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Jenny Ho, REALTOR® serving Bay Area (Legacy Real Estate & Associates)

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5,257,589
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I would get out and meet people and spend your time (NOT MONEY), reaching out to those you already know!  It's a much more cost-efficient way to run your business!

Feb 10, 2017 02:26 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,013
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I do not recommend cold calling as most people are like me and do not like the intrusion.

Feb 10, 2017 09:43 PM
Rainmaker
5,032,996
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

What are you doing? If your not out meeting people, sponsoring activities and showing that you care about the community..you need to. Debe Maxwell is right..spend your time not your money and will be more cost-effective.

Feb 10, 2017 04:32 PM
Rainmaker
864,708
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

RedX is for expired and I heard good things about it. However, with everything in our business, it takes consistency and persistence. Door knock farm(s) and leads will start flowing in. Open House is another way to meet your farm and neighbors. 

Feb 10, 2017 02:30 PM
Rainmaker
716,529
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Farming can be slow, BUT, like farming it takes time and patience, and regular consistency. Plant the seed, water, provide sunshine and keep at it. It will produce for you.

Feb 10, 2017 02:25 PM
Rainmaker
1,554,669
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Building a farm, building relationships is "done in a crock pot not a microwave". Everyone always pays for the quick fix and the only one getting rich off that are the ones taking your money.

Feb 10, 2017 07:00 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,773
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Jenny Ho - I always feel - working with your sphere is the best way to generate business.

About 76% of business is from referral as per recent NAR study. And only 5% (or less) agent population works by referral.

On the other hand, remaining 24% is 'attacked' by 95% of agent population.

What is your share?

Feb 10, 2017 11:23 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,918
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Jenny,

Best results are based on your community involvement.  On line, no one really knows who you are.  Best of luck, A

Feb 10, 2017 02:05 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,791
FN LN
Toronto, ON

I am not familiar with those subscription services.

Not all farming generates revenue instantly.  Depending on numerous factors, some farms may take months to years to generate farming income.

Feb 10, 2017 01:43 PM
Rainmaker
5,879,125
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Farming does take 2+ years to start seeing a good return, don't stop.   I would prospect for yourself, rather than paying to leads that are worthless.

Feb 13, 2017 07:43 AM
Ambassador
2,684,769
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

What Debe Maxwell said.

 

 

Feb 11, 2017 05:45 PM
Rainmaker
4,966,102
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Along with farming go to Corefact web site and use some of their stuff.

 

Feb 11, 2017 10:24 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,132
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

They can.  It is really dependent on the quality of work you put into it.

Feb 11, 2017 09:05 AM
Ambassador
3,350,439
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

There is no quick and easy solution to build a real estate business.  The build is slow ... make daily steps to build. Get yourself out there ... meet people and save your money. Build your own WP site, post great content, and people will find you.

Feb 11, 2017 08:59 AM
Ambassador
2,189,772
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Marketing yourself through farming, networking and all forms of prospecting (NOT buying leads) may seem slow.  However, it is the only way to build a long-term source of "valid" prospects.



Feb 11, 2017 07:26 AM
Rainmaker
7,869,927
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

You would have better results by getting out an meeting people face to face. 

Feb 11, 2017 06:47 AM
Rainmaker
142,796
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

Our office has RedX free on 4 computers which is great, but I would not subscribe to it individually.  Farming takes time, but stick with it.  Be consistent with your farming, get involved in your community and networking events to meet people face to face as well.

Feb 10, 2017 08:49 PM
Ambassador
6,424,196
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Better ways to spend your time and money.

 

Feb 10, 2017 04:55 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,328
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

most of our listings come from direct mail marketing....

Feb 10, 2017 04:38 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,934
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Do you want quick or lasting business?

Feb 10, 2017 03:44 PM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

Farmng with newsletters can not only be costly, but take a long time to reap any rewards.  I would suggest getting out into your  neighbourhood and knock on some doors.. Face to face conversations are always best.  You don't need a script, just introduce yourself and leave a handout with your contact information.  Ask them if they would like to be kept up to date with market activity in their neighbourhood, at least you could get an email from them.

Feb 10, 2017 03:14 PM
Ambassador
3,168,134
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

slow and steady wins the race

Feb 10, 2017 02:17 PM
Rainmaker
1,242,204
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

 Door knock. Billboards your name on the street. Get your name out there.

Robogate can be a good source. Go after divorcees.

Fremont, CA has just way too many agents.  Find a niche market.....

Feb 10, 2017 01:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

The services you mention also require time and committment to developing and consistently implementing a call structure... if you are great at closing on the phone give it a shot but it is WORK too.

Feb 07, 2018 08:46 PM
Rainer
5,155
Queen Wheeler
Royal Solutions Real Estate - Fayetteville, NC
We specialize in Listing Residential Properties

There's a difference between marketing and branding. I would put farming in the Branding category which means it's the long game. It causes people to buy into your brand and identify you as the expert which then leads to top of mind which then leads to sales. Coke didn't become what we call every dark brown fizzy drink over night. Q'tip is a brand yet we call every one of those cotton things by that name and have no idea what they are really called.

I think a combination of branding and marketing builds a strong business.

Feb 23, 2017 01:17 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

That is why farmers are very patient

Feb 13, 2017 04:33 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Read the comments below. What I have to say won't apply. I'm in an extremely rural market and the services you mentioned don't work in my area. 

Feb 12, 2017 07:55 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,308
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Face to face contct is your best bet and doesn't cost much either,

Feb 11, 2017 07:49 PM
Rainmaker
957,092
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

I personally had success using ReboGateway. The phone numbers where not always accurate, but still very helpful.

Cultivating leads from data is a another story, a long one and most have their own "data to lead" prospecting methods tailored over time with some secret sauce.

Feb 11, 2017 02:30 PM
Rainmaker
1,506,773
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Looks like your website is based on Core Resources tech.  If they have a lead capture that you're not using now in your IDX search, you should consider that.

 

Farming, door knocking, cold calling is all about getting infront of the person the day they're thinking about selling (in other words, it's like the lottery).  I've known people who got listings simply because their first mailer showed up on the right day and the guy who mailed every month didn't.  Samething with door knocking or cold calling.

 

No sense in buying a list of numbers.  Just start with your prefix-0000 and go through your prefix-9999.  Why do you need a name?  Just start with "Hi, I'm Jenny..."

Feb 11, 2017 11:19 AM
Rainmaker
5,244,268
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

My advice, never buy leads! They are selling them to multiple buyers!

Feb 11, 2017 06:46 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Jenny,

you clearly state, "I want to get valid email, phone numbers maybe for cold calling." You are focused on the right thing and you SHOULD continue to do so.

Agents who have an emotion of urgency are more likely to take a grab at the shiny stuff, and those wanting to separate you from you money, will offer you the opportunity to grab at the low hanging fruit known as expired, FSBO and canceled. Seems reasonable.

But, before you spend your way out of business, do a little research. Do not believe what escapes from between the lips of those selling into your anxiety. Check your MLS and analyze the expired and canceled to determine the time lapse between event and re-list. This data is IMPORTANT.

Time to exhibit some courage. Actually call or knock on the door of  no less the 3 of each and conduct a poll. Don't sell or recruit.

Contrary to the advise offered by others, I will share, if you are unwilling to make yourself uncomfortable for a moment by doing what none of use really like doing, you may not be long in this business.

Ask those identified as 'low hanging fruit to HELP YOU.

"How many calls did they receive?"

"Who called?"

"What was their message?"

"Did you meet with any of those who called the first week"

"What did you like most?"
"What did you dislike most?"
"What did you finally do?"

Thank them for their help . Reward them for participation.

Now you have real actionable data that you can rely on.

From thins data you can create  a solution(s) that will serve you well for years to come. From your effort YOU have created a REAL farming tool.

In exchange for the promise of  a real solution others will willingly surrender their correct contact data,

 

Feb 11, 2017 05:55 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

After referals from past clients, my Active Rain blog is my leading source of new business. I agree with the statement i can get mor ebusiness from getting out an dmeeting people then spending money on worthless leads shared with too many people

Feb 11, 2017 05:39 AM
Rainmaker
2,195,069
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Does your Farm have a NextDoor.com site ?

Feb 11, 2017 05:29 AM
Rainmaker
3,627,272
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

When I was working the market I always used RedX.  They provide you with emails and phone numbers.  BTW they also tell you if the phone number is on the Do Not Call List. They will also provide you with FSBO and pre-forecloses. 

Feb 11, 2017 04:25 AM
Rainmaker
5,115,878
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Be careful with cold calling if they are on a do not call list. I hate being cold-called and won't do it to anyone else. Have built up a very good business in two different cities over 25 years without ever cold-calling.

Feb 11, 2017 04:21 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Les & Sarah Oswald nailed this one!

Feb 11, 2017 02:25 AM
Rainer
505,742
Noel Mayer
Upper Montclair Weichert Realtors - Montclair, NJ
YOU WILL BE RIGHT AT HOME WITH NOEL !

As a new agent I stopped by

Thank you for sharing the informati

Feb 10, 2017 03:26 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,177
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I have not used them.

Feb 10, 2017 01:50 PM