Monday, March 14, 2005

For Sale Connects Via SMS

I've talked about a realtor could make a "for sale" sign an interactive marketing tool before.

From Inman News Service delivers listings to wireless phones.

Real estate agents can now receive color photos of home listings directly to their wireless phones through a service available from ClearSky Mobile Media. The service, iCode PhoneFlyer, also provides instant updates to a realty agent's phone when a prospective client inquires about a property.

PhoneFlyer works today with Cingular/AT&T Wireless, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint PCS.

PhoneFlyer allows people anywhere in the United States to get additional information on a real estate listing by entering a short code number displayed on the yard sign or print ad into their mobile phones. The iCode PhoneFlyer service combines the SMS text messaging and color screen browsing capabilities of mobile phones to deliver the information.

More information about the service is available at PhoneFlyer.com .

Orlando, Fla.-based ClearSky Mobile Media powers mobile entertainment and wireless marketing initiatives for businesses of all sizes throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

Make the realtor's phone number the short code and subject of the SMS would be the code on the sign. Click on the code and get the MLS listing and maybe a video of the interior of the home.
After I see the MLS listing, or video, I let the realtor know if I'm interested in this property instead of wasting their time.

In the new home guides, offer a short code for each specific development. User sends SMS and inquires about development. If a listing comes up for sale in this development, the realtor has access to a database that is ALREADY interested in this area.

I don't really think you would have an issue with permission. If you don't want the realtor to send alerts for a specific development, opt-out on next alert.

This combines a way that prospective buyers aren't going to feel pressured (texting), and their interests are matched perfectly. The realtor isn't wasting his/her time to see if there's interest.

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