Both Sides of the Storey

Andrea McIntyre, ABR, GRI — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:12:00 GMT

SHOWING FEEDBACK. . . . As a buyer’s agent, it is something I relentlessly do. Quit frankly, I detest it. I find that it can be a time consuming task that is bothersome in my sometimes busy day. Particularly when the request in in the form of a fax. Not only do I need to print out the form to complete it but I also need to conduct a mini research to find information on the property because the form provides me with little information other than the address. When showing multiple properties in a given day, it is difficult to remember each one in detail unless of course, the property was a shiner and stood out among the others. More than half the time, the feedback form will not include the MLS number. I then need to locate it in the MLS system and get a visual and list price of the property in order to give my opinion. When will agents cease to use this ancient form of communication?

As a seller’s agent, I find that showing feedback can be very valuable to the seller. Constructive criticism coming from someone other than myself can obviously make my job easier too! Especially when attempting to motivate the seller to price and present the property in the most appealing manner. A feedback system in the form of an email has been the most effective for me. Not only does this system provide the agent with a photo of the property but it also provides a descriptive with price and property details. Multiple choice questions can be catered to each property individually and a space for additional comments is offered at the bottom of the form. A tracking system is kept showing the seller how their property rates including graphs and charts. I currently use a free system at www.showingfeedback.com and have often wondered why something like this isn’t offered through Point2Agent. Not only would it consolidate our listing activity in one system but it would also serve as great marketing tool for point2. An invitation to join Point2 could be offered at the bottom of the form or in a pop up window after feedback was completed with a response thanking the agent for taking the time to complete it. Any thoughts on this?

Virtual Staging

Andrea McIntyre, ABR, GRI — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:58:00 GMT

Has anyone used a software or online program to stage virtual furnishings in photos of vacant home listings? I have seen this done once before but can not remember where I saw it. It was fantastic and added warmth to the listing photos.