I am relatively new to Active Rain. But in the short time that I have been a member, I have learned a lot from reading the various post and blogs. I've learned a lot of good ideas that I have implemented in my business and feel it's a wonderful resource. So a few months ago, I needed a referral to an agent in another state and went to Active Rain to find one. I found one and my buyer client, now has her house under contract and is looking for a home in Florida. So the other day, when I needed a referral again, back to Active Rain I went. This is about my most recent experience. My hope is that this post will be informational for both agents and the general public looking for an agent.
I posted my referral and specifically requested that a link to the agents website be included in their response. An agents website can tell you a lot about the agent before you ever have your first conversation with them.
I received 14 responses, with some coming within minutes of my post. Many included some basic information about themselves. A few gave me extensive information, which caught my attention. But what surprised me the most was how many did not include a link to their website, as I had instructed. So, my first thought was, hum...can't follow directions! So I clicked through to their Bio. I found some websites there but again, I was surprised how many didn't have a website. The National Association of Realtors research indicates that 83% (not sure if that number is correct but it's close) of buyers start their search on line. So it amazes me that an agent would not have at least a basic website. Strike 2!
So, I looked at agents websites. I looked at over all, clean presentation but specifically looked at their personal listings along with a reseme' of some type. Many had no information about themselves. You may think that people only want to look at homes, but I'm here to tell you that people also want to know who their potentially going to work with. It doesn't need to be on the home page but it needs to be somewhere. I was also not impressed with agents that directed me to their personal page on a company website.
For those of you that need a referral to a good website company, go to www.z57.com. I have 4 websites but my main one is with Z57 and it's great. My website address is www.SCrafa.com. Check it out. I pay a minimal monthly fee and get leads without spending a lot of money.
The last area I looked at was the agents bio. Many only had their name, contact information and nothing else. Strike 3 and you're out!
So, I narrowed it down to 3 agents. I was able to reach 2 of them and had good conversations. The 3rd agent probably had the most impressive bio, had a great website and worked for the same company as I do. But guess what? He never called me back!
My advice to members of Active Rain who what to receive referrals is as follows:
You have one chance to make a good 1st impression on people that don't know you.
1) Follow directions!
2) Present yourself in a professional manner. That includes your comments when responding to the referral, as in why should I give my special clients to you, and a well thought out website.
3) Complete your Active Rain Bio. This is your chance to tell the world what makes you different.
4) Return your calls!
I will be referring my buyer, who has a house to sell, in another area, to 2 agents that made a good impression on me. I'm sure my client will be happy with either one of them.
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