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Addressing Under Performance in OSC Programs

June 18, 2024

In our most recent Annual Homebuyer Mystery Shop Report it was disheartening to see that 4 OSCs never followed up. This points to significant issues within some OSC programs. While there are builders out there that know they need Online Sales Counselors they don’t always know how to set the program up successful, manage it properly, and create the proper expectations and oversight. These results don’t mean that OSCs need to be micromanaged, but it’s…

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In-House Online Sales Counselors — The Key to Deep Customer Connections and Sustainable Growth

June 17, 2024

The Hidden Value of In-House Online Sales Counselors In the home building industry, the significance of having a strong online presence is undisputed. The role of the Online Sales Counselor (OSC) is critical in this digital-first approach, acting as the frontline of your brand’s online interaction with potential homebuyers. While some might consider outsourcing their OSC team to manage costs and operational overhead, it is crucial to delve deeper into the value that an in-house…

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Spring into Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Improving Profitability in Online Sales Programs for New Home Builders – Part 2

June 17, 2024

In Part 1 of our blog, we focused on the digital components needed to have an effective and profitable online sales program. While digital tools optimize efficiency and scalability in online sales programs, it’s the human touch that adds empathy, understanding, and adaptability to the process. By leveraging both digital capabilities and human expertise, new home builders can create a sales experience that is not only well-organized and transparent but also personalized and engaging, ultimately…

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Mystery Shop report for OSCs

Enhancing Builder Efficiency Through Effective Online Sales Counselors

May 14, 2024

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

May 2, 2024

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?

April 28, 2024

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

April 10, 2024

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

March 18, 2024

  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?

March 4, 2024

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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My List of “Not to Miss Educational Sessions” at International Builders Show in Las Vegas

January 29, 2024

It’s almost February and as I prepare for THREE speaking engagements at the International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas from February 27th-29th – two in the learning labs, and one at Professional Women in Building Headquarters, (PWB HQ) – I’m also scouring the list of learning opportunities that I want to attend. So much to see, so little time. My hack is when I’m not in a session or checking out tech on the…

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