searching for the agent reviews before hiring someone to sell their home.
This is still an area I am going to think about for awhile. I really believe the online reviews matter. And I'm going to see how else I will get the word out - maybe I'll tweet it or put something on FB...
Susan Brown, Your Texas Connection sells real estate in Walden on Lake Houston, Eagle Springs, Summerwood, Atascocita, TX, Kingwood Greens, Royal Shores & Kingwood, TX - just to name a few! Susan's the team leader for Your Texas Connection at Keller Williams Realty NE. Visit their website for more in depth info about the team and what they can do for you. Or call Susan direct (281) 415-1454 if you'd like her to start working on your behalf today
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