My partner and I subscribed to 2 territories in North Texas as it was represented that we would receive many leads for customers seeking either to buy or sell homes.
They did do that much, but what the representative failed to disclose is that HouseValues primarily targets its advertising and website to helping people find out the value of their homes rather than helping people find a ready and willing Realtor. After making faithful efforts for over 8 months, we did not turn one prospect into an actual customer.
We prepared hundreds of comparative market analyses for potential clients but received very few responses. We also made good follow-up contacts, sent out letters, even appeared at the requesting person's doorstep on occasion. Our territories provided about 60 prospects a month but not one was willing to actually sell their house!
We pulled the plug in August and I was harrassed by a collection agency called 'rpm' seeking to recover the balance due for the remainder of our annual contract.
I could not get them to leave me alone even through discussions with HouseValues, and HouseValues had successfully re-sold the territories the following month.
After setting my cell-phone to ring silent for RPM, I settled in for a wait and they eventually went away. Yes, I realize I contracted for their services but you've got to bet that I demonstrated good faith in performing my end of the contract, they just never delivered any willing sellers, just willing appraisal requesters.
Of course my partner and I don't place much value in these internet marketing systems but you would expect for the roughly $500 per month per territory they were charging that they would be able to deliver SOMETHING!
At any rate, that was our experience, if anyone else has had a good experience I'd enjoy hearing of their successes and perhaps even the methodologies they employed that made it work for them!
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