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Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile Agent

What ways can a buyer search for homes?

Buyers can search in a multitude of ways including:

  • MLS#
  • ADDRESS
  • NEIGHBORHOOD
  • PROPERTY ADDRESS
  • CellSigns ID# (from a Mobile Agent CellSigns)

How does a buyer sign up for the Mobile Agent™ Service?

Buyer pulls up to a Sponsoring Broker's listing, if not registered, how do we engage them as a client? There are several ways a buyer signs up for the service:

  • Through the broker's website as part of registration.
  • By using Mobile Agent™ CellSigns for easy information access with a special message on the sign with instructions to Register.
  • Mobile registration signing up as a result of various marketing messages.
  • By one of the broker's agents giving access to the buyers they are working with.

Call us today at toll-free 877-74-79274 to request a demo.

What is opt-in ?

CellSigns, Inc. respects consumer privacy. Therefore, its patent-pending technology allows consumers to opt-in for additional information. The company takes privacy one step further by requiring a confirmed opt-in (based on the latest Mobile Marketing Association's Consumer Best Practice Guidelines).

Confirmed Opt-In is defined as a process of verifying a subscriber's permission. CellSigns sends a message to the subscriber to which s/he must positively reply in order to confirm permission (such as requesting a callback, schedule a showing or even a property brochure email). Only then with his/her phone number be provided to the agent. Unless the consumer "opts-in", the agent does not have access to the customer's cell phone number.

What is CAN-Spam?

CAN-Spam is not the meat product by Hormel (www.spam.com), it is a law that was passed in order to govern and define how marketers and companies could solicit customers over electronic mediums such as email and text messaging. There are specific rules and requirements that must be followed in order to comply. More information can be found by visiting: (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/spam/index.html). CellSigns provides the only Real Estate Text Messaging products available for brokers and agents that fully comply with DNC and CAN-Spam Laws.

What is DNC ?

DNC stands for Do Not Call and affects both land line phones and cell phones. The law was put into place by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to protect consumer privacy and create rules and regulations around how companies can solicit to consumers over the phone. Additional information can be found by visiting: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/tsrcomp.htm.

Why should I care about Opt-in and DNC ?

The industry has seen several technologies that have attempted to solve the issue of information at the 'point-of-sale'. These technologies have created additional problems. The 800 number/800 call capture system on the listing, while providing valuable information at the listing is potentially one of the riskiest technologies being deployed today by agents and brokerages. In an article published by the NAR the question was posed:

"My company publishes a telephone number with particular listings that interested consumers can call to receive additional information about the property. When the number is called, the system plays a recorded message about the home's features. During the call, the system also captures the telephone number of the caller. Will this type of call be considered an "inquiry" for purposes of the exemption?"

The answer provided by the NAR is surprising and in light of current litigation regarding DNC and Opt-In, agents and brokers deploying this type of tool are at risk of fines of $11,000 per call violation. The answer provided by the NAR:

"The test under the rules is whether the consumer has a reasonable expectation of receiving a return call. Therefore, in your recorded message to consumers, your company should create such an expectation by informing the consumer that they can expect a return phone call. Offering the consumer the ability to opt out of the return call would be the recommended solution."

The other issue around the 800 information line or other non-opt in products is that the consumer wants to remain invisible to the agent until they are ready. That is why they are driving neighborhoods without the agent in the first place. This issue cuts at the very fabric of professionalism which the NAR spent 25 million dollars in 2005 trying to restore. An article published by the NAR in 2002, written by Walter Sanford, addresses IVR's, also known as 800 information lines. He wrote the following:

"Interactive voice response systems (IVR's) automatically give buyers information about a listing over the phone, and simultaneously capture their phone numbers. This sounds impressive to sellers, but it isn't a timely or cost-effective solution. You still have to call the buyer back, determine who made the call, and answer the question, "How did you get my number?" Often, you'll find yourself talking to someone who isn't interested enough in a listing to speak with a live salesperson and who might never have contacted you if you didn't have an IVR."

CellSigns and MobileAgent are the Real Estate Industry's only interactive true opt-in/DNC compliant tools available for agents and brokers.

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