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Spiking Homebuyer
Demand for Real Estate Agent Internet Presence Addressed With Launch
of Agent XSites by |
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Oklahoma City, OK, September 24, 2003 - With estimates of the number of buyers using the Internet to find a home climbing as high as 70 percent in 2003 – up from a scant two percent in 1995 – realty professionals are able to affordably and almost instantly establish a powerful, professional Internet presence. a la mode, inc. launched its Agent XSites Web site creation and hosting suite to help agents capture online leads, the company announced today.
Agent XSites are powered by a la mode’s proven net.X backend technology, the same technology used to power the company’s industry leading Appraiser and Inspector XSites. Since its debut in March, XSites technology has provided thousands of real estate professionals with easy-to-develop and -manage Flash-driven, interactive websites.
According to industry figures, some 79 percent of Internet homebuyers use the Web to choose a real estate agent as well as find their new home. These Web-savvy prospects increasingly demand more interactive, functional, feature- and information-rich sites. But during a historically busy time when housing starts and resales show no signs of slowing, agents have been reluctant, if not unable, to commit the time and resources necessary to establish a dazzling, professional Internet presence.
With Agent XSites, in just 15 minutes, agents can create a custom, animated, professional Web presence, including a personalized domain name, automatic submission to major search engines, and ten 100 percent virus-free CertMail e-mail boxes (you@yourdomain.com) – all backed by a la mode’s industry-leading 100-day money back guarantee.
“Industry groups, conferences and the media have been hammering agents all year about the critical importance of establishing a ‘sticky’ website to generate and capture leads,” said Rusty Lindquist, a la mode XSites Product Manager. “With four out of five Internet home shoppers using the Web to select an agent as well, it’s easy to see why. Our XSites technology has been addressing these same needs for appraisers and home inspectors, and a la mode is ideally positioned to serve the agent market as well.”
An Agent XSite is also a hedge against rising interest rates, Lindquist said. “Resales are still at an all-time high, but if the market contracts, an outstanding, full-featured website will set agents apart from the competition in their market,” he said.
Agents can spend as little as 15 minutes setting up an Agent XSite, using professionally written, but fully customizable content pages, choosing from more than 60 professionally animated Flash-based themes complete with Flash intros and sound. XSites can be updated, edited and customized anytime, 24/7, from any computer connected to the Internet. Agent XSites come bundled with a la mode’s ten virus-free CertMail email boxes with 250 MB of storage space, likewise accessible anywhere, anytime.
IDX compatible Agent XSites support all MLS and broker-provided IDX framing tools. MLS listings are added to the XSites automatically by MLS number, and may also be added automatically via integration with Top Producer software, or entered manually. Agent XSites also include full virtual tour functionality, widely regarded as the most sought-after feature of a realty agent website by potential leads. Statistics also show that Internet home buyers are more likely to show interest in a home listing that includes photos, with more photos creating more interest. Agent XSites allow easy uploading of unlimited photos, and will even automatically generate professional Flash slide-show presentations for each listing from the uploaded photos.
Agents who sign up for an Agent XSite are automatically registered to win a 2004 Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, with a drawing to be held at the Realtor™ Expo in November.
To review XSites built by a la mode customers and for more XSites information, go to http://www.agentxsites.com.
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