Special offer
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041, Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ  (ReMax Realtec Group)

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Rainmaker
608,881
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

I have heard for quite some time that Zillow's lead generation business model shifted to teams and brokerages. They want big accounts and the big teams have big budgets and lots of new and buyer's agents that will go chase all these leads. To them it's a numbers game. I use to think that way. Now I work smarter. Less is more. Quality over quantity. I have the Zillow reps phone numbers blocked. 

In fact, the reason I started a blog over 10 years ago was to generate my own leads and beat HomeGain and Market Leader and the other companies at their game. I thought they were trapping internet traffic and selling leads to vulnerable agents. They were just landing pages that I was throwing money at hoping if just one converts it will be worth the investment. I sold a couple but to me it wasn't really worth it.

I also tried zip codes at Trulia and Zillow. To me it wasn't worth the aggrevation trying to explain to buyers calling from bogus listings that property doesn't exist or was sold. I don't like bait and switch and that's what I feel a lot of these leads are.

I basically copied the lead generation sites with my own local content and call to actions on my own site. My own leads were much better. Some sellers and buyers that contacted me would say they were following me and reading blog and knew they would list with me or wanted me to be their buyer's agent.

As far as Zillow, I get business and leads just from my listings being featured.  Listings generate a lot of leads. 

Jan 07, 2017 01:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Yes, seems logical & I agree with your numbers. I doubt they will know the #'s because they are there to sell you a loosing program based on you NOT knowing the numbers.

Our objectives are different aren't they? Z is selling you something with no proof of results & agents are trying to purchase results from Z.  But no one knows (or cares) what the #'s are to produce those results again.  Z just wants in to your wallet.  They don't give a 'shipster' if you get ANY results.

Mike Ferry taught me how to get the numbers out of any endeavor but I'm afraid yours are in line with reality.  Z's - not so much because again they are counting again that you don't know what numbers you need.

Jan 07, 2017 01:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I am glad I don't depend on Z for my business. It is about relationships and staying in touch with contacts that yields better business. I think Z's numbers are greatly inflated and you are closer to being right..

Jan 07, 2017 12:45 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Zillow is changing their business model for the Premier agent to the megateams and they will favor those will high close ratios and responses. I think the day of the individual agetn getting leads there is greatly diminsihed.

Jan 07, 2017 12:03 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I've not heard of anyone getting a good return with Z.

Jan 07, 2017 08:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Why any agent would pay a company as corrupt and inaccurate as they are to do anything is beyond our comprehension.

Jan 07, 2017 02:34 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I don't have to deal with z giving me leads. Business is good and I just picked up a referral today from someone I sold a home to in December. Lately I've been getting a lot of referrals. 

Jan 07, 2017 08:46 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I highly doubt you will get true numbers from the folks at Z.  (Or any others selling their products, for that matter.)

Jan 07, 2017 05:18 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Z, T, R etc are all the same.  I spent an hour on the phone yesterday with Realtor.com and it's all the same thing ... We can give you 200 leads a month and its only $1,000 a month ... that's 25 cents on the dollar ... what a deal.  Um.... yeah, on second thought ... Nah.  I will work my own leads. Thank you very much.

Jan 07, 2017 04:56 PM
Ambassador
5,230,068
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I prefer to work my own leads and create loyal, raving fans!  For me, it's more about the relationships than throwing money at leads with a low conversion rate.  I prefer to throw that money, AND my time, at my sphere...all day long!

Jan 07, 2017 04:27 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Many ways to skin the Real Estate cat....

Jan 07, 2017 03:23 PM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

Glad to hear they still have to cold call agents to pay the bills. When they stop calling they have either gone away or they have their agent waiting lists filled.

Jan 07, 2017 02:45 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,642
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I like Debbie Reynolds am so glad I don't depend on Z for my business! Real estate is a relationship business and providing superior service! If you stay in touch with past clients and your sphere..it's amazing the solid business you will have to rely on. Great analysis that is right on!!

Jan 07, 2017 01:54 PM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Wonderful analysis, Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041

Jan 07, 2017 12:44 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

I think your numbers are very accurate.

Jan 07, 2017 12:20 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I would not waste my time discussion anything with Z or the Z sales team. 

Jan 08, 2017 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

For most Z leads are the needle in the haystack and a situation where you are most likely trading dollars as opposed to making them ! 

Jan 08, 2017 07:01 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

No thanks - I don't waste my time with Z in any fashion I have more important things to do

Jan 08, 2017 05:56 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I Z at night only

Jan 08, 2017 05:32 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Z does not promise leads... they promise impressions. And they are very expensive impressions. Since most of my business is repeat and referral my conversion rate on these is 100%... that's where I focus my energies and marketing dollars. 

Jan 08, 2017 02:41 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

There is no way in hell I am giving them my leads to contact!

I would have to be out of my mind to do so.

Jan 07, 2017 06:05 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I would not waste time with these calls.

Jan 07, 2017 05:34 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Reading just the first five "words" (Z or not to Z?) caused me to think "How would a reader read these words?

1)  To sleep or not to sleep?

2)  To "Zed or not to Zed"?

3)  To "Zee or not to Zee"?

Since you are in sunny, non-rainy, non-humid and non-hurricane Florida (at least at this time of year), I am sure you are encountering many happy fellow citizens down there who pronounce this wonderful letter as in number (2).

(Of course I know you are actually discussing something else which ignores us folks north of the 49th parallel, but what else is new?)

Jan 07, 2017 05:01 PM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Who has time for this nonsense?

 

Jan 07, 2017 04:34 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 long question - short answer. NOT Z!

Jan 07, 2017 03:41 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Not to Z.
3:)

Jan 07, 2017 03:00 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Interesting question and informative answers Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041.  I cannot imagine a high percentage of 'potential clients' would turn into 'real dollars'. 

Jan 07, 2017 01:48 PM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 - The numbers are definitely inflated. 

Come to the light folks. Stay away from the darkside.

Jan 07, 2017 01:08 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Joe Pryor makes a good argument. 

Jan 07, 2017 12:35 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

I agree with Joe Pryor 

Jan 07, 2017 12:10 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

 I have no interest in dealing with Z.

Jan 08, 2017 04:19 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Just say no to Z!

Jan 08, 2017 04:00 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,677
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Well not a fan of paying Z at all.  leat from T that it gave me nothing but took my money.

 

Jan 08, 2017 08:33 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you.

Jan 08, 2017 06:53 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Great analysis and you are correct!

Jan 08, 2017 06:03 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Well I tried their zip code service and it cost me more time, energy and money than i ever got with it. They are shifting because agents know that $700 plus per zip code a month just is not worth it. They target large companies because they have a bigger chunk of marketing dollars that they collect from their agents anyway.  

Jan 08, 2017 05:15 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

Richie Alan Naggar Susan Emo nailed this one!

Jan 08, 2017 03:44 AM
Rainer
97,816
Carol Wilson
Your $imple Home - Toronto, ON

I appreciate the clear analysis, Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041

Jan 07, 2017 08:25 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Their door man may have high tech tools to buzz the clickers. If it is part of the deal it beats paying an assistant. These days assistants have to pay MLS subscription.....  Give me a break....

Jan 07, 2017 05:13 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Huh?

Jan 07, 2017 03:08 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

I got mixed up with this when I first started. Actually that Broker suggested using them for leads. What a waste of money. Was not because I was new and could not close a sale.  Leads were people wanting information on old properties or "want to be buyers that couldn't get a loan for chewing gum!" So much money for junk!  These were mostly tire kickers. Some didn't want to bother their agent.  Curious, so I'm reading your responses. 

Jan 08, 2017 07:34 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I sat through a demo on conceirge and premier agent last month.  Wish I knew this question then so I could get you some answers.  I had to take an asprin after listening to them.

Jan 08, 2017 07:07 PM