Though Spokeo often is considered a great consumer research tool, it is also very useful for business professionals. Spokeo’s homepage underwent a new design recently to better assist the three very different groups that use our service. Now, when users click on the “for business” tab, they are taken to a customized page that helps business professionals make the most of Spokeo’s people search.
In fact, one such business professional (a Pasadena-based Realtor named Susan Ratliff with the John Aaroe Group) recently raved to us about how she uses Spokeo. Based on that conversation, we developed these four essential tips that residential real estate professionals must know when researching clients or homes.
1. Turn a business card into a wealth of information: What if all you have access to about a potential client is a business card or an email address? Do a little research through Spokeo and see if you can find out if they’ve lived only in one place for a long time, or if they’ve owned in various locations. Susan says,
2. Discover your client’s style and personalize their home search: Have you been showing multiple properties without any luck? Learning about the client’s personal preferences, helps you provide a better service. Gain insight by searching an email address and finding social media profiles. If a Flicker account shows multiple biking and surfing photos, you’ll probably want to show a property with extra storage for all of the outdoor recreational items. Susan says,
3. Verify prospects with reverse phone search: Wasting a lot of time on calls that lead to nowhere? Time is money and if you can save yourself some time (and essentially money!) by checking someone out a bit before you drive all over town showing them houses, why on earth wouldn’t you? Pull up the number who just called on your caller ID and type it into Spokeo. The reverse phone search function can tell you where the caller is based and potentially link it to an attached address.
4. Approach neighbors for information: Neighborhood gossip can often be the best source of information. Get to know the neighbors in the area where your clients are buying or selling and use Spokeo to be able to send a friendly note. It’s easier to start with a phone call on behalf of a client, rather than marching up to a door and knocking. With Spokeo, you can see how many people have lived in a residence and figure out how long they’ve lived near the home of interest. With research and conversation, you’ll get the right scoop to share with your clients!
There’s a wealth of information at your fingertips. Sign up at blogtest.spokeo.com and be sure to put it use for you, whether you’re trying to save some time or get the edge on a sale. We’d love to hear about how other business professionals are using Spokeo, please drop us an email to share your story on our blog.
* All data offered is derived from public sources. Spokeo does not verify or evaluate each piece of data, and makes no warranties or guarantees about any of the information offered. Spokeo does not possess or have access to secure or private financial information. Spokeo is not a credit reporting agency and does not offer consumer reports. None of the information offered by Spokeo is to be considered for purposes of determining any entity or person’s eligibility for housing, credit, insurance, employment or for any other purposes covered under the FCRA.