Client of the Month

Richard O'Brien Real Estate Agent - Real Estate Agent Website of the Month

Ohio Realtor Gets 80% of Business Online

Richard O'Brien always had dreams of owning his own company after becoming a Realtor in 1982.

Based in Youngstown, Ohio, Richard had little idea of the major impact that Z57 would have on his business. Since partnering with Z57 in 2005, his outstanding results have put him one step closer to realizing his dream:

Generated over $250,000 in commission since using Z57.
Over 25% more leads received as a result of using Z57.
80% of his business now comes from using Z57.

We asked Richard to reveal how he achieved his great success:

Z57: How did you want to grow your business? Richard: I wanted to capture and grow the Internet business in my area that ALL other realtors were ignoring and hiding from.

Z57: What were challenges existing in your business that you wanted to overcome? Richard: Breaking away from the "Old Business Model" of my senior broker. I had to do open houses every Sunday, phone duty, cold calling on the phone and driving clients around endlessly. I was working like a dog and wanted to overcome this challenge.

Z57: What specific results have you experienced? Richard: Since turning to the internet and z57 I have removed myself from phone duty, e-mail hundreds of homes a week to clients automatically, started having 'Virtual Open Houses" on Sundays where people tour my homes on my web site and only the serious people contact me to see them. All this is freeing up my time to spend more time with my family. I emerged as one of the top 4 realtors in my area of nearly 1000 realtors. My mileage has gone down on my leased vehicle, as well as my gas bills, and income has skyrocketed.

80% of my business now comes from my website. This continues to increase more with every new feature I add to my site or new recommendation I use from Fumi. I predict that someday I will be able to cut back on most print advertising and sit back and rely totally off the Internet for my income. This day is very near for me now.

Z57: What role did your Personal Marketing Coach play in your success? Richard: Fumi, my Personal Marketing Coach has been there every step of the way. He keeps me posted on new ideas as well as products that can increase my productivity. Most recently we updated to the new web site design and product. Great move! I try to conference with Fumi as much as I can, and he is always available either by phone or e-mail. I have to say though that I haven't had to communicate as much as I used to with Fumi because in the past he has been so thorough in explaining to me the benefits of the products and ideas he has.

Z57: What advice can you give to other Realtors with similar goals or challenges? Richard: I have found that more than 80% of my business comes from the Internet. Look around at other successful internet agents and look very seriously at Z57 and what they have to offer. Your Z57 web site combined with taking full advantage of your MLS system will make your life and business a lot easier and productive. Visit Fumi online and tell him I recommended him. Take your business to the next level!