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Is paying extra for Realtor.com enhanced listings worth it?

I have a seller who is wanting to see more pictures and text on his Realtor.com listing. I already have uploaded the virtual tour (www.realestateshows.com) to the site, but he feels that's not enough. I've contacted Realtor.com, and I fall into the 11-25 listing category (I know, I historically haven't been a large listing agent, working more with buyers), it will cost $71 per month.

That doesn't sound too bad, but I swore I would never give Realtor.com another cent of my money. Several years back, I had a website and domain name through them. I cancelled the website and they would not, and have not, released my domain name (www.timtanz.com). I changed domain names (www.timtanzhomes) but always thought it was pretty dirty on their part...

I've talked with some large producing listing agents who have spent hundreds of dollars a month in the past on the enhanced listings, but are not willing to do so anymore. They don't feel it's worth it, and consider Realtor.com a ripoff.

So I'm asking for opinions. If I am competing with other agents for the listings, and if I want to concentrate more on listings, don't I almost have to enhance my listings, so there are more pics and verbage? It is still the number one site for people to look for homes, isn't it, and I need moe of a presence on the site?

Thanks for any imput.

http://www.timtanzhomes.com

Posted by Tim Tanz, St Louis Real Estate on 03/12/2008 10:33 PM

Comments (12)

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12 Comments on Is paying extra for Realtor.com enhanced listings worth it?

I live in a small town and I have talked to other REALTORS and nobody has recieved anyhing promising. However it only takes one to make it worth while! Good Luck and Best Wishes

03/12/2008 10:38 PM

by Scott Hutchinson- Lago Vista Real Estate (REAL ESTATE)

as much as I hate giving money to realtor.com, I think enhanced listings are the only thing worth paying for on the site. The contrast you can show between an enhanced listing and non enhanced makes quite an impression on a listing appointment. And the sad truth is reator.com is by far the number 1 site out there, and the non-enhanced listingsa are garbage

03/12/2008 10:39 PM

by Rob Muller - ABR, ASP, RCC, CNHS, LREA Cherokee County Real Estate (ReMax Town & Country)

ABSOLUTELY NOT! I did it for a year and only got 2 calls off of it. One led to a closing, the other led to a major headache!!

03/12/2008 10:39 PM

by Kristal Reid - Zebulon, GA (Century 21 Adams-Walker)

As an agent that carries 20-30 listings at a time I have done the REALTOR.com thing.. why cost.. I tell sellers in todays buyer hunt Internet world buyers prefer not to be limited to one search tool. We post your home on over 21 website (for free) if buyers cant find you they are not looking

03/12/2008 10:43 PM

by Eric Reid Lawrenceville,GA (Renaissance Realty Group)

I pay $35/month to have my listing showcased at the seller's request but haven't gotten anything from it. The only plus I can think of is that you are in their directory of realtors and I'm pretty sure the only reason I'm in there is because I am paying that monthly fee.

03/12/2008 11:07 PM

by Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Prudential Professional Realtors, GRI)

Just say NO! Don't give your money to r.com -- show your seller all the other ways you promote your properties. R.com isn't the only game in town and right now isn't even the best.

03/13/2008 09:01 PM

by Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty

As agents, it is something we just have to do, otherwise why be an agent. Agents who do not market their business suffers...I get realtor.com inquiries on a weekly basis. It might not turn into a lead, but they are looking at my listings. The extra cost realtor.com charges...it is the cost of doing business. I am sick and tired of hearing agents belly ache!

03/16/2008 10:25 PM

by Paul

Thanks everyone for your responses. I appreciate the feedback.

03/17/2008 09:28 AM

by Tim Tanz, St Louis Real Estate (Keller Wiliams Realty)

To Paul - I agree, advertising expense is part of doing business. However, agents need to be SMART about how they spend their money. If you have had a response from r.com you're in a minority, I do believe.

03/19/2008 01:01 PM

by Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty

I use www.MLSdetails.com and it's a free MLS with larger photos, virtual tours, and other great stuff. Listings seem to get more visitors than some on Realtor.com.

06/09/2008 10:56 AM

by John

Use MLSdetails and show it to your client. Sure to impress. Let us know the results.

06/09/2008 10:58 AM

by John

Tim: I got the opportunity to talk with Charles McMillan, the president elect of NAR today and he asked me to email him my concerns regarding Realtor.com. Which I did.

If you or any one else would like to do the same, his email address is charles.mcmillan@cbdfw.com

Realtor.com is a true rip-off and NAR should be ashamed of itself for allowing a private, for-profit company to take advantage of it's members this way!

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

07/23/2008 02:05 PM

by ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

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