A new real estate marketing trend, using technology, is SMS. So how can you use text messaging to market real estate? Well, with another acronym of course! CSC.
SMS is your basic text messaging sent, typically, from one cell phone to another. CSC is “Common Short Codes” that allow you to send a text message using only five digits instead of dialing a long 10 digit number.
Let’s put some feet on this…
SMS for real estate
A real estate agent lists a property for sale with MLS number 789. He puts up a sign in the yard with a rider that says:
Text “MLS 789″
To: HOUSE (46873)
For Instant Home Info
When a prospective home buyer sees this message, they send the text message. Within seconds they will automatically receive photos and detail about the home directly to their phone.
Got the idea?
This real estate lead generator is similar to the 1-800 recorded listing messages that would capture incoming phone numbers. The added benefit is that the number is shorter, easier to remember, and more efficient than listening to a pictureless message.
Getting started with short codes
If you go directly to the short code source, you’ll spend $500 per month for a randomly generated short code and $1000 per month for a “vanity” code. …And that doesn’t include the software to automatically send real estate listings!
For the lower budget and those without a dedicated programming team, there are a number of companies that can get your real estate short codes up and running in a matter of hours. The services offered vary, but this is what you’re generally looking for.
- Customizable info request text (something like “MLS 789″, “JOHN 1″, etc.)
- Automated responses to home buyers
- Phone number capture (lead generation)
These are a few companies that already work with real estate agents.
I don’t have personal experience with any of these companies. However, House4Cell appears to offer the best service at face value and seem to be the only one that offers photos. If you know of other companies or are already using a service like this, I’d love to hear about it!
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