Our readers had plenty of topics to chime in on, debate and question this week, whether it was the state of Zillow’s financial affairs, cold-calling or the latest craze in mobile gaming. We scanned the comments section for stand-out insights and tried to catch ’em all.
Jeff Kayle · Commented on Why Zillow has proved to be a starship — not a shooting star
Zillow continues its success because it provides a well-designed real estate platform for the consumer. I teach technology, so I’m exposed to a large number of agents and brokerages. Most view technology is an afterthought because brokerages don’t understand how to use it effectively.
We all know that old school works, yet by leveraging the right technology, you can get people to come to you. I remember when I first started in real estate and went door knocking. I thought what a waste to go to doors where they were never going to sell. Now by combining technology, I can show up and strategically knock a door where I already know there is a level of interest.
Whether it’s Zillow or other options, time is money, and leveraging technology is best for any agent who wants to be in it for the long haul.
John Patrick Schutz · Commented on Pokémon Go is everywhere — is there a real estate angle?
You have got to be kidding. Time to get out of the business if we sunk to this moronic depth. Really? Now we have to add a GAME to our 500 other “must do” apps and sites and platforms and… Here’s an idea guys, how about we sell some real estate? Should we have sold homes through “Angry Birds”? “Words With Friends”? “Candy Crush”? Anyone else see some desperation in this? Perhaps a blow to our goal to establish ourselves as professionals worthy of respect? What next “house hookups” through Grindr?
Jon Polstein · Commented on Pokémon Go is everywhere — is there a real estate angle?
Desperation maybe, however, as you know this business is all about gaining a competitive advantage and if attracting young buyers through something simple as stating there is a rare Charmander spotted near your listing then I’ll take the extra time to add it to my list.
Vicki Schweickert Lloyd · Commented on Should buyers make offers on multiple homes at once?
Lately the showing instructions on many new listings that come on the market on Wednesday say “No showings until open house on the weekend. Seller will review all offers on Monday evening.”
That often creates a frenzy resulting in 10 – 25 offers. The buyers have no choice but to hedge their bets by submitting offers on more than one house! Especially if they have a short deadline to be in to the new home.
In California, we have a “Seller Multiple Counter Offer” form that says it is non-binding until communicated back to seller for final acceptance. We should have the same wording available to buyers on their original offer forms when the market is this hot!
Micki McNie · Commented on 4 reasons agents will never find themselves out of a job
I don’t think it’s a question of whether people will work with an agent, but at what price. And most buyers/sellers have to go through a challenging transaction without an agent to truly understand the value of having an advisor and advocate on their side.
I think the role and payment model will definitely change even though agents stay in the game.
Paul Stonkus · Commented on Goodbye, Airbnb: Short-term rentals are out in Anaheim
Whether they are legally permitted or not, they will exist. Just as is common in many communities with additional illegal units being rented out in properties on a routine basis, IMHO, the population can take control, permit, inspect and regulate their existence or be in denial and reap the problems which result.
Making them illegal/restricted and unsupervised, similar to prostitution, gambling, and drugs, will only serve to create a below-the-radar climate for owners to improve/rent their property to make some extra income thereby lowering their living expenses longterm, hurting legitimate lodging companies, instead of regulating their existence, adding income to the community itself as well as the property owners, and making it safe for the tourists/visitors to affordably/comfortably stay in the region.
Until the lodging industry supplies properties which meet the needs of the visitor, both financially and regarding needed amenities such as multiple bedrooms, kitchen, private patio areas for a group, private homes/investment properties will fill the void.
Adam Cothes · Commented on Want to scale your real estate business? Stop making phone calls
Is this written by a Realtor with “in-the-trenches” experience, or a marketer with an angle and a product? I’ve been a publicist, generated online leads, worked for Market Leader and Trulia selling leads to agents, and as a Realtor paid for leads as well as cold called. Both methods work. Cold calling produces measurable and scalable results. Any leads generated on the internet must also be called. Being a Realtor means you are in sales (which most Realtors seem to miss when signing up). Being in sales means you WILL be on the phone, or you will be out of business.
Craig Landes · Commented on Want to scale your real estate business? Stop making phone calls
This is about cold calling, people – It’s NOT about avoiding phone conversations of all kinds. Sales does not have to be soul-sucking, which is the almost universal experience of the makers and receivers of cold calls.
Lou Mayo · Commented on Pokémon Go is everywhere — is there a real estate angle?
Ha! I’ve put off downloading this but now I will and I’m putting it in my Real Estate folder instead of Games….. ;-)