Why are some real estate agents too lazy to set up client searches?

I wouldn't call them lazy but rather ignorant!

It only takes a few minutes to set up a client search with automated updates from the MLS. Once set up, the system notifies the prospect of any new or changed listing and it looks like we are constantly looking for the prospect! The prospect contacts us if he/she sees something of interest because the client's view of the listing on the MLS doesn't give the listing agent's contact information.

I find that I can search for different criteria and in more depth than they can find on their own.  I also have areas memorized that they don't understand.  Setting up a search is the least that I can do.  I copy myself on the searches and it gives me a reason to call if something interesting comes up.

Rocky,

I set up searches for clients and am happy to set up these searches.  It is really not that hard to do and they don't have to look each day but can trust new things that match their criteria will show up for them.  I set them up for my sellers too so they know what their competition looks like.

I don't understand why an agent wouldn't set it up. Pretty easy. Lots of positive  things can happen if you do.

Hi, Rocky.  I agree, some agents, and it always seems to be the ones who moan the most, are just too lazy to service their clients.  In addition to offering to set up automatic searches for my clients, I also afford them two of my web sites that they can do their own search with my IDX feed.

Setting up an automated search for a new client, and copying myself, is a great way to show my knowledge of the market! It gives me a chance to email them that some of the new listings aren't worth their time, and to call them when a great property does come along, falls out of escrow, or gets a price reduction. Just a call to the listing agent tells me the low down on the last failed escrow-which every buyer should know anyway. Like you, when I got my license, I remembered all the great things the good agents in my past had done, and I strive to avoid the mistakes and flaws of the lessee agents I'd encountered. Not sure how long you've been practicing, but I'd say you've got a solid approach to the business. at

Setting up an automated search for a new client, and copying myself, is a great way to show my knowledge of the market! It gives me a chance to email them that some of the new listings aren't worth their time, and to call them when a great property does come along, falls out of escrow, or gets a price reduction. Just a call to the listing agent tells me the low down on the last failed escrow-which every buyer should know anyway. Like you, when I got my license, I remembered all the great things the good agents in my past had done, and I strive to avoid the mistakes and flaws of the lessee agents I'd encountered. Not sure how long you've been practicing, but I'd say you've got a solid approach to the business.

Great Blog !!  One of the first things I do is to set up a client search.

If a buyer's criteria make a search possible, I'm all for it.  I love setting up a client search but it isn't always feasible.  Depends on the situation. 

You need IDX AND Searches. I can't imagine not having both. I have IDX on my website and while I direct people to that, I always set up client searches along with a web portal. They have my face in front of them every day when the listings are sent and they can save their favorites for me to see and to refine the search. I also make sure that I get an email when they look at their portal or when they are looking at my searches. When I see these alerts, I will often email or call them. They are surprised when I "coincidentally" got ahold of them when they were looking at my emails!

Rocky: We use this as a tool at open houses. We'll ask for their home criteria and set up a personalized search. The MLS sends new listings the next day so they have the info timely. We've had people call a year or two later when they're finally ready to buy. It's a fantastic tool and we'll always use it. Carrie

Wild Guess, but you wouldn't happen to be trying to rank for the term CLIENT SEARCH by any chance?!  Seriously, I have to wonder what's going on with alot of agents. I get buyers searching on my site and when I contact them, I find they already have an agent. Why the heck are the searching on my site, and everywhere else? You'd think their agent would set them up to get the appropriate listings...

I set up client searches as long as the client wants me to show him or her what is available in the MLS.  Many clients now have already searched the MLS.  What they want from me are listings that have not hit the MLS yet or pocket listings.  The problem with this is that there may be a period of time before I have a listing that suits their criteria that they don't know about.  I am losing face time with them.  Any suggestions?

Setting up a search is such a simple thing.  I like how you remember what you didn't like prior to being an agent and it makes you a better agent.  I never purchased a home before I became an agent, so had never worked with anyone before. -Kasey

I know what you mean! The reason I am an agent today is I had 2 really yucky agents and 1 really good agent. I thought I can do that.

Why are some agents even agents period?  80% of them are lazy or ineffective in their business.  The barrier to entry into our profession continues to be far too low, so that it's almost as easy to get your license as it is to work at McDonalds.  This explains why the average agent only sells 8 homes per year, for less than 1 million in volume, and after broker splits makes less than a full time work at the previously mentioned fast food franchise.

Well, setting a home search is not that complicated process, probably one of the easiest tasks when working with a client. With new technologies it takes seconds.