Lead Generation has seemingly turned into REALTOR Prostitution. I realize that this word will shock many who read it, but please hear me out. REALTORS go into the home of “M/M Smith” to list their house for the proper price in the current market. After the listing is put into the MLS, it is pushed out to Zillow, Trulia, Realtor, Homes and many others. The agent then manages the appointments for showings of the home.
These other sites where our data is now sent to will turn around and sell back to us the leads that are “impressions” of people who may have interest in that house. These “leads” (aka known as people who are impressed with the house) call a REALTOR that advertises on that sight for hundreds of dollars each year. They tell the REALTOR that they want to see these houses tonight at 5:30 PM. Never mind the fact that it’s 4:30 PM now. These buyers are demanding and they act like they are qualified when they very well may not be. They often seem bothered by the fact that I don’t want to show them houses unless they are qualified. They also seem bothered that I want a relationship with them as their buyer’s agent. It’s like these buyers are just using us for our lockbox key. They are “one and done” very often. I hope your see the connection with where I’m going. Not a lot of these buyers turn out to be “Pretty Woman” where I end up in a relationship with them. So many of them are simply “turning tricks” and I’m the trick.
I have decided not to prostitute myself to these so called “lead generation sites” also known as “impression sites”. I am trying to build relationships that last. I have room in my life and schedule to serve people in looking for just the right home for their family. I want my buyers to be pre-qualified and committed to me. I am not a commodity to be traded; I want to become their trusted real estate advisor. If you are in the market to sell your home, it is an incredible sellers market currently and I will be happy to help position your home in the best possible position to sell quickly and for a strong price point. If you’re in the market to buy, I’ll keep looking until we find the right fit both in size, location and price point.
I am willing to make a commitment to you for your real estate needs. I want to be a loyal trusted, professional REALTOR who serves others with the highest of professional skill. I do think that the REALTOR Prostitutes who pay top dollar for their “one transaction stands” are not going anywhere. I just don’t want to go there personally. I would rather work with people I know and trust and people who my trusted friends send my way.
Dwayne Hicks
REALTOR/Friend
