Here, we\’re lucky to have our MLS offer excellent feeds that are easily customizable. All searches return results with my photo and contact information. Buyers are able to search by map, enter criteria, receive updates, save their searches and have new listings delivered directly to their mailbox. It\’s excellent. But if you don\’t have that capability, then I see no reason not to go with an outside service.

However, the question of requiring guests to register is a difficult one.

In locales that do not have public websites where all listings are available to view, then I guess it\’s a personal decision. By requiring folks to register, you risk the chance of losing quite a lot of people who don\’t want to give up personal information.

But in our area, virtually all listings are free and available on all the other real estate websites. Even our MLS has a public site with all the listings on it. So it doesn\’t make any sense for any of us to require registration, including Prudential. Better they should offer all information for free, build better buyer and seller content, perhaps incorporate a revolving \”Featured Agent\” program, and offer updated news and information about their market area. Then, they would have people return to their site voluntarily for information and updates, rather than be compelled through tricks or requirements. They could still capture leads though, through a little more \”useful\” features. For instance, on my site, I offer all listing info for free, but if they want to save their search and have new listings delivered to their inbox, then they have to enter their email address. Though I never contact them directly, every listing sent to them is branded with my name, photo and phone number. I put the ball in their court, and they have the option and choice whether to work with me or not, and it seems to work well for both parties.

I just wanted to tell you I agree with you 100%. The only issue I am struggling with is how do you balance “site content” with “contact me” scenarios? I mean, are you professing to just allow visitors to your site with total access to an IDX feed, and hope that you generate a lead from that? I do also realize, being married to a real estate agent, combined with me being a Web site builder, that the importance of being able to “initiate contact” with a potential client has to be the # 1 goal; correct?

To clarify, it’s also just as important to provide valuable “free” information, home searching of MLS, etc…

Recently, my wife has come across this service called “Home Buyers Marketing II, Inc.” (If you want more on this I have built a page on her site that addresses this) http://www.mynewhomekentucky.com/homesforsale2.htm

Furthermore, it replaced an IDX linked page for searches. The reason for the replacement of this was that MLS’s don’t offer the saving of a search criteria that a ‘searcher’ has specified. It also does not email new listings, matching that criterion on a regular basis.

The idea behind it, is the hope that a potential client will utilize the services of a Real Estate agent that offers this and/or the partnered service with the mortgage company that has established a relationship with that agent.

Now, knowing that this service probably cost thousands of dollars to provide; shouldn’t there be some way to “enroll” them in this service, with the hopes that the “searcher” will make contact with that agent and/or mortgage broker?

I know about Windermere and Caldwell Banker, etc., providing this. But, it’s a brokerage and for that broker, leads from there service may or may not be fair, with respect to its agents. So, this method provides the “little guy/gal” have a similar service. As it really is the ‘agent’ who does all the work.

As a disclaimer, I cannot adequately say I am qualified to represent all that “Home Buyers Marketing II, Inc.” has to offer in this sense. I am merely a website builder married to a Real Estate agent, trying to support her and the industry in my ‘neck of the woods’.

I do respect your Blog, and most that you have to say. Furthermore, I am aware enough to know that most agents get most of their business by “referral”. At the risk of saying something that I may not be qualified to say (getting in the dog house with my wife) I am reaching here for what you think in this regard, as I have mentioned about “Home Buyers Marketing II, Inc..?

Thanks again for a great site and for you being you.

Gary