Z57 is one of many real estate focused website templates and marketing packages currently available to real estate agents and brokers.

I’ve had the pleasure, actually, of working with these websites. Here’s my non-paid/non-incentivized review….

Z57 websites are one of the tighter packages available currently that seems to have learned from the past mistakes of themselves and other real estate website companies. If you need a website and you need to get it online fast, then you might like what Z57 has to offer.

The Pluses

1) Their choice of templates is not huge, but the templates are optimized to maximize lead sign up, based on their extensive research about what works in terms of site set up for sign ups.

2) The sites look clean and modern. You have options for banner photos and slide shows which adds a very nice touch to the look.

3) Their listing loading interface is straight forward. You can have your listings from the MLS loaded automatically, and the option of enhancing and editing them. You can also load listings manually. They also have automatic listing directory export at a free level and a paid and feature listings level.

4) They have an acceptable email drip system. While I don’t find their email templates to be the snazziest I’ve seen, you have the option of creating your own templates and they are flexible and simple enough to work with.

5) Their customer service is the bomb! I find them readily available, patient, and knowledgeable.

6) Their set up process is very well managed and planned. They have a clear system for setting your site up, as well as for moving to later stages of marketing options.

7) Their marketing options — very clear, direct marketing options for your website, at decent prices.

Really reasonable set up cost and ongoing cost.

Limitations:
* Not totally free listing partner export. To get all of the options, you have to pay a fee

* Listing presentation could be snazzier.

* Email drip marketing could be more streamline and automated and a bit less clunky.

* Some find their templates a bit too ‘canned’

Stay tuned for follow up on how my Z57 clients are doing with lead generation.

Also, look for continuing site reviews over the next weeks!

Nothing too new, but always good to hear and recognize that the game is changing.

In a recent Harris Interactive cross-industry consumer survey on ‘respectable professions’,  Real Estate agents came in near the bottom of the list  (fireman and doctors came in at the top). In another survey that Allan had done, it showed that Realtors were not that influential in the purchase or sale of  a home.

Allan sees this as a wake up call to business-as-usual. His take on it and how to remedy it:

1) Agents need to create value in their profession, so that they are seen as professionals. He sees this done primarily through providing education and information to the consumer, based in experience and knowledge.

In recent years there has been more focus on transaction and closing a deal rather than providing expertise and information.

Get out of the fee-for-service and into fee-for-skills framework. Doctors and lawyers get paid for their skills, not just their service.

2) This economy calls for a different approach to marketing not only because it is a harder market, but because the face of marketing is changing – people want and need information and to be educated in their approach to buying or selling.

3) Content marketing is King!
Getting information to the consumer is key. There are many ways to do this (brochures, websites, blogs…) but Allan feels that email is still one of the most powerful tools initially.

Brochures and materials are important to provide before sitting down with your client so they are informed.

We need an information IDX, not just property IDX! Content needs to be constantly updated and current.

(my note: Blogging and blog based websites are a great way to increase content and updated content)

4) Realtors are great at networking but aren’t great at ‘belonging’ or creating something for someone to buy into. Allan says be an educator and give them a reason to ‘join’.

5) Pricing Mindset
Price should be presented as ‘pricing strategy’, not a set price.

Insted of a CMA, provide a MMA – master market analysis…estimated value ‘as is’, and how to enhance value of the property over time.

There was much more.  To listen to this webinar you can go here:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/887228619

Stay tuned!