RPR: Access to the information you need, when you need it! (Part 1)

Out with a Buyer

It’s always been important to have the right tools for the job. As a REALTOR® you require detailed and timely access to property and market information. It?s also essential that you have the confidence your data comes from a trusted source. And only to make it more challenging, our industry uses many different operating systems and devices. But that?s beside the point; you just need it to work! That?s really where Realtors Property Resource® (RPR®) a member benefit of the National Association of REALTORS® comes in. In this two part series, I’ll share some real world scenarios in which you can start to take advantage of RPR in your business.

Here is the scenario?you’ve taken the time to listen to your buyer?s wants and needs. You?ve researched the area and compiled a list of homes to preview. Using the iPad, you decide to load a property report for each of the homes you?re previewing that day. As you drive towards the first home, you hand the iPad to your client. They?re able to pinch and zoom into the report, reviewing the neighborhood housing and economic stats. With a quick flick of a hand, they pan through home facts, photos, property history and even review the local schools, test scores and parent reviews. The property and market insight your client gathers on the drive over is not only useful but incredibly powerful toward helping them make a decision.

As you drive away from the first home, heading to the second your client notices a charming home for sale on the corner.? But this home wasn?t included in the list of homes you prepared. Your client asks ?How about that one?? and anxiously points and urges you to pull over. This is your moment to shine; the client loves the external view of the property, and wants to know more.

Using RPR and your iPad, you search the property address and start looking closer. ?Ah, the property is a For Sale by Owner?that?s why wasn?t listed in the MLS? you explain with the client.? While RPR does not display For Sale By Owner listings, the RPR database contains nationwide public records, lien information and foreclosure data, so you can find information on any property, whether its listed or not. Within a few minutes you?re able to review all aspects of the home directly from the iPad. You share the property characteristics, the backyard via satellite imagery, and even uncover the seller?s motivation. You?re able to tell the home has a distressed action, and looking at the mortgage data you see the home looks to be underwater. In a matter of minutes, you were able to satisfy your client with immediate information, and email them a comprehensive report on the home. You were also able to see the owner?s name and can reach out to schedule a showing with your client.