6 Best Practices for Online Leads
By Carl Martens | June 18, 2008
I wanted to share with ya’ll an article that I found to be very interesting (thanks Brenda for sharing). The article was written by “Mr. Internet”, which is the alter ego of Michael J. Russer. Us nerds like these types of names…to Phyllis Durham I am the “Webstud”…chew on that Mr. Internet!
I should point out that I thought the article was great, however I disagree with “Best Practice #2″. I think it is your job to do some investigative research and to obtain as much info as you can about a prospect, go above and beyond where other agents don’t…this will set you apart from the rest. I do this all the time and have never had anyone get on the defensive or be upset about it, most people are surprised, but thankful when you go the extra step…just be sure you have something of value to provide them with and not just call to pitch a sale.
Aside from that best practice, I agree with everything else in the article. Check it out. Enjoy!
6 Best Practices for Online Leads
Topics: Internet Marketing | No Comments »
softRealty Search Connect URL API Information
By Carl Martens | June 17, 2008
I figured this might be beneficial to those of you that are using softRealty’s IDX and also wanted to post it here so I’d have a reference. The below was provided by David Carroll of SoftRealty. This is probably posted here to be more of a reference to me, but hopefully some others will benefit as well. If you have questions, just post them in the comments section. To see the Search Connect URL in action, visit www.SoldonRoswell.com
* Note: the links below will not work…I do not have a softRealty account setup for AuntBrenda.com
There are 2 approaches your developer can take with building your JavaScript logic:
Option 1: JavaScript logic could dynamically update the iFrame src path.
Option 2: JavaScript logic could build a new website Url and redirect to the new Url address with the selected search criteria.
I will leave it to your developer’s discretion on which option makes the most sense to implement. Regardless, both options will follow the same rules which are as follows:
Option 1: Base Address in iFrame src is: http://idx.softrealty.com/YourSite’sName/start/
Option 2: Base Address in browser url is: http://www.YourSite.com
Displaying Specific Property Page
1. Modify Base Address:
a. Option 1: Replace /start/ with /Details/ListingNumber=3684786;SourceName=FMLS
i. Example: http://idx.softrealty.com/auntbrenda/Details/ListingNumber=3684786;SourceName=FMLS
b. Option 2: Append the following to Base Address: /?Details/ListingNumber=3684786;SourceName=FMLS
i. Example: http://www.auntbrenda.com/?Details/ListingNumber=3684786;SourceName=FMLS
c. SourceName values can be GAMLS or FMLS.
Displaying Custom Search Results
2. Modify Base Address:
a. Option 1: Replace /start/ with /search/ and Search Criteria appended.
i. Example: http://idx.softrealty.com/auntbrenda/Search/
b. Option 2: Append /?search/ and Search Criteria to Base Address.
i. Example: http://www.auntbrenda.com/?Search/
3. Append Search Criteria to modified Base Address:
a. Apply Search Criteria using the following formats:
i. Search/CriteriaA=Value1;CriteriaB=Value2,Value3/
ii. Examples:
1. http://idx.softrealty.com/atlantahomequest/Search/Cities=Atlanta,Suwanee,Duluth;ListPriceMin=300000/
2. http://www.auntbrenda.com/?Search/Cities=Atlanta,Suwanee,Duluth;ListPriceMin=300000/
iii. Notes:
1. Search Criteria can be applied in any order.
2. Multiple [Criteria=Value] Pairs are separated by semi-colons (;).
a. Examples: Cities;HasBasement;ListPriceMin
3. Some Criteria known as Selected Location Filters can support multiple Values.
a. Examples: Cities=Duluth,Atlanta,Suwanee;PostalCodes=30518,30341,30096
4. General Search Options support specifying a min and max range.
a. Min/Max Examples:
i. Min Only: Search/ListPriceMin=300000
ii. Max Only: Search/ListPriceMax=800000
iii. Both: Search/ListPriceMin=300000;ListPriceMax=800000
5. Valid Values for the Search Criteria can be found in the drop down boxes on the Search Page
6. List of Valid Search Criteria are listed below:
Valid Search Criteria:
Selected Location Filters (Supports multiple values):
Addresses (string)
Cities (string)
PostalCodes (string)
Counties (string)
Subdivisions (string)
ElementarySchools (string)
MiddleSchools (string)
HighSchools (string)
ListingNumbers (string)
General Search Options:
ListPriceMin (int)
ListPriceMax (int)
BedroomsMin (int)
BedroomsMax (int)
BathsFullMin (int)
BathsHalfMin (int)
BathsHalfMax (int)
YearBuiltMin (int)
YearBuiltMax (int)
LotSizeMin (int)
LotSizeMax (int)
Property Features:
GarageSize (0,1,2,3,Carport)
HasBasement (true/false)
HasGolf (true/false)
HasSwimTennis (true/false)
HasPool (true/false)
HasLake (true/false)
HasFence (true/false)
HasMasterOnMain (true/false)
ShowListingsWithPhotosOnly (true/false)
NOTE: To test various Search Criteria, your developer can use the link called “Link to this Page” and click the “Go” Button to see study how the query was built. This link is found on both the Search and Details pages.
Topics: IDX Service | No Comments »
Custom Point of Interest Technology on the Horizon for Real Estate
By Carl Martens | May 19, 2008
There are sites now starting to pop-up where you can download your Point of Interest (POIs) and import them into your GPS unit. For instace, the Department of Energy has created a Custom POI database for E85 gas stations. Defined by the U.S. Department of Energy as an alternative fuel, E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and just 15 percent gasoline. You can also upload safety cameras or school zones and receive a warning if you are traveling too fast.
Pictured below are screenshots illustrating the proximity alert feature:
They are also starting to come out with beta software to do GPS tours…when you drive by a POI, it starts an MP3 with info on that POI.
Think about how this technolgoy could be used in real estate. IVR systems like VoicePad, could soon be replaced by a GPS recording! Your featured listings, a client’s gateway, etc. could become POIs downloadable from your website. When the POI is downloaded from the internet into your GPS advertising/information is also downloaded on a voice file with that POI.
Read more here.
Topics: Technology | No Comments »
A Program to Help Realtors Organize Their Outlook Inbox
By Carl Martens | May 16, 2008
Are you drowning in Email? Not anymore. For the past several months I have been testing out xobni with my own business, about a month ago I started using it at RKiHomes, and just this week Brenda has started using it. The consensus; no computer lag and an awesome organizational tool!
xobni is free and provides the following features: lightning fast email search, email analytics, navigate your inbox by people, your personal assistant, threaded conversations, quick attachement discovery, and phone number extraction from emails.
I can’t say enough good things about this product, the only negative I noticed is that I’m not as concerned with keeping my email organized, but then again I don’t need to! I find it most useful when I’m trying to locate an email that contained a file sent to someone (or yourself), with xobni all you need to do is type in the person’s name or email address and you can easily find the attached file that you sent or someone sent to you.
Here’s a screenshot of xobni in use
:
I edited the screenshot using Jing Project.
Topics: Administrative | No Comments »
Lowe’s Provides Personlized Monthly E-mail for Real Estate Agents and Their Clients…for FREE!
By Carl Martens | May 13, 2008
In a strategy designed to help Realtors reach their consumer base via e-mail Lowe’s has
launched, “Homeowner’s Handbook” for buyers and sellers, in conjuction with Lowe’s Realtor Benefits Program.
The professionally designed newsletter will contain helpful hints and tips, new and innovative products and projects, and periodic money-saving coupons at Lowe’s.
Each e-newsletter comes with the following features to help you personalize your message.
* Monthly tips on selling, buying and moving
* Information to educate your clients about innovative home products and projects around the home that yield a high return
* Important home maintenance tips
* Periodic Project Starter Coupons for special savings at Lowe’s
* Include a direct link to your website and profile as well as the ability to have clients contact you directly via your e-mail
Topics: E-mail Concepts, Internet Marketing | No Comments »
