* How do home buyers get information from Home4Cell?
* How do agents list a property with Home4Cell?
* How is Home4Cell interactive?
* Can anyone use Home4Cell?
* Do I need special hardware or software to use Home4Cell?
* What is CAN-SPAM?
* What is DNC?
* Why should I care about Opt-in and DNC?
How do home buyers get information from a Home4Cell?
By using text messaging enabled cell phone the buyer has access to property information 24/7.
1. See a Home
Buyer finds a property with a Home4Cell yard sign or rider.
2. Send Request
Using a cell phone, buyer text messages the Property ID to Home4Cell.
Example: TO: 41513 and MSG: 123MAIN
(for detailed instructions on sending a text message, see your cell phone owner's manual)
3. Receive Information
Within seconds, Home4Cell sends the buyer the property details including price, beds, baths, description, as well as the listing agent's contact information. The buyer decides whether or not to schedule a showing or request additional info. Their personal information is never disclosed to the agent unless they request a call back or schedule a showing.
How do agents list a property with Home4Cell?
As the listing agent, you log into our secure member's website and enter the property details and description of your listing. A new listing can easily be created or updated in less than two minutes.
You assign one of your unique Home4Cell IDs to the property. These codes are yours for the duration of your ownership and will not be re-allocated to any other office. As long as you continue with our service, you retain the right to use your Home4Cell ID(s).
Is Home4Cell interactive?
Yes. The buyer receives the property information via text messages and can then interact with the agent using the Home4Cell Interactive Marketing System™.
With the Home4Cell system, buyers can request a property brochure via email, a call back from the listing agent or schedule a showing. The agent receives an immediate notification on his or her cell phone with the contact information of the interested customer and closes the sale.
Can anyone use Home4Cell?
Yes. Home4Cell is supported by every major wireless carrier and works on over 95% of all cell phones with text messaging.
Do I need special hardware or software to manage my Home4Cell?
No. The Home4Cell Interactive Marketing System™ is an online service. Sign up on home4cell.mobi to order your signs. You will receive a username, property ID(s) and sign(s). In minutes you can update your Home4Cell ID with your property listing information.
What is CAN-Spam?
CAN-Spam is not the meat product by Hormel (www.spam.com), it is a law that was passed in order to govern and define how marketers and companies could solicit customers over electronic mediums such as email and text messaging. There are specific rules and requirements that must be followed in order to comply. More information can be found by visiting: (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/spam/index.html). Home4Cell and SMS/MLS are the only Real Estate Text Messaging products available for brokers and agents that fully comply with DNC and CAN-Spam Laws.
What is DNC?
DNC stands for Do Not Call and affects both land line phones and cell phones. The law was put into place by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to protect consumer privacy and create rules and regulations around how companies can solicit to consumers over the phone. Additional information can be found by visiting: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/tsrcomp.htm.
Why should I care about Opt-in and DNC?
The industry has seen several technologies that have attempted to solve the issue of information at the 'point-of-sale'. These technologies have created additional problems. The 800 number/800 call capture system on the listing, while providing valuable information at the listing is potentially one of the riskiest technologies being deployed today by agents and brokerages. In an article published by the NAR the question was posed:
"My company publishes a telephone number with particular listings that interested consumers can call to receive additional information about the property. When the number is called, the system plays a recorded message about the home's features. During the call, the system also captures the telephone number of the caller. Will this type of call be considered an "inquiry" for purposes of the exemption?"
The answer provided by the NAR is surprising and in light of current litigation regarding DNC and Opt-In, agents and brokers deploying this type of tool are at risk of fines of $11,000 per call violation. The answer provided by the NAR:
"The test under the rules is whether the consumer has a reasonable expectation of receiving a return call. Therefore, in your recorded message to consumers, your company should create such an expectation by informing the consumer that they can expect a return phone call. Offering the consumer the ability to opt out of the return call would be the recommended solution."
The other issue around the 800 information line or other non-opt in products is that the consumer wants to remain invisible to the agent until they are ready. That is why they are driving neighborhoods without the agent in the first place. This issue cuts at the very fabric of professionalism which the NAR spent 25 million dollars in 2005 trying to restore. An article published by the NAR in 2002, written by Walter Sanford, addresses IVR's, also known as 800 information lines. He wrote the following:
"Interactive voice response systems (IVR's) automatically give buyers information about a listing over the phone, and simultaneously capture their phone numbers. This sounds impressive to sellers, but it isn't a timely or cost-effective solution. You still have to call the buyer back, determine who made the call, and answer the question, "How did you get my number?" Often, you'll find yourself talking to someone who isn't interested enough in a listing to speak with a live salesperson and who might never have contacted you if you didn't have an IVR."
Home4Cell are real estates only interactive true opt-in/DNC compliant tools available for agents and brokers.
Home4Cell provides customers with the convenience they desire. Real estate brokers and agents benefit from a powerful tool that generates direct leads. Distinguish yourself and your brokerage as market leaders and innovators. Sign up today and put us to work for you!