I remember the first time I used AI to help me write and organize something. It was June 2023, and I was finally thinking seriously about putting my house on the water in Virginia onto the short-term rental market. My dad and I bought this house while I was still working on wooden schooners, and it was my place to go between boat jobs. Up to this point, I was an expert at couch surfing. Later it became my peaceful retreat, and I even lived…
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Enhancing Builder Efficiency Through Effective Online Sales Counselors
4th Annual Online Homebuyer Mystery Shop Report In the ever-changing arena of new home building, the role of Online Sales Counselors (OSCs) has proven indispensable. The 4th Annual Online Homebuyer Mystery Shop Report, a collaborative effort between Melinda Brody & Company, Denim Marketing, and Blue Gypsy Inc., sheds light on this crucial role. This annual report serves as a barometer for industry standards and practices, offering insights that help refine the strategies of home builders…
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The Three C’s of OSCs in The Building Industry
OSCs In the new home building industry are called by a variety of titles. They are Online Sales Counselors, Online Sales Concierge, and Online Sales Consultants. They also are called ISPs Internet Sales Specialists, ISSs Internet Sales Specialists, ISAs Internet Sales Assistants. And so much more. No matter what you call this role there are three C’s that are important to understand behind who they are and what they do for your building company. The…
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Can Onsite Sales Agents or Realtors Be Effective OSCs?
We often call OSCs unicorns. The number of onsite sales agents or realtors that can shift from their role as community manager or resale agent to the role of an OSC are unicorns basking on a rainbow, balancing a leprechaun’s lucky gold piece on the tip of their horn. The transition from an onsite sales agent or realtor to an Online Sales Counselor (OSC) involves more than just a shift in workplace or title; it…
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Spring into Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Improving Profitability in Online Sales Programs for New Home Builders – Part 1
In the competitive world of real estate, having a strong online sales program is not just an option, it’s a necessity. With the rise of digitalization and changing consumer behaviors, home builders need to adapt their marketing strategies to stay ahead of the game. Online sales programs are not just the online sales counselors behind the computer or the phone, it’s a systematic approach to creating a great customer experience and giving buyers the information,…
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Blowing Up The Marketing Funnel In New Home Sales
Recently at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel of marketing experts both in and outside of new home builder’s offices. We talked about the changing dynamic of lead generation and how builders see the buyers journey verses how buyers really want to take that buyer journey. At the beginning of our presentation, we blew up the notion of a funnel. Take a look at our…
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IBS 2024 is in The Books – What Were Your Biggest Takeaways?
Wow – IBS 2024 whooshed pat in a whirlwind, and if you were one of over 76,000 building industry professionals who attended IBS…Congratulations! Not only are you looking at trends, materials, walking the convention floor for tips, ideas, and innovation – you may have also attended some of the education, networking events, and engaged with professionals across all walks of life in the new home building industry. From trade partners, to consultants, to clients, to…
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