Vote to change our VOW

[MattL]

We actually don't send the full content in emails, just the HTML required to display the listings. Most of our "new listing" emails are around 50KB. Compared to the regular "hum" of users visiting sites, emails are hardly a blip on the radar. We currently run anywhere from 2Mb/s to a peak of 30Mb/s in the afternoons (2pm) and late evenings (8pm).

I know a lot of people hate the ConnectMLS method -- we have a number of Realtor clients just because of the way their system works.

-Matt

[kensmith]

I have had a LOT of clients that really like the connect system. I think that most agents are just to lazy to learn how to use it and way to lazy to teach their clients how to use it...not that it's all that hard.

I wouldn't normally bring it up, but most of our clients actually prefer it once we set up the connect search for them. I have had more than a few clients thank us for getting connect set up because it was easier for them to work with.

Trust me I would MUCH rather all the leads stay in the VOW system as I can track them better. But so far we have had to use both to meet our clients needs.

[MattL]

Alright, I'm 100% intrigued. What's the benefit? The feedback loop?

-Matt

[kensmith]

My clients like that they can mark the properties as interested/maybe/not interested. Once you mark them as interested or maybe they are there each time you log in, the ones you mark not interested they never have to see again unless the price changes. With favorites they seem MUCH less likely to actually mark the property.

Making notes on each property is very easy (Once a property is in favorites on pmp there isn't an easy way to add or change notes).

It's easy to notify 2,3,4... email addresses at once so the couple both can see them, and/or parents if they are part of the process, or have it go to both work and home addresses.

The system lets me know if they have added favorites so I know to contact them again.

Sure there is more, but thisis a start.

On the flip side I really like the layout (look) of PMP, the mortgage calculator, and Demographic info. These things add some nice value, but when I have client after client say "that is much easier" once we switch them to connect I have to go with that.

[MattL]

Yeah, we had made a conscious decision (after talkiing to ConnectMLS, before it was rolled out) not to pursue the Agent -> Client interaction, and to stick with the client self-service end of things. Our original intent was to release a Client feedback loop of our own, but that was scrapped in favor of lead distribution.

All said, though, and respecting your feedback, 2007 will be the Year of Lead Management.

Hopefully, we can have this conversation next year and you won't have such a compelling reason to use Connect for CRM.

-Matt

[ChicagoDrew]

so ken, you like connectmls? So do you manually transfer all the clients info into connectmls? That is one of the things I don't like about it is that there is no way to import or have it set up so that the info is entered by the potential client. I guess I'm just lazy I always think that technology should enhance and make things easier not make me a secretary . Although they have stopped putting listing agents info on the virtual tours. I guess I'm going to have to get use to having registered users get the property address, which with the system I'm using now I have it set up so they don't they have to contact me to get that info.

[MattL]

Coincidentally, the purpose of our original discussions with dynaConnections was to work out lead transference from our system to theirs. Unfortunately, the push to actually get ConnectMLS rolled out (and the ensuing madness to meet additional requirements and keep it stable) pretty much took us off of their radar.

So now I resort to stuff like this to find out what our customers really want, regardless of what else may be in their repertoire.

-Matt

[kensmith]

Originally Posted by ChicagoDrew so ken, you like connectmls? So do you manually transfer all the clients info into connectmls? That is one of the things I don't like about it is that there is no way to import or have it set up so that the info is entered by the potential client. I guess I'm just lazy I always think that technology should enhance and make things easier not make me a secretary . Although they have stopped putting listing agents info on the virtual tours. I guess I'm going to have to get use to having registered users get the property address, which with the system I'm using now I have it set up so they don't they have to contact me to get that info.

Drew if you take the time to tailor the search for your clients you will sell more homes and have to show less of them to do so. It takes an average of 3 minutes to set up a connect search and new buyer profile. That small investment in time saves me hours with each client as I show less homes as they are only seeing homes that actually meet their needs.

It's all about working smarter .

[kensmith]

Matt I can't wait to see your unpdates and will always keep an open mind. Would much rather only have one system in place, but for now a 2 step process is generating great results.

[MattL]

For what it's worth, I have rolled-out Phase 1 of the previously-unreleased listing feedback features. You (as the Realtor) can add listings (by MLS ID) to a Vistor's Favorites, and the Visitor can provide feedback on any listing in their Favorites (rating 1-5 + comments), which you can also see in the backoffice.

Phase 2 will entail the full ConnectMLS loop (rounds of properties for consideration, etc.).

Let me know if that helps.

-Matt