Brokerage Models, Consumerism, REALonomics

Value Props – Beyond Frig Magnets

What are the disctinctive and empirical consumer-centric value propositions that are wired into the daily operating models of today’s real estate companies? Uhhhh, whaaa, huh…what was that question?

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get real. Once we move beyond our lock boxes (aka key safe), door hangers, MLS entry, ego-centric web sites, open houses, yard signs, drip campains, refrigerator magnets and calendars, what is left that truly differentiates one firm’s consumer value equation from another?

Every real estate company owner thinks his/her company is uniquely meeting consumer needs when in fact, we are largely an industry of rubber-stamped look-alikes. How is your consumer service truly differentiated in the actual things your company does for the consumer that enhance the home buying and home selling experience. How does your service model translated to your bottom line profitability?

REALonomics has been engaged in the compilation of distinct consumer-centric services that truly can differentiate one firm from another. Here’s a few value propositions that would not only draw a line of distinction in the sand but perhaps knock the next consumer off his/her feet.

Let’s Start with a Better RE Agent Expertise & Profile

1. Hiring real estate professionals based upon a written job description.
2. Requiring each agent to attain the highest levels of industry expertise.
3. Requirement that all agents execute paperless transactions.
4. All agents must be shopped annually with written competency report.
5. Maintaining an in-house IT person who services Internet clients.
6. Insisting upon web-based transaction management as a way of life.
7. Providing Internet based transaction management for all clients.

World Class Representation

1. Refusing to be lured into dual agency as a matter of policy.
2. Signing a personal services, recourse warranty with clients.
3. Providing on home inspection as a pre-listing requirement.
4. Placing a home warranty on ALL listed and sold properties.

Marketing Distinctives for Sellers & Buyers

1. Providing all sellers and buyers access to a client-driven blog.
2. Building a home focus web page for every Seller.
3. Seller blog page for direct online interaction with buyer prospects
4. Podcast descriptions of properties with online video tour
5. Buyer web page with details about every home considered for purchase.
6. Online access to every document used in the transaction.
7. Custom yard sign selection that includes photos, price & features.
8. Property exposure in the top 100 RE portals in the US.
9. Dedicated email address for every buyer and seller.
10. Access to a financial advisor (CPA) as a client benefit.
11. Guaranteed website buyer inquiry call back warranty.
12. Online registry of every property inquiry with current disposition.
13. 24/7/365 toll free telephone service for all buyers and sellers.
14. Required market progress reports for clients, signed by the Broker.

Post Sale Service Cycle

1. Independent research evaluation of all brokerage/agent services.
2. Certified cursory home inspection follow-up within thirty days of closing.
3. CD ROM record containing all data related to the sale or purchase.
4. In person, post close, agent follow-up as a requirement to affiliation.
5. Home value reports emailed to clients every 90 days.
6. Recognize and reward agents based on service not listings and sales.

Is the industry prepared to create and implement a new slate of value propositions that can be quantified by the consumer and move us beyond designations, magnets, calendars and doorhangers?

Through technology and the Internet, owners are now empowered with an unlimited range of creative and affordable service possibilities that can separate their organization from the pack.

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