Analysis Archives - Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites

The Ultimate Guide: Expired Listings and FSBO Lead Providers in 2019

Marketing Team — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 22:39:27 +0000

Expired listings and FSBO leads are some of the best leads for listing agents to convert. There are loads of places to get information on expireds and FSBO leads, but they don’t all stack up equally. We are breaking down the pros and cons of some of the premier providers of expired listings and FSBO leads in 2019. We are covering the good, the bad, and the ugly.

1. My +Plus Leads

This is far and away one of the best places to invest in the new year. The reason is the quality of data My +Plus Leads provides. Expired listing and FSBO lead services are a waste of time if the contact information provided is not accurate. My +Plus Leads pride themselves on not just providing addresses, but on helping Realtors build relationships with future clients. They do this by providing the most comprehensive contact data available on the web. The provider also aims to save Realtors time by sending aggregated emails with only leads that are relevant to them. Pair My +Plus Leads with another product designed to save Realtors time and build relationships like Buying Buddy IDX CRM and you’ll really be in business.

The Pros:

The quality and variety of contact info available. My +Plus Leads’ contact information covers phone, email, and social media links. They pull from multiple data pools to cross-check for accurate data. The daily summary emails only cover relevant lead information.

The Cons:

$59/mo for expired listings and FSBO leads is a bit higher than some of the other providers. However, the data integrity and time saved is worth it. They are one of the newer kids on the block, so the customer support may not always be as on point as more established brands.

2. Landvoice

Landvoice is a bit on the pricier side. Their starter package is $79/mo, but isn’t worth it. To get the most out of Landvoice, the best bet is their $156/mo Pro account. Again, it all comes down to data. Pro accounts include enhanced data that get up 95% of expired listings’ phone numbers.

It’s best not to spring for their $200/mo Elite Package unless you are serious about getting a dialer (phone burner). Their CRM is pretty clunky though, so it is best to a stick to a CRM provider that specializes in CRMS.

Many agents have reported issues with Landvoice’s auto account renewal and customer service. The one other big con for Landvoice is their outdated search engine. It takes a long time to comb through their data because their search functions are really basic. Be prepared to invest some time in searching.

The Pros:

They have fairly accurate data. The software is easy to navigate.

The Cons:

The searchability function: Realtors will need to comb through data to get their relevant information. Poorer customer service. To get the best contact information, the price is $156/mo.

3. RedX

RedX provides Realtors with a ton of leads including FSBOs, expired listings, pre-foreclosures, FRBOs, and geoleads. Their software interface is also pretty user-friendly, so it doesn’t take a ton of training to learn your way around.

RedX also has the intention of helping Realtors create relationships with leads, but their approach is all wrong. For one, they are notorious for providing incorrect phone numbers. The time Realtor’s spend chasing down phone numbers rather than talking to leads is a huge time suck. The other big issue is RedX’s pre-written scripts. We know how tempting free scripts are, and RedX provides scripts for cold calls, objections, etc. But if every user is sending the same prewritten scripts to the same leads, it doesn’t work for conversions.

The Pros:

The price; $589.99/year (which is roughly $49.00/mo). They also have a well-established customer support team. RedX’s software is also fairly intuitive and user-friendly.

The Cons:

Data accuracy; RedX has a lengthy history of providing bad phone numbers that are either inaccurate or are actually fax numbers. It can be time-consuming for Realtors to try and track down real contact information. Their scripts are designed to help but are useless because other agents are using the same ones.

4. Vulcan7

Vulcan7 is an investment. But their main product is a dialer plus FSBO and expired leads. Listing agents like it because of the dialer. They also have a premier video messaging tool to send leads communication via video. Their dialer and communication tools are hands down the best on this list.

Most users pay around $299/mo for Vulcan 7. They pride themselves on not only providing good contact data but also connecting Realtors with leads via their dialer. However, when it comes to good contact information, there are other providers offering data that is just as accurate for a fraction of the cost. It really does depend if you want the dialer.

There have been some complaints about the sign-up process. Vulcan7 has positioned itself as a high-end lead system. Their marketing plan is akin to Sotheby’s. Because of this, Realtors must first fill out a screening form and then the company vets their customers. No trails are available.

Vulcan 7 does offer onboarding and training to learn how to navigate their software. Their customer service is also highly rated.

The Pros:

The dialer and video messaging are fantastic tools. Vulcan7 also offers accurate data. They boast great customer service, including software training. Their product is designed not only to give contact info but also connect Realtors with leads.

The Cons:

The lack of transparency surrounding their product. While the exclusivity is a marketing angle, it really puts customers at a disadvantage. Vulcan7 is also very expensive and there is more data (like phone, email, and social media links) available on better-priced platforms. However, these do not discount the great dialer.

5. Expresso Agent

Expresso Agent offers services similar to Vulcan7 but it is packaged differently. They offer a stripped down account featuring just FSBOs for $149/mo, but to get both FSBOs and expired listings it costs $259/mo (Double Shot plan). These accounts both include an auto dialer, video communication, and a CRM just like Vulcan7.

While they have differing marketing techniques and certainly have a different feel, Expresso Agent and Vulcan7 are offering the same services. While Expresso Agent is slightly less costly, Vulcan7 offers more streamlined software.

Arguably both brands offer good data and dialers.

The Pros:

Slightly better pricing than the major competitor. Solid data. Great auto-dialer and video communication for leads.

The Cons:

Expresso Agent is still costly. They do not offer the sleek interface of Vulcan7. Their customer service doesn’t compare to their main competitor, Vulcan 7.

Notable Mention: Mojo Dialer

While many agents use Mojo Dialer, the brand’s primary focus is on the dialer itself, not on the data they provide. For the scope of this article, we wanted to cover the best providers of expired listings and FSBO leads. Mojo can certainly provide this kind of data, but the dialer, itself is the star of the show.

Review

FSBOs and expired listings are lucrative ways to ensure steady streams of income. But with so many listing and data providers, it is hard to know where to look. Not all brands are created equally, but there are some great providers of expired listings and FSBO contact information. The market is evolving; dialers, CRMs, video messaging, and more are making reaching out leads easier every day. Even something as small as combining free marketing tools like Single Property Sites with the right lead provider for your real estate business can make a huge impact this year.

The post The Ultimate Guide: Expired Listings and FSBO Lead Providers in 2019 appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

Using Drones for Real Estate view is still illegal according to FAA

admin — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 19:41:45 +0000

For those of you that are not aware of the news regarding Drones and its usage. The Federal Administration of Aviation or FAA clearly states that the use of Drone aircraft that are not for recreational use is illegal.

The genesis of this rule stems from the FAA’s first findings in 1981:

“Model aircraft can at times pose a hazard to full-scale aircraft in flight and to persons and property on the surface.” Federal Administration of Aviation

To mitigate these safety risks, the FAA produced operating standards for all controlled drone devices.

1) All drone aircrafts are restricted to operate on populated areas

2) Limitations on the operations of these devices are imposed, until these devices have been proven airworthy and has been flight tested for safety.

3) These devices are restricted to operate 400 feet above the surface.

4) These devices must give right of way to, and also avoid flying near manned aircraft.

5) Must have an assistant when the aircraft is in operation

The FAA then, explicitly listed conditions upon which drone aircrafts must fall within. The FAA will allow operations of these controlled drones if they meet all the criteria below:

the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use
the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization
the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds, unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program that is administered by a community-based organization
the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with any manned aircraft
when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the controlled aircraft must provide the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower, prior notice of the aircraft’s operation.

The FAA is aware that more and more real estate professionals are using drones to take aerial pictures & videos of their properties, and the FAA wants to stress out the fact that any aircraft flown from the ground up is within their ruling, and must follow all applicable rules that the FAA enforced in order to ensure the safety of the public, and other manned, or unmanned aircrafts.

At the moment, the FAA has no means of finding out organizations that are in violation of their statutes and regulations. If they do find enough evidence through the Internet: social media; videos; websites; people’s complaints; or even a suspect receipt from a distributor; then the FAA is within its power to enforce or act upon such violations.

The FAA released a Myth vs. Fast document, further elaborating on this issue.

Where do you stand on this issue? Do you think the FAA should allow for the commercial use of these drones?

The post Using Drones for Real Estate view is still illegal according to FAA appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

Baby Boomers are Purchasing Smaller Homes

admin — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 16:26:05 +0000

The real estate market is improving as prices increase and interest rates decrease, providing us with larger numbers of houses on the market with a short listing period. Baby boomers are purchasing smaller houses, seeking for condominiums in downtown areas and grasping onto a different lifestyle.

Baby boomers are recognizing that as they get closer to retirement they are looking for an easier lifestyle. Living downtown and purchasing smaller houses provides them with many different entertainment opportunities such as sporting events, live music, a wide variety of restaurants and shopping centers. Driving costs are cut down as it is easy to get around downtown with the many different options of transportation methods as well.

Condominiums are great for baby boomers because they have owned a property for a long period of time now, whereas there are many rental options downtown and condominiums still give the opportunity to purchase property while keeping condos at a reasonable price. Downsizing is also something that is appealing to the older generations as their kids have grown up, moved out, and they are not in the need of multiple bedrooms anymore.

As the housing market improves, baby boomers are purchasing smaller properties, downsizing and enjoying a simple lifestyle. This is something many lenders and real estate agents have been noticing as the year progresses and more people are seeking for a new real estate purchase.

The post Baby Boomers are Purchasing Smaller Homes appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

After re-election, Obama faces immediate housing challenges

admin — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:42:41 +0000

Now that all of the bi-partisan bickering has ended and the hoopla has died down, Obama must face an immediate challenge with the housing market after winning re-election.

A recent article from Inman News discusses these challenges, which include the following:

1) The Fiscal Cliff
According to the Budget Control Act of 2011, a series of tax increases and spending will go into effect unless U.S. lawmakers come up with an alternative plan to reduce the federal deficit by $1.2 trillion. This is known as the “fiscal cliff”.

Should Congress fail to reach an agreement and avoid the fiscal cliff, our country could plunge into another recession which would cause home values, currently at a bottom of 31 percent below their mid-2006 peak, to tumble to a record low of 40 percent below peak.

2) The Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID)
One of the proposed solutions to avoid falling off the fiscal cliff is to revamp the mortgage interest deduction. Many experts say the MID cannot exist in its present form, as it currently costs the government around $90 billion per year. Other organizations (like the NAR) claim that any changes to the MID could depreciate home prices by up to 15 percent. These organizations are promising to “remain vigilant in opposing any plan that modifies or excludes the deductibility of mortgage interest.”

3) Mortgage Debt Forgiveness
Another homeowner tax break may be in negotiations as a result of the Mortgage Relief Act of 2007 expiring at the end of this year. If the debt relief law lapses, homeowners would have less of an incentive to pursue short sales because forgiven mortgage debt could be considered taxable income.

Click here to read the full story.

Looking to boost your real estate marketing with single property sites?

The post After re-election, Obama faces immediate housing challenges appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

Housing Market Shows ‘Steady and Sustainable’ Improvement

admin — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:25:07 +0000

Despite the sluggish economic recovery in the U.S., home sales have been increasing at a rate that leaves economists optimistic for the housing market to add to economic growth for the first time in seven years.

An article in REALTOR Mag (from the National Association of REALTORS®) discusses how experts are predicting a steady and sustainable improvement in the growth of the housing market.

Existing-home sales increased 2.3 percent in July and are up more than 10 percent compared to levels at this point last year. Home prices also increased 9.4% in July since last year, which is the single largest price gain in over six and a half years.

“The evidence that the housing market is recovering…is fairly clear across a wide range of reports,” said John Ryding, an economist at RDQ Economics. “[Housing] is now becoming a small positive for the economic outlook.”

Additionally, new-home sales have also risen 3.6 percent in July and up more than 25 percent compared to last Jul, according to the Commerce Department.

While the market still has a way to go in order to reach a full recovery, the latest trends are a very good indicator for an optimistic outlook.

Are you optimistic about the future of the housing market?

Click here to learn how dominate your real estate market and increase sales!

The post Housing Market Shows ‘Steady and Sustainable’ Improvement appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

Home sellers twice as likely to sell home using REALTOR® than going FSBO

admin — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:13:09 +0000

In case you need some convincing stats to use in your next listing presentation, a recent survey conducted by HomeGain concluded that sellers are 120% more likely to successfully sell their home using a Real Estate Agent than selling on their own.

Over 400 homeowners were surveyed on whether they used a REALTOR to sell their home or if they went the FSBO route. The results concluded that 66% of sellers who used an Agent were successful, compared to only 30% of FSBOs.

Of those surveyed who sold their home using a REALTOR, a whopping 89% responded that they would use a REALTOR again with their future buying and selling needs. On the other hand, 90% of FSBOs who sold their home said they would do it on their own again the next time.

“The value of a REALTOR in a real estate transaction is made strikingly apparent in our 2012 FSBO vs. REALTOR survey of home sellers,” said Louis Cammaroano, General Manager of HomeGain. “A qualified REALTOR understands the dynamics of the market and can better assist home sellers in the pricing and preparation of their homes for sale.”

Click here to learn how to increase exposure of your listings and dominate your real estate market.

The post Home sellers twice as likely to sell home using REALTOR® than going FSBO appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

Would-Be Sellers Deterred by Rising Home Prices

admin — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:13:14 +0000

A recent Redfin survey of 1,800 active home sellers found that many are holding back from selling their homes because they are expecting the values of their homes to rise in the near future.

According to the survey, 38% of the home sellers asked said they plan to hold off on selling their house for over a year, while only 25% of the active sellers are planning to sell now. 36% of respondents plan on waiting 3 to 12 months before listing their home.

“The would-be sellers we surveyed have made it clear that inventory is not going to meaningfully increase any time in 2012, which will limit sales volume gains-and the lift that real estate delivers to the economy this year,” said Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman. “We believe the main problem is not, as conventional wisdom would have it, that people can’t sell because they’re underwater on their mortgage. The problem with sales volume is that most home-owners just don’t want to sell.”

A majority of the respondents said they view the current real estate market as being favorable to Buyers because of recent trends and statistics showing low home prices. These same homeowners expressed an overall optimism for the future increase of home prices, and therefore believe they can get more money out of their home by waiting a year or more to sell.

As a result of an increase in rental prices, many home owners (46%) are considering renting their homes instead of selling. Redfin claims that this is actually driving down housing inventory as many homeowners are buying new houses and renting their current ones.

Also according to the survey, the biggest concerns for sellers this year was the economy (49%), foreclosures (34%), financing trouble (30%), and the anticipation for prices to rise (28%).

Click here to learn how to maximize the exposure of your properties, and win more listings!

The post Would-Be Sellers Deterred by Rising Home Prices appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

Zillow Real Estate Market Report Shows Increase in Home Values – First Time in 5 Years

admin — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:51:16 +0000

According to Zillow’s second quarter Real Estate Market Reports home values have increased 2.1% during the first two quarters of 2012. It is the first annual increase in United States home values since 2007. It is the fourth consecutive month that home values have increased.

This comes on the heels of national home values dropping to their bottom in February earlier this year, after which values have appreciated at a very quick rate.

Zillow experts are still skeptical however, and expect the growth to taper off towards the end of the year, and according to the Zillow Home Value Forecast home values are expected to increases around 1.1% between now and June 2013 (see image below).

Click here to read the full story on Zillow’s Real Estate Market Reports.

The post Zillow Real Estate Market Report Shows Increase in Home Values – First Time in 5 Years appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

Home Sales Increase as Bernanke’s Low Interest Rates Gain Traction

admin — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:46:44 +0000

A recent article on Bloomberg News illustrates how Buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates to purchase new homes or refinance their mortgages.

According to the article, sales of existing homes were up 9.6 percent in May compared to a year ago, with 4.6 million homes changing hands at a seasonally adjusted annual rate. This also includes a 15 percent rise in contracts to buy existing homes, indicating that the market will continue to improve.

The data suggests how Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s low interest-rate policy is likely beginning to finally save the housing market from a six-year decline and providing a boost to the overall economy. Home buyers are benefiting from record-low mortgage rates and are taking advantage of the situation.

Michelle Meyer, Senior U.S. Economist at Bank of America, stated, “The Fed is very much focused on the housing market because that’s typically the best way to channel low interest rates – through home sales and refinancing. We are seeing some signs that the credit channel is unclogging modestly, and the Fed is going to be quite pleased with that.”

Click here to read the full article.

Want to increase exposure of your property listings and dominate your Listings market? Single Property Sites will help!

The post Home Sales Increase as Bernanke’s Low Interest Rates Gain Traction appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.

Using Pinterest for Real Estate and Listing Marketing

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:13:19 +0000

Anyone who reads Real Estate Marketing blogs has most likely seen some sort of post on how to use Pinterest for Real Estate and Property Marketing.

Pinterest is a fairly new social media platform that is gaining increasing traction in the Real Estate Marketing world. It was designed as a way for people to “pin” pictures of various things they enjoy, whether it is a favorite recipe, a fantastic vacation destination, or a dream home property.it has now morphed into a great tool for both consumers and Real Estate Marketing professionals alike.

A recent webinar from Inman showcased some great ideas on how you as a Real Estate Agent can use Pinterest to gain more exposure for your property listings and increase sales.

The main points discussed in the webinar include:

Why is Pinterest becoming so popular so quickly?
Why is Pinterest for real estate marketing?
How can Pinterest increase traffic to your real estate website or blog?
Why is HGTV already one of the largest brands on Pinterest?
What are the best real estate industry specific examples of Realtors and Brokers using Pinterest?
How do you add a pin properly and how can you use tagging effectively in Pinterest?
What are Pinterest Goodies?
How can you add a Pin It button to your website and blog?
How can you integrate Pinterest and WordPress?
How can you integrate Pinterest and Facebook?
How can you not waste time but still see results from using Pinterest?
How can you add a Pinterest plugin to your browser?
Is the iPhone app for Pinterest worth using?
How can you integrate Instagram and Pinterest?

Click the video link below to see how you can incorporate Pinterest in your Real Estate Marketing strategy.

The post Using Pinterest for Real Estate and Listing Marketing appeared first on Real Estate Marketing and Property Marketing Blog by Single Property Sites.