Lead generators
In a previous post about "why do I have to register to search the MLS", I discussed lead generators.
"Why might a site do that? In real estate, you have to differentiate between sites that exist to help you with your future real estate transactions and those that simply exist to obtain your information and resell it as a lead. In the industry, these are called lead generator companies".
One of the most important things for a home buyer to know when starting the search process for a home is to know who they are going to be dealing with, a real estate agent of their choice or one who is "assigned" to them. I ended that post with a little tidbit "perhaps the first search one should do before looking for homes is to search for a good real estate agent" which inspired one of the most popularly read blog posts I've written, Search for an agent instead of a house.
Larry Cragun of Real Estate Undressed, realtor, mortgage broker and blogger extraordinaire discusses lead generators and why to watch out when searching online with this wonderfully written post with Larry's usual great sense of humor despite the serious topic.
Please read, Lead, Lead, Lead, Lead.