As the housing market trends to the Internet, several things remain the same - the need for dedicated, intelligent agents and the benefit of 800 call capture numbers.
At first, this may seem like a contradiction.
If potential buyers can simply seek out a home online, why would they bother calling an 800 call capture number? Despite the sheer number of properties available for viewing on the web, home purchasing is never so simple, and clients never find all they need online.
The process of selecting a house, having detailed questions about its price and construction answered, to say nothing of the initial offer and eventual closing of a sale, is not something that can be conducted fully online.
For this reason, 800 call capture numbers are continuing to demonstrate their worth as a real estate lead generation tool.
For any agent looking to use an 800 call capture system, there are a number of points to bear in mind in order to ensure that the number works in tandem, rather than against, the way many consumers now shop for houses.
The key point here is that consumers want access to information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and set up correctly, an 800 call capture number can offer this kind of accessibility.
800 call capture numbers are purchased through private vendors who then provide the real estate agent with a dedicated toll free phone number.
Typically, this number will also come with options for multiple extensions, often numbering in the hundreds, so that agents can keep track track their advertising and where their calls are coming from.
For example when marketing a particular property, extension 100 can be placed in the newspaper ad, number 200 on a sign rider, and number 300 on a website.
When interested buyers call in to get more information on that property, the 800 call capture system will identify which of the extensions was called, allowing the agent to see which ad is the most effective.
In addition to a dedicated line, an 800 call capture system also allows for call forwarding to an office or cell phone.
This allows potential buyers the ability to reach the agent for that property right then when their interest is piqued.
If the agent is not available, they can leave a message and the agent will be notified by text message or email of the lead.
Even if no details are left, the agent is notified and a callback is permitted under the 90 day business inquiry rule of the Do Not Call regulations.
As well, the 800 call capture system will notify the agent as soon as the caller enters the property extension.
This way even if the caller doesn't press a key to be forwarded to the agent, they will still capture the caller's information.
This makes for powerful lead generation.
When marketing, it is important that agents don't neglect the traditional sign rider.
While this may seem counter-intuitive, as the majority of business is conducted online, sign riders are actually a very effective way to generate leads with an 800 call capture number.
This is because a home is not something that can simply be purchased online - clients need to see the home itself, in its neighborhood, to get a feel for not only the house, but its surroundings.
This trip to the neighborhood can happen at any time, day or night, and many clients are equipped with cell phones to make inquiries should the need arise.
A sign rider with an 800 call capture number on it provides an opportunity for an interested client to get information about a property immediately.
A company name or website may generate a lead, but it may also be forgotten as new houses are examined.
Together, cell phones and sign riders can help easily prove the worth of 800 call capture systems.
The 800 call capture number must also be listed prominently online.
On every website the company manages, and on every page, the number should be listed.
Individual extensions should be shown for each home, and the number displayed on the home page and on every subsequent page for general information, free reports on the real estate market for the area, or other lead generating materials that prompt people to call the number.
This is again about accessibility.
Consumers are now computer-savvy, and use the Internet to find and compare the best home listings in their area.
If their interest is piqued on a property, and they have a desire for specific information, the toll free number allows them to call any time of the day or night and be met not only with details about their chosen property, but also with the opportunity to speak to the agent directly.