Have You Tracked Your Business Over The Years?

It’s time to look back at your business and find those missed opportunities. I began selling real estate in 1997. I started tracking my business in 1998. For the past twelve years, I can see where business came from. By far, the largest is my sphere at almost 50%. The remaining 50% are real estate yard signs, advertising, farming, relocation, phone, referrals, internet and calling for sale by owners and expireds. The do not call list put a dent in the for sale by owners and expireds, but that was not the only place business was missed. I missed business from the internet. My advertising budget in the early years was much higher but most of that was print advertising before the internet was as popular as it is today.

According to NAR 36% of homebuyers found the home they purchased through a real estate agent in 2009. That’s down from 48% in 2001. Also according to NAR, 36% found the home they purchased over the internet. That’s up from 8% in 2001. Rounding out the top four are yard signs at 12%, down from 15% in 2001 and friend, relative or neighbor at 6%, down from 8% in 2001. Those four account for 90%.

Based on the above information, I know I have to increase my internet presence. I should have watched the numbers closer and done this a few years ago. That’s where sites like active rain and trulia come in. I also have a free website at http://www.larrybunch.com/. My goal now is to figure out how to get it to come up in a search engine when I type in Waxhaw, NC. Does anyone have any ideas?