Real Estate and SMS

Bruha · 23rd May 2012, 04:08 PM

I'm wondering if anyone can share a system on how real estate agents can use SMS on their listings?

I am thinking they can setup keywords to segment their buyers and investors out. Then they can further break down buyers into price categories, etc.

Just wondering what the best way to actually put this into practice is? Best way to track which keywords go to which listing? If you are recycling keywords?

Thanks.

Darrett · 23rd May 2012, 07:10 PM

Thanks for posting this, as I am also really curious about ways we can provide a service to real estate agents. There has got to be money to make there.

Rymico · 23rd May 2012, 07:40 PM

Here is one way. They can use a QR code or text keyword sign on each yard sign. Have the text *** to ***** or QR code assigned to a landing page. On the landing page, have all of the information on the house. Just like their MLS info, instead of leaving brochures . When the customer scans the QR code, they opt in for that house. The agent can even get a notification and call them right then.

They have then opted in for the house info. You can send them sms texts later to see if they want to look at it, etc. It may go under contract and then fall thru. The real estate agent can contact the list for that house and tell them it is still available.

Rodney

CubicleSamurai · 23rd May 2012, 07:42 PM

I have been working with my sister, who is a real estate agent, to come up with a plan. Some of her concerns were the keywords. If they are too descriptive or tied to a specific property it will be hard to reuse the sign. Since the signs cost money we are considering using system generated keywords for basic properties (ur15, etc) and custom keywords (yournewhome) for higher end featured properties. She can then easily re-use the system generated keywords.

We will then use a landing page to provide some information but not too much that also includes an opt-in form. If the person opt-in she can will then call them, etc.

Hopes this helps, once we get it going I will post an update.

Bruha · 23rd May 2012, 09:37 PM

Yes, these are some good ideas. I'm thinking of doing something along the lines of using generic keywords and using the group feature of my SMS provider. For example, I will have a keyword for people looking for houses in the $150k range. Then for specific properties I will create a group. So the keyword would be "keyword" and then attach a group to it.

For my SMS provider it would look like this: Text house1.keyword to shortcode #

Then we can assign one keyword to a price range and then we can create unlimited groups for each keyword. What do you guys think?

The response for each group.keyword will be for a specific property and go to the appropriate landing page.

CubicleSamurai · 24th May 2012, 07:51 AM

That sounds like a good idea. I was also thinking the realtor could also create multiple lists so that once they talk to the client and get them to opt-in they can have a list for different price ranges and be able to send out new listings to that group.

xlfutur1 · 24th May 2012, 10:33 AM

One idea is to not make the system an SMS system using keywords, but rather use a virtual number for prospects to CALL in on and then are greeted with a welcome message from the realtor, then a menu of options, ex. "press 1 to receive information for the house at XXXX Johnson st" etc.

One of the options should be to connect with the realtor directly (ie. the call is forwarded directly to the realtor). When the person chooses any other option, the realtor should be alerted via text message immediately with the phone number of the prospect and the particular house the person is inquiring about. The prospect has no idea this is happening however, but the realtor gets the lead and info in real time.

When the prospect chooses an option, a text reply is sent to their phone with an URL to the mobile site of the home they are interested in.

It would be up to the realtor if they want to call the prospect at that moment, or followup via text message later. The number on the sign can always stay the same too since you are not using "keywords". The local phone number just functions as a "lead collector" and delivers information 24/7 to whoever calls the number.

This system can easily be created using OpenVBX.

Rymico · 24th May 2012, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Bruha

Yes, these are some good ideas. I'm thinking of doing something along the lines of using generic keywords and using the group feature of my SMS provider. For example, I will have a keyword for people looking for houses in the $150k range. Then for specific properties I will create a group. So the keyword would be "keyword" and then attach a group to it.

For my SMS provider it would look like this: Text house1.keyword to shortcode #

Then we can assign one keyword to a price range and then we can create unlimited groups for each keyword. What do you guys think?

The response for each group.keyword will be for a specific property and go to the appropriate landing page.

Yeah, I tried that one. Had no success at all. But, it might with you. If it does I would like to hear exactly how you did it. My wife is a realtor

AUKev · 25th May 2012, 11:11 AM

We have had great success using SMS to drive visitors to a video. The prospect texts into a number, they receive a thanks with a link to a YouTube virtual tour of the property. We capture their number and INSTANTLY provide the number to the real estate agent in an SMS message something to the effect of: "Property XYZ virtual tour was viewed by ###-###-####". It is up to the agent to call the person or reach out with an SMS message. It is working well in our market. If you try the text below and click the link, you will see some videos on our channels that have received 300-600 views.

If you want to see a sample test do the following:

Text: 501 founders
to: 72727

This is only a test keyword. Only I have access to it and it will not be used to send out messages.

TheEnlightenedBeing1 · 27th May 2012, 08:39 AM

I don't think keywords would be a concern. The posting of QR codes on the posters would definitely be a good idea because the house itself would attract the potential buyer.

Bruha · 27th May 2012, 01:30 PM

AUKev,

Are you using Lime for the text back service? I'm on Txt180 and not sure I can setup this automated text to the realtor when someone views the video. Or is this done via some other avenue at YouTube or on your own page?

Darrett · 27th May 2012, 04:53 PM

My dad's a real estate agent, and he said the idea with the SMS to see the youtube virtual tour is a great idea! Awesome way to filter out people, they'll either find out if they don't like the inside or it will make them want it even more.

pertree · 27th May 2012, 04:57 PM

Bruha,

I ran across something the other day called Smashcode. It's sort of like a menu driven text platform. You text a keyword to a number and receive a text back with additional choices to text to (perhaps you could set your price ranges up here). Anyway, check out smashcode.com.............I'm not affiliated. Mark Cuban tweeted about it, he may be involved.

Kevin. Hi from a fellow Alabamian, Fort Payne. Looks like a fantastic program you have going. How does the buyer find the info to text? Real estate book ad, sign in yard, newspaper?

WillR · 29th May 2012, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by Darrett

My dad's a real estate agent, and he said the idea with the SMS to see the youtube virtual tour is a great idea! Awesome way to filter out people, they'll either find out if they don't like the inside or it will make them want it even more.

The other side of the coin is those who see the virtual tour and are put off but may have otherwise been interested. This is why real estate agents much prefer to give out as few details as possible so they can do the selling to you when you are at the property.

Darrett · 29th May 2012, 11:29 PM

Originally Posted by WillR

The other side of the coin is those who see the virtual tour and are put off but may have otherwise been interested. This is why real estate agents much prefer to give out as few details as possible so they can do the selling to you when you are at the property.

Well if the virtual tour puts them off, then they wouldn't like the inside. Which is why it's a great filter. But yeah you're right, the agent is trying to sell/convince them on the house then fewer details the better.

WillR · 30th May 2012, 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by Darrett

Well if the virtual tour puts them off, then they wouldn't like the inside. Which is why it's a great filter. But yeah you're right, the agent is trying to sell/convince them on the house then fewer details the better.

I know what you are saying Darrett. Some people will want more info before they will agree to come and look at a place so it definitely can still be useful.

AUKev · 30th May 2012, 10:25 PM

Bruha,

I am using Royal Mobile for my Shortcode SMS and it has a feature that you can set both an email address and a phone number to be notified everytime a keyword receives an optin. So in this case whenever someone puts in the keyword or scans the QR code, the agent gets an email and text that contains the keyword and the phone number that subscribed.

It is a fine line. Some people get put off if they get a call after looking at the virtual tour. What seems to be the best result is if the agent just sends a text like: "I noticed you viewed our virtual tour for property X, please call if you would like more info."

Originally Posted by Bruha

AUKev,

Are you using Lime for the text back service? I'm on Txt180 and not sure I can setup this automated text to the realtor when someone views the video. Or is this done via some other avenue at YouTube or on your own page?

AUKev · 30th May 2012, 10:29 PM

Darrett,

The 'real' value we have found is two-fold.

One, getting more listings. When an agent meets a prospective seller (who often interviews multiple agents), and they can show them a sample of an SMS/QR Code virtual tour, they get 90% of the listings. Currently a service that very few agents offer and it sets them apart.

Two, they are getting to work with more buyers. Often people who text to see a virtual tour, do NOT have a buyers agent. A quick phone call or text message to the person saying "If you are not working with an agent, let me help...".

So we have very few incidences of selling a house because of the virtual tour, but the agents are getting more clients for sure.

Originally Posted by Darrett

My dad's a real estate agent, and he said the idea with the SMS to see the youtube virtual tour is a great idea! Awesome way to filter out people, they'll either find out if they don't like the inside or it will make them want it even more.

AUKev · 30th May 2012, 10:33 PM

Definitely, true Will, but what we have found is that in some cases a person will cross off a listing because of a virtual tour it is helping make the agents more efficient with their time. If they can show a person 3 houses that meet 90% of their wants instead of 10 houses that have 25%, they can service more clients in a given time period.

My personal experience is that I have kids and one of the first things that I look at is the backyard. If I can see it on a virtual tour, it saves me time as well as the embarrassment of walking up to a home and peeking over the fence to see if there is some play room for the kids.

Originally Posted by WillR

The other side of the coin is those who see the virtual tour and are put off but may have otherwise been interested. This is why real estate agents much prefer to give out as few details as possible so they can do the selling to you when you are at the property.

AUKev · 30th May 2012, 10:37 PM

pertree,

Great to see another AL person in the biz. We use a combination of ways to get the work out. Primarily, on the for sale sign itself with a Text ##### on the sign. Some QR codes (although not a great response rate yet). We add the info to the flyers as well.

We will be trying it in the Real Estate Guide for some of the high end properties in the next few weeks to see what kind of response we get.

Originally Posted by pertree

Kevin. Hi from a fellow Alabamian, Fort Payne. Looks like a fantastic program you have going. How does the buyer find the info to text? Real estate book ad, sign in yard, newspaper?

23rd May 2012, 04:08 PM	#1
Bruha Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2006 Location: , , . Posts: 612 Thanks: 28 Thanked 30 Times in 29 Posts	Real Estate and SMS Share on: I'm wondering if anyone can share a system on how real estate agents can use SMS on their listings? I am thinking they can setup keywords to segment their buyers and investors out. Then they can further break down buyers into price categories, etc. Just wondering what the best way to actually put this into practice is? Best way to track which keywords go to which listing? If you are recycling keywords? Thanks.
	Visit my website at www.ctbonlinemarketingllc.com to learn more about how to make money online!

23rd May 2012, 07:10 PM	#2
Darrett Entrepreneur Join Date: 2011 Posts: 118 Thanks: 145 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: Thanks for posting this, as I am also really curious about ways we can provide a service to real estate agents. There has got to be money to make there.
	If you want to reach for your dreams, first you've got to roll up your sleeves

23rd May 2012, 07:40 PM	#3
Rymico Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 82 Thanks: 2 Thanked 23 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: Here is one way. They can use a QR code or text keyword sign on each yard sign. Have the text * to *** or QR code assigned to a landing page. On the landing page, have all of the information on the house. Just like their MLS info, instead of leaving brochures . When the customer scans the QR code, they opt in for that house. The agent can even get a notification and call them right then. They have then opted in for the house info. You can send them sms texts later to see if they want to look at it, etc. It may go under contract and then fall thru. The real estate agent can contact the list for that house and tell them it is still available. Rodney
	Contact me at sales@rymico.com

23rd May 2012, 07:42 PM	#4
CubicleSamurai Warrior Member Join Date: 2012 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: I have been working with my sister, who is a real estate agent, to come up with a plan. Some of her concerns were the keywords. If they are too descriptive or tied to a specific property it will be hard to reuse the sign. Since the signs cost money we are considering using system generated keywords for basic properties (ur15, etc) and custom keywords (yournewhome) for higher end featured properties. She can then easily re-use the system generated keywords. We will then use a landing page to provide some information but not too much that also includes an opt-in form. If the person opt-in she can will then call them, etc. Hopes this helps, once we get it going I will post an update.

23rd May 2012, 09:37 PM	#5
Bruha Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2006 Location: , , . Posts: 612 Thanks: 28 Thanked 30 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: Yes, these are some good ideas. I'm thinking of doing something along the lines of using generic keywords and using the group feature of my SMS provider. For example, I will have a keyword for people looking for houses in the $150k range. Then for specific properties I will create a group. So the keyword would be "keyword" and then attach a group to it. For my SMS provider it would look like this: Text house1.keyword to shortcode # Then we can assign one keyword to a price range and then we can create unlimited groups for each keyword. What do you guys think? The response for each group.keyword will be for a specific property and go to the appropriate landing page.
	Visit my website at www.ctbonlinemarketingllc.com to learn more about how to make money online!

24th May 2012, 07:51 AM	#6
CubicleSamurai Warrior Member Join Date: 2012 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: That sounds like a good idea. I was also thinking the realtor could also create multiple lists so that once they talk to the client and get them to opt-in they can have a list for different price ranges and be able to send out new listings to that group.

24th May 2012, 10:33 AM	#7
xlfutur1 Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,112 Thanks: 13 Thanked 249 Times in 154 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: One idea is to not make the system an SMS system using keywords, but rather use a virtual number for prospects to CALL in on and then are greeted with a welcome message from the realtor, then a menu of options, ex. "press 1 to receive information for the house at XXXX Johnson st" etc. One of the options should be to connect with the realtor directly (ie. the call is forwarded directly to the realtor). When the person chooses any other option, the realtor should be alerted via text message immediately with the phone number of the prospect and the particular house the person is inquiring about. The prospect has no idea this is happening however, but the realtor gets the lead and info in real time. When the prospect chooses an option, a text reply is sent to their phone with an URL to the mobile site of the home they are interested in. It would be up to the realtor if they want to call the prospect at that moment, or followup via text message later. The number on the sign can always stay the same too since you are not using "keywords". The local phone number just functions as a "lead collector" and delivers information 24/7 to whoever calls the number. This system can easily be created using OpenVBX.

25th May 2012, 11:11 AM	#9
AUKev Kevin L Moore War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Hoover, AL Posts: 366 Thanks: 42 Thanked 179 Times in 109 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: We have had great success using SMS to drive visitors to a video. The prospect texts into a number, they receive a thanks with a link to a YouTube virtual tour of the property. We capture their number and INSTANTLY provide the number to the real estate agent in an SMS message something to the effect of: "Property XYZ virtual tour was viewed by ###-###-####". It is up to the agent to call the person or reach out with an SMS message. It is working well in our market. If you try the text below and click the link, you will see some videos on our channels that have received 300-600 views. If you want to see a sample test do the following: Text: 501 founders to: 72727 This is only a test keyword. Only I have access to it and it will not be used to send out messages.
	Lifetime Access to Seattle Clouds and BiznessApps for 1 Payment Android App Profits - The Definitive WSO on Profiting from Android Apps

27th May 2012, 08:39 AM	#10
TheEnlightenedBeing1 Active Warrior Join Date: 2012 Posts: 82 Thanks: 10 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: I don't think keywords would be a concern. The posting of QR codes on the posters would definitely be a good idea because the house itself would attract the potential buyer.

27th May 2012, 01:30 PM	#11
Bruha Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2006 Location: , , . Posts: 612 Thanks: 28 Thanked 30 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: AUKev, Are you using Lime for the text back service? I'm on Txt180 and not sure I can setup this automated text to the realtor when someone views the video. Or is this done via some other avenue at YouTube or on your own page?
	Visit my website at www.ctbonlinemarketingllc.com to learn more about how to make money online!

27th May 2012, 04:53 PM	#12
Darrett Entrepreneur Join Date: 2011 Posts: 118 Thanks: 145 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: My dad's a real estate agent, and he said the idea with the SMS to see the youtube virtual tour is a great idea! Awesome way to filter out people, they'll either find out if they don't like the inside or it will make them want it even more.
	If you want to reach for your dreams, first you've got to roll up your sleeves

27th May 2012, 04:57 PM	#13
pertree Future Thousandaire Join Date: 2011 Location: The Deep South Posts: 48 Thanks: 6 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Real Estate and SMS Share on: Bruha, I ran across something the other day called Smashcode. It's sort of like a menu driven text platform. You text a keyword to a number and receive a text back with additional choices to text to (perhaps you could set your price ranges up here). Anyway, check out smashcode.com.............I'm not affiliated. Mark Cuban tweeted about it, he may be involved. Kevin. Hi from a fellow Alabamian, Fort Payne. Looks like a fantastic program you have going. How does the buyer find the info to text? Real estate book ad, sign in yard, newspaper?