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.

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Dwell Atlanta
Direct 404.895.9618

Atlanta Real Estate
Buckhead Real Estate
Atlanta Condos

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.

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Jerry Campbell, CRS, GRI
The Muljat Group
Bellingham, WA 98225
Professional REALTOR for 16 years
BA WWU Management of Information Systems
Bellingham Real Estate | Bellingham Homes For Sale | Whatcom County Real Estate

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.

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Carolyn Gjerde-Tu
Davis CA Real Estate
Check out my real estate blog
My LEC2 is live, still needs tons of work Sacramento Real Estate

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!

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Las Vegas Real Estate <> Las Vegas Property Management <> Las Vegas Real Estate Blog

Out of how many unique visitors though?

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

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Las Vegas Real Estate <> Las Vegas Property Management <> Las Vegas Real Estate Blog

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.

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Neal M
Jackson MO Real Estate, Festus MO Real Estate, Cape Girardeau Real Estate
HouseViewOnline™ is southeast Missouri’s leading site for touring real estate online. See 100’s of properties from Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Perryville & Sikeston Missouri. Properties are displayed in photos taken by our professional photographer. We are proud to work with Realtors and real estate agents through out SE Missouri.

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.

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Welcome to your guide to Orange County, Ca Real Estate and MLS Search, and the home to the world's best climate at San Clemente Real Estate where you can enjoy luxury coastal living with a beach close lifestyle.

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!

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Las Vegas Real Estate <> Las Vegas Property Management <> Las Vegas Real Estate Blog

It is always good to get face time or phone time with someone searching for a home to try and get their business. If someone goes to my site and wants to work with me because of what they see, registering has not been an issue with them. For those that register because they have to - they do so and don't respond to my follow-up. But those who register and leave their phone number, which is not required, their is a much higher chance they are open to the idea of working with me. With that said, requiring registration is a way to get in front of potential customers whether by email, phone or meeting. This personal interaction increases your chance of wowing them, getting their trust, and then their business. I started without the registration but added it at Morgan's suggestion, and I'm glad I did. I now require registration on the users third request to see more detailed information about a particular property. This helps get them looking and interacting, which tends to increase the chance they will stay at my site and register when they have to.

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Brian Talley
Real Estate Broker
Regent Property Group
Providing Austin Texas Real Estate services by an experienced Austin REALTOR® providing free access to
Austin homes for sale.