Delayed Buyer Gratification Isn't Gratifying

Our Taos MLS uses the FNIS Paragon online system for listings. It's pretty widely used around the country. There are many others, but I'm sure that most have main features in common. One of the most valuable features is the ability to create a custom search for a buyer. Once created, the system can be instructed to alert them automatically with an email with new listings that match their search criteria. I have more than 100 buyers receiving these alerts once a day when they have matches.

One thing about it though, is that the alert goes out once, the day the new listing enters the MLS. Keep in mind that these alerts are going to a buyer who has indicated that they want for example, a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on 1+ acre with mountain views and a price between $300k and $400k.

Jane (or John) Doe, a local agent, is in a hurry to get a matching listing into the system for other agents, and posts it without the photos. After all, they'll be in within a couple of days, right after they are tweaked for brightness, contrast, etc. The only problem is that the buyer who has specifically indicated an interest in homes just like this one, will get an alert only once, and without photos.

Sure, they can keep the MLS number and keep checking. But that's a poor substitute for an alert email with all the information, attached applicable documents, and most of all, super photos to whet their appetite. All listing agents should keep this notification function in mind, and do a complete listing profile with images before hitting the "Submit" button.

Which brings me to my rant from yesterday. I'm sure that one reason some of these listings go out on alerts without images is that the listing agent is too busy getting that agent email flyer prepared. Let's see, who do I want to really get this stuff out to in a hurry...a buyer prospect looking for a home exactly like this, or hundreds of totally uninterested agents? Hmmm.