A resource for real estate agents, brokers, buyers, sellers, and people interested in the most up-to-date real estate information.

Mark Spoto has been a real estate in Florida for over five and half years. Four of those years, Spoto has been a “loyal member of HouseHunt.”

“The system has worked so well for me in terms of helping my annual productivity levels and relationship building with current and past clients,” Spoto says, “that I have purchased a total of six territories that I am personally managing. I started out with two territories and have since grown from that point.”

Since starting with HouseHunt, Spoto has averaged between 15 – 20 closing per year from HouseHunt-generated business; even in 2009, Spoto is expecting about 18 closings from HouseHunt. “In other words, these numbers would be higher if the market conditions were stable,” says Spoto. “This certainly makes me feel confident about how productive I can be as an individual when the market turns around.”

By his own account, the bulk of Spoto’s income and business comes from the

HouseHunt system. The system works and agents receive quality leads! In Spoto’s own words, “HouseHunt is ‘recession proof.”

“I have even had buyers calling me lately inquiring about properties for sale from just visiting my web sites without me having to make personal contact with the buyers first,” Spoto says. “This is a great benefit to have as a hard-working Agent!”

Maureen D’Aiutolo has been in the real estate business for awhile and has known the Internet was a powerful tool for agents. The problem was that Maureen wasn’t technologically savvy.

“My ability with technology is very limited… yes, I am a BOOMER,” Maureen explained.

Still, Maureen knew she needed to find a way to plug in to the growing world of online real estate. She knew relying on a company with expertise in this area was a must if she was going to take advantage of the potential and combine the two.

In early 2009, Maureen was introduced to the HouseHunt system and quickly realized she found the right link between real estate and technology. She joined our team as the exclusive agent for North Bethesda, MD and eagerly plugged herself into our training.

The result has been swift and effective, just as Maureen anticipated.

“Within one week, I was working with a motivated and qualified buyer. He subsequently bought a home,” Maureen said. “Two months later, his mother bought from me as well.”

Within two months, Maureen closed two more transactions with buyers from her HouseHunt territory.

“I am delighted,” Maureen said. “Four closed deals in seven months have more than paid for my investment AND I have increased my referral potential several fold.”

Maureen also explained what a pleasure it was working with HouseHunt’s Customer Service department. She said her representative spent a great deal of time helping her and making this all work.

Maureen trusts HouseHunt to be the online experts and bring in the opportunities. It’s a perfect match of real estate and technology that has quickly grown Maureen’s successful real estate business.

“I am looking forward to even more success in the upcoming year,” Maureen concluded.

As we get head long into the second half of 2009, some agents have the tools needed to make money and build for their real estate future at their fingertips, while others… are just hoping they’ll still be in business by the time the market “turns around.”

HouseHunt.com exclusive member agents don’t let market shifts determine their business. They have the tools and a complete real estate system that gives them the ability to meet their goals, exceed projected commissions, and have a business that will continue to grow regardless of the market’s status.

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s several of our agents in their own words:

“Your system is a ‘Secret Weapon,’ I’d love to keep it a secret, but that’s not the way I work. There are more than enough leads out there for everyone. Why be greedy?”
- Kim Thomson, Keller Williams Realty, Valencia, CA

“I have closed eight HouseHunt leads totaling $2,371,000.00 in sales with commissions of $64,556.00 since signing up with HouseHunt in March 2009.”
- Troy E. Jensen, Keller Williams Realty, Vancouver, WA

“I have to tell you I am blown away by the leads on the HouseHunt site! My 1″ notebook is just about bulging at the seams and I am just into April!”
- Julie Wienke, Prudential, Thousand Oaks, CA

“I received a return call from a HouseHunt visitor wanting to sell a home in Indianapolis. I sold that home for $180K. They then sold their personal home for $550K and I sold them one for $340K. Then they bought one for $280K on contract because their kids didn’t like the new schools. Then I sold them an investment property for $100K. I also sold three small rentals they had that totaled about $95K. The total gross closed commission on that lead was about $36,500. I still find that if one is paying attention and providing true service, the [HouseHunt.com] has been profitable every year for the 5 or so years I’ve been involved. For what more could your customers ask?”
- Steve Gaines, CENTURY 21 Landtree, Greenwood, IN

“2008 was my best year to date. HouseHunt produced half of my closed volume, including the most expensive home I have ever sold,”
- Sandy Howard. Keller Williams Realty @ Baxter Village, Fort Mill, SC

“I decided to give [HouseHunt.com] a try in early 2008, purchasing one site here in the Boise, Idaho area. I started getting good buyer leads immediately and began to fill my pipeline… As those leads matured and the housing market started to improve in early 2009, I can honestly say that HouseHunt leads are my primary source of buyer leads… I have now purchased another HouseHunt area and am now filling my pipeline for that city as well… My prediction will be that for the 2nd half of 2009 that at least 60% of my closings will be HouseHunt leads.”
- Jeff Stewart, Stewart Realty, Meridian, ID

“I have been a loyal member of HouseHunt for more than 4 years now and the system has worked so well for me in terms of helping my annual productivity levels and relationship building with current and past clients that I have purchased a total of six territories that I am personally managing… I am averaging anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 with each commission check and I have been consistently closing 15 to 20 transactions per year with the HouseHunt system since I first started… I have even had Buyers calling me lately inquiring about properties for sale from just visiting my web sites without me having to make personal contact with the Buyers first.  This is a great benefit to have as a hard-working Agent! HouseHunt is ‘recession proof’ as long as you are willing to work hard and take the time to learn and utilize the system.”
- Mark Spoto, Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc., Tampa, FL

“The system works…HouseHunt has really provided me with buyers that I wouldn’t have had.”
-Matthew Danver, Keller Williams Florida Partners, Ormond Beach, FL

“Wow, since I’ve been writing this email, five new prospective clients looked at properties on my site and entered their full name, addresses, and phone numbers. I’ve got to get back to work! I would not have this Real Estate business without HouseHunt. I feel very fortunate to have found you.”
- Karen Taussig, Karen Taussig Realty, INC., Oxnard, CA

“I depend solely on HouseHunt for my livelihood and can’t imagine doing business without my HouseHunt leads.”
- Lori Cheek, Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL

“I closed eleven transactions with HouseHunt so far this year. Working on number twelve as we speak.”
- Rod Sullivan, Solid Source Realty, Jonesboro, GA

“We have had a most profitable year in working with our HouseHunt data base in the sales generated solely due to leads that we attained from HouseHunt hits just within the last 7 years. Not only have we been able to work with and close YTD for 2009 over 4 million dollars in residential sales we were able to close 3 additional sales just on referrals from our HouseHunt customers resulting in an additional 1.6 million. Having a HouseHunt advertising budget has in one way or another always resulted in a positive financial result many times over.”
- Duke Parmelly, 2005 HouseHunt Hall of Fame, Keller Williams, Santa Maria, CA.

HouseHunt.com member agent Jason Holt, of Keller Williams Capitol Properties, in Washington DC is new to HouseHunt, but not  new to putting in the extra steps that separate the great agents from the rest of the pack.

Holt, who represents the Capitol Hill territory, recently shared a story about successfully closing a lead that most agents categorize as a bad lead: someone who had already been working with another agent off an on for a year.

As it turned out, Jason got along with the buyer far better than the other agent had. As a result, after a few conversations and precise questioning, the client decided to meet with Jason to look at some properties. That meeting lead to Jason being able to sign a buyer’s agreement with the client.

From there, I think we know where this story is headed… Jason was able to close the deal with a client that many other agents would have left along the side of the road without so much as a second thought!

By now, the story seems all too familiar to us at HouseHunt: an agent finds a way to adapt to their current market and thanks to the system provided by HouseHunt, they’ve found a way to survive and prosper in a marketplace that has sent scores of lesser agent packing their bags over the past few months.

That said, just because it’s a story we hear all the time at HouseHunt, it doesn’t make it any less extraordinary! From coast-to-coast, our agents are reporting story after story of achieving success in their real estate market and some … well, some are even having their best year ever!

Surprising Sale in California

Keller Williams agent Melody Russell is no stranger to success and doing deals with HouseHunt. She has done very well working HouseHunt leads and this story is one more to her credit. Melody shared with HouseHunt that she received a buyer lead that listed $300K as their maximum price range, lower than average in the Santa Cruz County, CA area Melody works, but Melody works every lead the same and stuck with this person for nine months.

The end result was the purchase of a $1.25 million dollar house. He was a cash buyer! That means the transaction will close in 11 total days because no financing is needed. Furthermore, the buyer explained to Melody that after the deal closes, he wants to search for investment properties with her. This is all a great testament to the quality of HouseHunt’s leads, perseverance paying off, and never judging a book by its cover!

Doubled Sales from Last Year

Matt Marples of Marples & Associates recently told HouseHunt how fantastic business has been in the past year and a half: Twenty transactions in 2008 and a projected 40 closed transactions in 2009, all from HouseHunt.

Despite a brutal local market and falling home prices, Marples is proving that buyers are still out there and that HouseHunt has access to them. As a result, their company is growing and their income is continually growing. There’s nothing more exciting than doubling your gross production and thriving in business, while competitors and others in the industry are disappearing. HouseHunt is the core reason for their success and the future is exciting for this team.

Great First Year for a Keller Agent

Dan Lind in the Atlanta, GA area recently shared with HouseHunt that his time as a HouseHunt member has been exciting and profitable.

“I have been very busy thanks to HouseHunt,” Dan said.

Since starting with HouseHunt in March 2008, Dan has closed several transactions and the total selling prices accumulate to just over $3.3 million dollars. His take home portion is more than enough to keep Dan motivated and very happy.

Dan has even invested time in calculating his leads from HouseHunt. He concluded that out of approximately 20 leads, 2 will be ready to purchase in a month or so. A few others are typically looking to buy within the next year. That is future income and Dan keeps track of those individuals so as to reap the benefits down the line.

“I have also built up a good strong database of very good potential buyers, which I hope to convert to sales in the next couple of months or a year,” Dan explained.

“I thank you for living up to your end of the deal.  As I get better at utilizing web leads, I hope my numbers will improve,” Dan added.

Just over a year and Dan’s real estate business has truly taken off. The future looks bright and he knows HouseHunt is the key to his current and coming success.

HouseHunt.com takes great pleasure in sharing the success of our agents who are thriving thanks, in part, to our unique System for Success with their exclusive territory.

A Great Start

Troy Jensen is a Keller Williams agent who became a member on February 27, 2009 by picking up Salmon Creek, WA and Ridgefield, Felida & La Center, WA.

Troy began getting leads as usual while his websites went through production. The great news is that one of those leads was a buyer ready to move forward immediately.

Troy put that buyer in escrow exactly one month after signing up with our service.

Still in the beginning stages, Troy already has one deal under his belt and is more motivated than ever to succeed.

Surprising Sale in California

Keller Williams agent Melody Russell is no stranger to success and doing deals with HouseHunt. She has done very well working HouseHunt leads and this story is one more to her credit.

Melody shared with us that she received a buyer lead that listed $300K as their maximum price range. That’s lower than average in the Santa Cruz County, CA area Melody works, but Melody works every lead the same and stuck with this person for nine months.

The end result was the purchase of a $1.25 million dollar house. He was a cash buyer! That means the transaction will close in 11 total days because no financing is needed.

Furthermore, the buyer explained to Melody that after the deal closes, he wants to search for investment properties with her. This is all a great testament to the quality of HouseHunt’s leads, perseverance paying off, and never judging a book by its cover!

Trying to imagine what the market will look like when it turns around? Keep your eye on the first time home buying activity, not just in the U.S., but also worldwide.

According to the president and CEO of Royal LePage Real Estate Services in Canada, “…first-time buyers will be the engine that drives Canada’s housing market in the months to come.”

Currently, first-time buyers represent 40% of all real estate transaction in Canada, which is down from the 70% peak a few years ago. “When first-time buyers don’t buy, it’s really like sand in the gears of the real-estate market,” he said.

In the U.S., real estate agents nationwide are currently updating their market conditions reports to reflect the new Spring Market in their local areas. Many of these agents are reporting to HouseHunt.com that “first-time home buyers are the greatest activity in their markets.” Nearly six months ago, the first-time home buyers were even with the repeat buyers in many cities in the U.S. according to HouseHunt.com’s 2008 3rd Quarter Survey (Q3 2008).

Fast forward to the 4th Quarter in 2008, HouseHunt.com CEO Michael Bearden says, “Our fourth quarter random survey of HouseHunt member-agents showed that first-time buyers accounted for 65% of existing home sales – up from 46% in the first quarter of 2008 – and nearly double the normal ratio between repeat and move-up buyers.”

With preliminary results for the 1st Quarter of 2009 showing an abundance of first-time home buyer activity, could the U.S. be at a “half-way point,” like its northern neighbor? It wouldn’t be surprising since there are many new programs in place to motivate the qualified first-time home buyer to make a purchase. The new FHA loan limits that were signed into law last month create an opportunity for any qualified buyer to purchase a home today at an incredibly low interest rate.

Combined with the first-time home buyer credit, today’s real estate market has what’s necessary to turn around.

“Sitting back while our local consumers are pounded with national information – which may not present a true picture of our area – is not an option,” says the Metropolitan Consolidated Association of Realtors. 

Realtors nationwide are struggling to convince buyers that now is the right time to purchase a home. But with the media blitz of “doom and despair,” how can a real estate agent compete? In addition to pounding the pavement and building a database of buyers and potential sellers, Realtors should take a more aggressive approach in letting people know about their local market. Member agents of HouseHunt.com are quickly updating their Market Conditions Reports, in anticipation of the spring market (which begings on 3/20/09). With many Realtors reporting positives in their market such as More Buyers than Sellers and Sellers getting 95-100% of their asking price, buyers can make an educated decision on purchasing a home, even in today’s market. Local Market Condition Reports from Realtors nationwide can be found HERE.

In addition to marketing current local trends, Realtors can use a “Cost of Waiting Analysis” method to help a buyer “on the fence.” John Davis of Silverstar Finance, recently did a CWA for the Huntington Beach area. “I did a little research on the overall affordability of a home in Huntington Beach based on median price and average interest rate for a well qualified buyer. I based it on just two years ago, from Q1 2007 to Q1 2009. Here’s what I found:

2007 – $768,000, 6.25% rate, 20% down payment (74 DOM) generated a $3,783 principal and interest payment.

2009 – $595,000, 5.25% rate, 20% down payment (84 DOM) generated a $2,628 principal and interest payment.

That’s a 30% drop in payment!

I’ve shared with you in the past that every time I’ve run a ‘Cost of Waiting Analysis’ that assumes a 10% value drop and a corresponding 1% increase in interest rate, your buyer is better off to buy now, even given the future value drop.”

Consumers should view their local real estate agent as the greatest source of information regarding the real estate market, and not base their buying and selling decisions on what the national media is reporting. It’s up to the 1.5 million Realtors nationwide to take back the minds of the consumers.

People really listen when a friend or coworker brags able using a service that makes them money and helps them accomplish their goals. Referral business is always an ideal way to grow a company and acquire new members.

Kim Thomson, a HouseHunt agent who represents Santa Clarita, CA, has been publicly boasting about her successful investment with HouseHunt.

“Your system is a ‘Secret Weapon,’” Kim exclaimed. “I’d love to keep it a secret, but that’s not the way I work. There are more than enough leads out there for everyone. Why be greedy?”

Thomson explained that she is continually impressed and overwhelmed with the number of leads she receives on a weekly basis. That is all the more reason for her to feel comfortable telling fellow agents about her secret weapon, HouseHunt.

Kim also wants to acquire new tools to help her manage all of the buyer leads. She understands that doing an even better job in this area will certainly increase her income.

Eric Pipkorn, HouseHunt veteran in East Cobb, GA, recently made an incredible projection for his business in 2009.

“I had several closings in ’08 and I look to close one a month in ’09,” Eric said.

That’s one closing a month strictly based on predictable income and does not include any additional business not yet in his pipeline that will arise.

Now, agents in the East Cobb area have faced their share of difficulties with fearful buyers, Eric included. Agents have struggled to steer buyers away from negative media and ensure them that now is the best time to buy a home.

Fortunately, Eric has HouseHunt, which has provided him with a flow of buyer leads that consistently builds his pipeline and increases his odds of finding confident buyers ready to move forward now.

The real estate business is a numbers game and HouseHunt gives Eric the advantage he needs to predictably grow his business year after year.