By Kayla O’Brien
RISMEDIA, Nov. 17, 2008-“In a shifting market, Realtors have to focus more on the value and resources they can provide to their clients-including the best experience when buying a home,” says Sheryl Gibson, a Keller Williams agent serving the Tampa Bay area.
To that end, Verizon offers the Agent Rewards Program, a business development opportunity for Realtors to grow their businesses in a changing market. “Since everything you’re reading in the media isn’t exactly helping the market, Realtors can come out stronger, with another value-added tool that we can use to leverage new clients and ultimately receive referrals because of the value,” explains Gibson.
With so many Americans no longer settling for average when it comes to technology, more homes are becoming wireless and entertainment hubs. Using its state-of-the-art fiber optic network, Verizon offers its FiOS service to exceed the needs of those very homeowners-whether they’re looking to enhance their television-viewing experience or surf the Web at unheard of speeds.
“The more tools we have and can provide, the more they’re going to stay with us as clients,” says Gibson. “If you don’t offer it or don’t educate yourself on it, the competition will.”
In fact, independent studies show that FiOS adds value to the home in three ways: it adds dollar value, performance value and satisfaction value.
“Think of your telephone and Internet as a garden hose,” says Gibson. “As more and more people go onto the Internet, you get leaks due to older technologies and you’ll start to see a slower system.
“Fiber optics is the way to the future,” she continues. “It’s the difference between a garden hose and Niagara Falls. When people are putting a lot of money into the entertainment aspect of their homes, they want Niagara Falls.”
Gibson recently teamed up with Verizon to promote FiOS as a way to add value to the homes she’s listing, helping to distinguish her from local competition, while receiving a $100 American Express Gift Card reward when a buyer signs up for a Verizon Double or Triple Play. In addition, buyers and sellers get rewarded, too. They receive a $50 Amex Gift Card for signing up.
“FiOS offers better connectivity and an overall better environment when moving in,” says Gibson. “Whether they’re looking for higher Internet connections, HDTV or faster music downloads, fiber optics is the information highway of the future.”
Verizon has made it easy for Realtors to market themselves to prospective clients.
“Verizon also has great brochures for Realtors to put their business cards on and personalize-with nothing coming out of the Realtor’s pocket. That helps with cost and time.
“The technology is there,” she adds. “You’re getting the best of the best and are able to give it to your clients. More importantly, it’s providing client satisfaction and a nice gift when they go to buy a new home. It makes your client feel special-and that’s the biggest thing. They want to know you care.”
For more information, please visit www.verizon.com or www.agentrewardsprogram.com.
