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Social networking site ActiveRain is scoring a $2.75 million investment from marketing and lead generation firm HouseValues. Execs at HouseValues, which helps real estate professionals grow their business, seem to think that social networking tools will be a big plus in helping them succeed. Interesting strategy -- wonder if it will be adopted by other industry segments? | ||||||||
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February 2008 HouseValues.com advertised heavily on TV here in Western Massachusetts a few years ago. Private home sellers were eager to use their services because they were "FREE". Who wouldn't want a free market valuation without having to invite a couple of real estate agents over? At first, all was good. Just plug in your address and within 24 hours the comparable properties would show up electronically. After a while, 24 hours became 4 days. Then the dreaded disclaimer was placed on the website..."An agent will contact you shortly to provide you with the information requested". Achk!!!
We actually informed home sellers of this website and its lead generating activities, helping them to avoid receiving useless information. Instead, we educated them about the value of obtaining, and paying for, a professional appraisal. As consumers become more aware of how companies are using their information for their own benefit, they are not as easy to fool. Here's more on HouseValues from Seattle PI.com. After all, you get what you pay for.  Reply
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(January 2008) (
