As you may know, Jay Thompson, Century 21 Aware Realty, is the first Realtor to use the term “unzillowable” in a listing. We reported on it September 27, 2006. Inman News also picked up the story. Wonder what happened after all this publicity? We’ll let Jay tell you.
Jay Thompson, October 3, 2006:
Greetings! Just wanted to give you an update on the world’s first listing to use the term “unzillowable”.
Views of the listing on our site exploded, as evidenced by the chart! here:
http://www.buygilberthomes.com/images/unzillowable_listing_views.jpg
My host isn’t able to tell me where visitors to this page came from, but most were direct hits to the listing page (as opposed to navigating from within the site).
I did receive calls from three agents outside Arizona seriously requesting more information on the general area where this parcel is located. Prior to adding “unzillowable views” to the description, we hadn’t had a call in 3 - 4 weeks.
Thanks, and more to come, I’m sure!
Jay
Another call from an investor looks promising. Perhaps not for this specifc parcel as he’s looking for better access. But we have several parcels listed in the area, and he’s considering a trip out to view some of them in a couple of weeks when the weather cools down a little. And believe me, we’ll take him for a spin in the Jeep up to this parcel. Once he sees the unzillowable view, his need for easy access may change!
One call from an agent said simply, “That whole unzillowable listing thing is nothing but a marketing scam. You should be ashamed.”
Marketing? You betcha.
Scam? I don’t get that. Is it not my job as the listing agent to get my seller’s property exposed to as many people as possible?
Ashamed? Absolutely not! (emphasis added)
We agree Jay, your job is to get your client’s property exposed to as many people as possible. And you’ve certainly done that by using all the resources available to you. You shouldn’t be restricted to shopping carts and costly newspaper ads. And why not experiment with new ad copy beyond the overused “spectacular” views? You used an unconventional term to create buzz marketing at no cost. We admire your innovation. Even if you don’t make the sale, you’ve got some leads which may pay off in the future.
Marketing is about creativity. This Phoenix Real Estate Guy gets it.
We picked up the story too (from right here on sellsius), the power of the BLOG! In serious context, the unzillowable listing opened many eyes including ours as we wrote about it on our blog. Can technology completely replace or accuratelly tell the whole story on a particular property….we once thought so…but after the unzillowable listing was placed, there is a strong statement had here! As for marketing…yes the Phoenix Real Estate Guy does “get it!”
new condos- that’s cool!