Forced registration vs. no registration

[Dwell Atlanta]

I know this topic has been talked about. I am about to roll out my new REW site and wanted to get a few opinions on this issue. I hear pros and cons both ways.

I think I may be leaning to No registration. Here is why.
1. I know many people get frustrated and just click off to go to another site.
2. If the lead actually takes the time to call YOU, you are in a better position vs calling a prospect who reluctantly registered and trying to break down that wall. (too much of this may lead to burn out).

However I do like getting email with new signups. Anyone know of any factual information regarding this topic? Opinions.

[Bhamhomes]

I think I'm leaning towards having end users registering on my IDX once they get about 2-3 layers deep...that's when the well put together lead questioner pops up and they can also create an account...Bingo.

[Discover Davis Homes]

I am doing forced registration. I am sure there are some people who move onto to another site, however I see capturing an email as a way to remind people later about my site. Say someone is 6-9 months away from making a move, if I have an email address that I can send periodic information to remind them about my site, I hope they will visit again when they are ready.

I do not think having people register before at least seeing some information is all that helpful, but I think asking for an email address before getting all the listing details is a fair trade off.

[Tsena]

I started with forced registration and after about a year I stopped and do not require registration unless they want more information on a property. I get over 20 leads a day from people just giving me their information because THEY WANT TO, not because they have to. We get more leads and better leads than when we use to require registration!

[webmaster]

Out of how many unique visitors though?

I started with forced registration and after about a year I stopped and do not require registration unless they want more information on a property. I get over 20 leads a day from people just giving me their information because THEY WANT TO, not because they have to. We get more leads and better leads than when we use to require registration!

[Tsena]

A little over 7500 a month. Almost a 10% capture rate

[erogers]

I like the bait and hook idea of giving them a quick overview of the property and when they click for more details require a registration. I'm sure this pisses off some and they click out and go elsewhere - whatever - they could do that anyways. If they're not willing to take 30 seconds to fill out a simple registration to see what a home is all about, they're not an "A" category lead. By not requiring registration your going to miss out on a lot of leads - particularly seller leads that are just trying to see what's out there right before putting the home on the market.

[NealRM]

I started with forced registration and after about a year I stopped and do not require registration unless they want more information on a property. I get over 20 leads a day from people just giving me their information because THEY WANT TO, not because they have to. We get more leads and better leads than when we use to require registration!

I agree, allowing visitor to view the properties and naturally ask question will generate a higher quality leads. It will also improve your repeat visitor numbers, as visitor will nature return to the site.

I believe that forced registration turn away many potential clients. In other case they just put in garbage information that will waste your time.

[OCTeam]

Basic info free, but sign-in for details works for us. Many simply call when they don't want to sign-in.. so all the better. Besides, they don't have to sign-in if they don't want to, they can simply go elsewhere. If they like your site, find the info they are looking for and it is easy to navigate, they will most likely sign-in as they will want to. Especially if you offer information and easy to find searches via links that no one else is offering, ie Short Sales, Bank Owned, luxury homes, gated communities, 55+, tracts, etc.

Every area is probably different. Based on our business compared to others in our area who do not require sign-in, our system seems to get better results just based on number of transactions.

It's a never ending debate. "Forced" registration is common in our area. So, do what works for you in your area.

[Tsena]

It's a never ending debate. "Forced" registration is common in our area. So, do what works for you in your area.

I couldn't have said it better. I am sure many can make an argument for either or, so do what you think will work best for you in your real estate market!