How many times have you found your incoming leads from HouseValues and JustListed sit idly in your database for days because you just didn't have the time to follow up? Here is how you can maximize your return on these lead generating resources without breaking a sweat.

Virtual Assistant, Elizabeth McComb has been helping agents follow up on their HouseValues and JustListed leads for some time now. She says, “I get them caught up and keep them current. They’re paying for the leads so it’s important to respond quickly. I take care of the initial contact and follow up for them. I monitor their accounts for incoming leads, seven days a week. I also send the (requested) CMA, get the buyer started receiving listings and set up the candidate on an email campaign so the agent is free to do more important things.” Elizabeth added, “By the time the agent makes the first phone call to the prospect, they have received quite a bit of contact from the agent already.”

Here are some other ways that you can mine more gold from these lead sources:

• sending pre-listing or pre-CMA emails to prospects after the leads come in;
• research recently sold properties on the local MLS system
• complete and email CMAs;
• set up buyers on the JustListed eMLS system to receive automatic emails of new property listings or set up buyers through your MLS system;
• create customized pre-listing and buyer packages;
• send out updated CMAs every three-to-six months;
• create customized email templates in HouseValues and JustListed;
• monitor the prospect pipeline regularly to see which prospects are currently viewing your CMAs or listings (to see who is a hot prospect and send you a report);
• set up activities reminding you to call a prospect;
• create web capture postcards that will route buyers/sellers to your own website.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the many tasks required to adequately follow up on your third-party leads, it’s time to outsource that work to a professional VA who specializes in this type of work. You spend a lot of money on these leads, why waste it by not following up? Or worse, make them even more expensive by doing it yourself. Well, now you don't have to!

Evy Williams is our VA QUICK TIPS columnist. She specializes in designing marketing materials to sell homes through her company, BrochuresByDesign.com. She holds a Master’s degree in Administration and is a certified Master Virtual Assistant, Military Spouse Virtual Assistant, Professional Real Estate Virtual Assistant, Real Estate Support Specialist and is EthicsChecked. Contact her at Evy@BrochuresByDesign.com.

(NOTE: Mr. Internet, his company and staff receive no compensation whatsoever from any third party vendors or service providers. Also any virtual assistant or consultant mentioned in this publication is not to be construed as an endorsement of their services by Mr. Internet or his company. Always remember to do a thorough due-diligence before hiring any kind of assistant.)