VOW stands for Virtual Office Website.

It is a broker website that allows consumers to access all of the non-confidential information in the Triangle MLS such as sold listings and tax value.

The difference between a VOW and the traditional IDX website is that it offers more data fields.  It also requires user registration and acceptance of the VOW policy before viewing VOW data.

Access to a VOW varies according to local MLS rules. We are happy to find out if VOW is available in your area.

The WAV Group has published a five part series on Virtual Office Websites.  Click on the link below to read more.

http://waves.wavgroup.com/real-estate/Virtual-Office-Website-Series

You may also want to look into what the National Association of Realtors have posted on their site regarding VOWs.

www.realtor.org

You can always email us directly through our web site with any additional questions.

For a reduced price, we offer branded postcard announcements, that are personalized with your information and website address. The postcards can be mailed to your contact list or you may wish to purchase a list from us.  You will be surprised to see how many people will use your site once they know what you have available.

Most of the email leads you receive from our Connect products will be from potential clients. These people are choosing to view your web site and use your IDX or VOW search solution. If they ask for more details on a particular listing, they are expecting a response. How you respond to their email will determine whether or not they will want to work with you.

In order to maintain the most current information, we update IDX and VOW Connect feeds every 24 hours. Having the most current and up to date property information will increase the repeat activity on your site and hopefully transition that lead into a sale.

Yes you can.  Most MLS associations will supply frame-able IDX search solutions that can be plugged into your existing site. However, they often lack advanced features, lead capture tools and branding.  The IDX and VOW Connect offer these features and more.

VOW Connect is the first Virtual Office Website to reach the Triangle.

Connect is different because it's simple! CONNECT is the only choice for real estate agents who want to spend less time fussing with their online tools and more time connecting with their clients.

CONNECT was developed by Triangle MLS real estate agents who are also members of the RRAR and HBA.  Our staff has had experience with residential, new construction and commercial sales in the Triangle.  Being local means, we are accessible to supporting you when you have questions or issues.  Our solutions are customized specifically for the TMLS, giving it a local feel for users browsing your website.

Users do not have to register to search for a home until they reach one of the following steps:

• User must register with agent if they wish to search VOW specific information (ex: Recently Sold Property)

• User must be registered to take advantage of any user tools (ie: Saved Listings, Write Comments, etc.)

As practicing agents and now as software vendors, we have a working relationship with the Triangle MLS.  We make sure we are compliant with these policies and regulations, so you don't have to.

Yes, a web site is required to offer IDX or VOW.  If you do not already have a website, sign up for WEB Connect and receive a 15% discount on your IDX or VOW package.

IDX Stands for Internet Data Exchange.  It allows real estate professionals to display property listings online, from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  IDX access varies depending on local MLS rules.

VOW allows consumers to access all of the non-confidential information in the Triangle MLS upon registration and acceptance of the VOW policy. Therefore, buyers and sellers are able to more closely watch the local market dynamics.

According to NAR, in 2008, 87% of buyers started their search process online and THEN contacted the real estate agent.

1. Sellers can watch local market dynamics along with their agent.  This ultimately helps the seller become more knowledgeable and helps the agent more easily justify the suggested listing price to the seller.

2. The seller will be notified via email on price changes, sales activity and new listings.

3. Open House notifications can show the seller listings comparable to their own.  They can see information on other homes that buyers may be considering in the same market.

4. Stay in touch with your client:

• When do they login?

• What properties did they view?

• Did they reject any properties?

• What kinds of properties do they ask questions about, or request a showing on?

What is the point of having a VOW if you do not take advantage of all the information at your fingertips?  Take advantage of your CONNECT solution, by following the tips below.

• Build a strong relationship by staying AWARE!

• Be aware of incoming emails by checking at least 2 or 3 times a day.

• The Agent is sent email updates constantly on new leads and updates made to their VOW.

• Make sure you are committed to responding to your buyers and sellers within a reasonable amount of time.

• Stay familiar with the behavior of the potential buyer as they perform their research using your VOW.

VOW Connect is the first VOW software being offered in the Triangle.

VOW has been around for several years.  However, it is just now becoming popular and widely adopted by MLS associations across the nation. VOW also requires the MLS to use RETS (Real Estate Transaction Standard) technology.  The TMLS has just recently upgraded to RETS, paving the way for VOW.

Typical VOW users simply want more information.

Realtors

• Agents and clients can leave private comments and remarks for each other about competitive listings.

• Agents and clients can modify search criteria to include or exclude listings based on preference.

• Agents can view their clients' click through activity.

• Open House Notifications invite sellers to look at competitive listings

Buyers

• Advanced search features allow the user to better filter their searches.

• Users can compare recently sold listings.

• Buyer can get updated listing info emailed directly to them

Sellers

• The sellers can watch local market dynamics along with their agent.

• The seller can be notified via email on price changes, sales activity and new listings.

• Open House notifications can show the seller comparable homes to their listing.

• Sellers can search for information on other competitive homes within their area and be alerted of changes and updates.