Home Value Estimator Tools For Real Estate Brokers And Agents
A home value estimator is a powerful tool to generate leads and now local brokers and agents have the ability to add this appealing feature to their own website, just like the mega-real estate sites.
It’s no secret that certain large real estate websites have put themselves on the map by offering consumers a home value estimator widget. Consumers were immediately drawn to the site by this online feature that let them check estimates on the value of their property and their neighbors’ properties.
The great advantage of today’s data technology is that to answer that old-age question on every homeowner’s mind of “What is my home worth?”, an agent or broker doesn’t need a million dollars. In fact, the whole process of adding a home value estimator is now relatively easy and inexpensive.
Data providers such as Home Junction have the ability to provide the same technology for real estate brokers and agents, and any other business with relevant interests. These tools can increase lead generation, website traffic, and improve branding.
Let’s face it, everybody loves to check the value of their home. Not just once, but on a regular basis. It’s human nature.
If the market is strong and prices are going up, looking at recent home sale trends and watching the value of your home increasing is like some invisible entity putting money into your pocket. For consumers, that’s downright thrilling.
How To Add A Home Value Estimator To Your Website
Here’s how the Automated Valuation Model from Home Junction works:
- Simply install the Home Value Estimator widget onto your website by adding a few pieces of code.
- Place the “Home Value” address bar right on the homepage of your website, or another page. (Go to www.roywheeler.com to see an example of effective placement).
- The consumer enters their address.
- The home value algorithm kicks into gear.
- Relevant data points are generated from a variety of sources – public record data such as tax rolls, MLS data, previous home sales in the area, etc.
The Data API creates a report with the following results:
- Property Listing Details – number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
- Predicted Market Value – This is the estimate created by Home Junction’s proprietary formula. Remember, it’s only an estimate, and be sure to educate your prospects that the result will be a broad estimation of their home’s value.
- Confidence Range – This is a disclaimer in a way, letting the user know that the number provided is part of a wider range of values. So, to be clear to the user, a confidence range of 6%, plus or minus, is also stated along with a dollar amount. Included is a pricing range, showing the Low and High amount. Again, this tool is to inform consumers that this instant estimate is a rough overview of the potential value of their home.
As you know, there are so many variables that go into the pricing of a home, such as the condition of the house, floor plans, local market changes, etc. It really is impossible to price a home exactly without an actual visit by an agent or appraiser.
This home valuation tool is only meant as a beginning point. More importantly, it’s a catalyst that prepares this visitor to start a dialogue with an agent and ask for a more detailed comparative market analysis. Additional WordPress plugin features include:
- Request “Professional CMA” – Consumers who are interested in truly obtaining an estimate of what their home is worth will click here. That makes them a highly qualified & valuable lead. Your own lead, not one you need to buy from someone else.
- Comparison Charts – Also included are charts that show a comparison range based on certain criteria such as size, price, price per square foot, and age of the property.
For example, the user’s home may be only 15 years old, while the average home in the marketplace is 60 years old. That indicates this home is newer than 87% of the other homes in the area.
Or take the size. This home in particular may be 2,500 square feet while the average home is only 1,800. Therefore, the owner sees their property is larger than 81% of other homes in the market.
Another comparison factor may be price. According to the Home Value Estimator tool, the Predicted Market Value of this home may be in the top 22% of the market compared to others.
The same goes with Price Per Square Foot. The chart will show if the average price per square foot for this particular home is higher or lower than others.
Further down the page, an agent can show another widget which feeds in Recent Sales in the Area. A homeowner can then look and see what that home down the street sold for and when.
Answer The Question “What Is My Home Worth?”
Having the right data gives homeowners an incredible, multi-faceted snapshot of their property value that can be promoted over and over again in email blasts, mailings, and social media. Combine it with other insightful real estate data tools and charts.
A promotion might read like this: “Our Recent Home Sales chart shows that prices in your neighborhood have increased this past quarter. Get a free estimate of what your home may currently be worth by clicking here.”
After a homeowner reviews this data, it could just be the tipping point that tells them, “Now is the time to sell.” When that happens, that visitor turns from an Internet surfer into a hot, qualified lead with a strong potential for a listing.
Home value estimates can be a powerful lead generation tool that is not only useful for creating leads for real estate companies but can also be offered to the public by banks, mortgage companies, investor services, and other businesses.
Adding a home value widget on your website levels the playing field and gives your business the capability to generate your own leads without paying for them. Draw people to your own website and build up your own brand.
For more information on how you can improve your website contact our team at Home Junction for a consultation.