subject: Real Estate Call Capture Giving Agents A Leg Up On Their Competition [print this page] Savvy real estate agents having started to display a toll free number on 'for sale' signs and other marketing materials. When prospective buyers call the number, they are greeted by an automated system, which is accessible 24 hours a day. In this way, real estate leads can be generated whether or not the office is actually open. This technology is referred to as call capture.
Call capture benefits both the agent and consumer with its simple yet sophisticated technology. A prospective buyer can receive information when it is convenient for them and the agent does not have to be sitting behind a desk waiting for the phone to ring. The innovation behind these systems allow real estate agents to assign multiple extension numbers to a variety of advertising material or property signs; these numbers will then provide valuable information to prospective clients when they call these extensions. By using call capture, agents are able to produce quality leads for both the sellers and buyers. Most call capture systems also allow agents to track ads so that they can determine where the most leads are originating from.
Call capture records every number that calls into the system, even if the caller has a private or restricted number. As well, the name and address of the caller can often be captured. This information helps the real estate agent to collect an accurate record of his or her caller's demographics. With this information, call capture can help the agent determine a potential buyer's demographics. If a caller lives in a middle-class neighborhood, a marketing plan can be developed that addresses the concerns, needs, and priorities of a middle-class family. The same applies if the caller resides in a low-income or wealthy neighborhood.
With information such as this, the real estate agent can change his or her sales tactics accordingly. It is essential for agents to extend their services to all demographics. By using call capture, agents can also adapt their messages to reach all types of clients. Recordings can also be in several different languages, which further expand the number of potential clients.
Each extension can replay a unique recording. One can perhaps detail general information about the agent's services and another may relate specific information about a certain property that is listed for sale. Because of the flexibility and simplicity of call capture, real estate agents can customize each extension in such a way that they can maximize their potential earnings and leads.
A huge advantage to call capture is the ability for the real estate agent to know immediately when a potential client has accessed their system regardless of whether the caller leaves a message or not. Calls can be returned in a timely manner, which helps to establish rapport between the potential client buyer and the agent. Maintaining a strong client-agent relationship is essential in real estate. With a strong rapport, a client is more likely to work with a certain agent for repeat home buying and selling needs as well as refer their friends and family.
Call capture can offer a client more than just recorded information. It can also be used to provide personalized reports to various target markets. For example, a retired pensioner will have different needs than a first time home buyer. These reports can contain a wealth of information from renovation tips to financial concerns. Again, when the buyer calls the number, call capture will record all of the pertinent information for the real estate agent. This free report will show the prospective buyer that the real estate agent is a professional and an expert in their field. Again, the trust and rapport is established, increasing the possibility of the buyer purchasing a home through that agent.
Another advantage to this service is that it actually bypasses the 'do-not-call' list. By calling into the system, clients agree that they have initiated the sales process and for 90 days, the agent can call them until advised by the client that they do not wish to receive any more calls. This process allows the real estate agent to contact clients that were otherwise unavailable to other agents.
Real estate agents that use a call capture system have a definite advantage over those who don't. The most difficult aspect of real estate is locating buyers and sellers who are qualified. With call capture, most of the work is already done. It effectively and efficiently bundles up the information required to narrow down leads, which results in a higher percentage of closed sales.
