RealTown's RealTalk

I'm new to House Values in New York (Westchester County) for buyer leads.  I wanted to know if anyonne has had success.  I seem to get a lot of duplicate e-mail addresses, customers who are already working with agents or ones that just don't repond.  I want to know if I should continue after year-end and if this lead generation is really worth the dollars.

Also, does anyone use the website they provide for you? 

Thank you.

I found that many of the "leads" were from agents signing up to learn more about the service. Also many of the leads provided bogus phone numbers and contact informtion. Try to identify these right off the bat and send them back to House Values so they credit your account. 9 months into the service, it looks like I'm about to close my first lead. For all the time (and money) invested, I would expect better results and will not be renewing at the end of my commitment.

Alicia Lowther, e-PRO, Realty Executives, St. Petersburg, FL

New to HouseValues...

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Based on past history, the feedback you will be getting on RealTalk is mostly negative. I did HV 4 years ago for one year and then again last year for one year. I've always generated enough business to justify the fees, especially since they are lower than 4 years ago but... To do it right, will take a fair bit of time (follow up). If I am able to reach the lead and have any reasonable conversation, I add each lead to my email campaign and over time I will generate listing appointments and then listings.

Bottom line is its worked for me but the work load is too much to do it for more than a year to get more leads into the pipeline. Given how slow listings are selling, I've been thinking about exploring their buyer service, Just Listed instead.

To answer both of your questions Pat and concurring with the rest of the crowd regarding your request

"I'm new to House Values in New York (Westchester County) for buyer leads.  I wanted to know if anyone has had success.  I seem to get a lot of duplicate e-mail addresses, customers who are already working with agents or ones that just don't respond.  I want to know if I should continue after year-end and if this lead generation is really worth the dollars.

Also, does anyone use the website they provide for you"? 

I want to keep this brief and as painless as possible. PAT

Question: Success?  Answer: NO!!!!

Question: Website:  Answer: NO!!!!

There wouldn't be any Internet Lead Generators if we didn't provide the ACCESS through MLS.  Every lead that is generated off the Web from a "Lead Generator" is provided by way of IDX.  When you use "THEIR" Website you are providing the lead they are selling back to you.  Don't you get it yet?  Basically you are buying back your OWN LEADS when you are working with an Internet Lead Generator.  Come on people this isn't Rocket Science.  There is NO FREE LUNCH, even if the Internet is FREE. 

I used House Values at the height of the market for Sellers. I covered my cost at the time and then some. I stayed with that part of the program for a year. As soon as I could, I changed my subscription with them to only use their drip and data base system. Their drip program has made me LOTS of money. It reminds people that I am still around and often people will hit "reply" to ask me a question.

While I thought the part of HV that you are inquiring about was ineffective and gimmicky, I really do feel their drip system is a keeper. It costs 99.00 a month, but is very well worth it.

Thanks for your input.  Have you inquired about cancelling your contract.  Just wondering what the penalty is.  I will also be cancelling at the end of my contract if not before.

Thanks for your input.  I will be cancelling and will  try to get out out my contract, but that's probably not possible.

Thanks for the feedback.  I may do the same.

Thanks for the feedback.  The follow-up is great, but the leads are not.

I haven't found House Values to be useful. Didn;t like having to sign up for a full year without knowing if I would receive real leads. Most leads are other agents trying to see if House Values works or websurfers just trying to get more details.

Linda Cammarota

RE/MAX Competitive Edge- Middlesex ,NJ

I would not get involved with House Values if you can help it. I tried it and  spent way more than it was worth. 

I'm truly amozed to hear so much negative feedback about HV. 

I am new to them as well, having joined in late July.  For August, I received triple the lead numbers for listings and one short of the committment for buyers.  I sent back two "garbage" leads and got immediate credit so they didn't count in my totals.  The leads are all good ones, albeit not short turnarounds.

I have had three coaching sessions with a great coach.  I've participated in their training calls and am beginning to use their drip system.  Their templates are written very well - better than any others I have seen.  I have "Specialty groups" in my database that I will use the "personalised" templates for. 

So overall I am very satisfied.  Only time will be the real test, but at this point I want to keep working their plan. 

BTW, I am internet savvy and have absolutely no association with HV except being a new customer. 

I've been using HV for approx. 2 1/2 Years.  I have been very happy with the Campaigns and Drip E-mails sent to my clients and customers.  The 'Prospect' database is great too.  The 'leads' weren't very good so I discontinued it about 6 months ago. 

Good Luck with them.

Rosalie Lange

 I want to know if I should continue after year-end and if this lead generation is really worth the dollars....

I used them and definitely wished I hadn't.  The consumers that go to that site are only looking for quick answers for what their home is worth "Zillow" style.  They are not serious sellers or buyers.  They all say patience is what you need if you use House Values.  You end up spinning your wheels and spending your Valuable time trying to find a bonafide lead from that source.  I think it costs too much. 

Use the information you learned taking the E-Pro course and put your money there... in my opinion you'll be better off with your business. 

Lori Allen, REALTOR

Coldwell Banker Bain, Puyallup

"soon to be E-Pro grad!"