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I just don't get it?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Virtual Access Tours Monmouth and Ocean County NJ

We recently gained a new member to our Virtual Access Tour family. Barbara G.  a real dynamo Realtor with over 20 years experience and success.  Barbara has always been a top producer and though the market is slow, she still was doing pretty good in spite of it. Barbara wanted to expand her knowledge and change things up a bit. 

Barbara began to reach out to her fellow realtors offering her new virtual tour service and Barbara quickly learned that Realtors on average will not invest in themselves. This has been our biggest hurtle.

Barbara just couldn't get it, why a business person could not do the math. If you stand to get a commission of 8,000 why wouldn't you invest in a virtual tour that will only cost you $100, give you increased exposure, make you look good to your client and get a marketing tool for future prospecting? In the scheme of things it just doesn't make any sense.  

Sometimes we think we can do it better, faster and cheaper ourselves, but something's got to give and its most likely your business of prospecting, servicing clients and closing deals.  If you average out how much you earn per hour and it exceeds minimum wage, then why would you do a minimum wage task? You should be working on what your worth.

 I always equate these Realtors to FSBO's. Why do 58 % of FSBO's turn to Realtors to sell their homes? Because they lack the expertise that a professional Realtor can provide. Are you a FSBO? It all comes down to your time is your money.  Barbara has begun to help other Realtors do the math and now we have a lot of new math wiz clients!

Jan Wood
None - Gallatin, TN
Cathy:  A friend of mine commented just yesterday about the same thing.  She had been online researching her particular neighborhood (which is an up-scale community) and noticed that one particular agent never uses but one picture... no virtual tour, and never has open houses.   The public does notice things like this.  It's hard not to comment on another agent's methods.  I always use Virtual Tours on my listings... even on some of my land listings.
Apr 12, 2008 02:44 AM
Toni Bird
Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties - Hoover, AL

Cathy, 

It amazes me how many realtors don't believe they are running a business. As our world changes, we need to be willing to change with it and INVEST time and money in our business. 

Toni

Apr 12, 2008 02:48 AM
Cathy Williams
Virtual Access Tours Monmouth and Ocean County NJ - Freehold, NJ

I know Jan,

I would imagine that the Realtor who dose not offer more visual information makes it harder for you to do your job. I would bet that they are not listing a lot of homes either, rather are just working with buyers and use the marketing investments of other Realtors.   

In my own business I had to come to the realazation that you just can't do it all and that you need to invest in yourself. I now use a mailing service then waste time, I pay for business advise and marketing. Its hard to part with the dollars but when you do the math it makes sense.

 

Apr 12, 2008 02:53 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes
we put a tour on everyone of our listings...we feel it helps get us additional exposure.
Apr 12, 2008 02:59 AM
Robin Lundholm
Cape May, NJ
When I first started in real estate, I was told that you need to spend money to make money.  That mind set definately holds true.  Nice post.
Apr 12, 2008 08:41 AM