Featured Client of the Month

August 2008:

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Deb Jones, ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO
Realtor with Merit Co., Inc.

Direct Line: 1-800-822-0617

 E-Mail Address: Deb@DebJones.com
URL Website: www.DebJones.com

Advanced Access: How did you get started in the Real Estate Industry?

Deb Jones: I had been a computer security consultant, always on the road. I didn’t know my neighbors and barely knew my husband of 20 years! I decided to try to find a new career where I could sleep in my own bed every night. Real Estate was it!

AA: Do you have a specialty or favorite niche market group?

Deb Jones: Since we have a lot of military installations in the area and because I’m a retired Army Warrant Officer, I like to work with people affiliated with the military. I also like working with first time home buyers. The “high” you get from getting someone into their first home is just unbeatable!

AA: At what point did you realize your need for a website? Describe your journey to Advanced Access and why you chose us as your provider.

Deb Jones: I realized pretty much at the start of my real estate career that having a website was the way to go. I knew nobody, had no sales experience, I “live” on the Internet myself so I figured the best way to get clients was to be on the web. My first choice for a provider was the same company my real estate office was using. It did NOTHING for me. Then I found Advanced Access through a Roger Butcher presentation and received more visitors the first month with Advanced Access than I had received the whole previous year with the other provider. I now have TWO websites with Advanced Access and converted my office and many of my office-mates to Advanced Access.

AA: How has your real estate website impacted your business? (include statistics, financials, etc - anything noteworthy)

Deb Jones: Well I just wouldn’t have a business without my website. Last weekend (July 4th weekend) I took 4 listings from people who found my website. This week I closed on a house from someone who found me on my website. Last month I had nearly a million dollars in sales – all from visitors to my website. I get many referrals from other agents across the country who do a web search for their clients of are moving/transferring and I come up. I LOVE IT!

AA: What other resources through Advanced Access and life in general have contributed to your success?

Deb Jones: My website is constantly being improved by my virtual assistant – Pam Cendejas and her team at Second Self Office Assistance. They continually research the best techniques and tools and help me place high on all the search engines. Last month they talked me into writing a blog and I am AMAZED at the response. As far as life in general – maintaining a positive outlook is absolutely key. I’ve been truly lucky, I’ve had GREAT clients!

AA: Can you share with us some information about a recent transaction that began as a result of your website.

Deb Jones: Last month I had my biggest transaction yet – a closing on a house that sold for over a half a million dollars. The average home price in my area is less than half that. The buyers found me via my website over two years ago. We stayed in touch (thank you Intellicards!) and when they finally sold their house in their down market in California they bought a house with me. The commission from that more than paid for my websites for my lifetime!

AA: What are some of your goals for your website and your online presence?

Deb Jones: I want to OWN my market area! Tell us a little about your family, your history, and what you like to do in your spare time. I was born and raised in Connecticut. I joined the Army and saw the world and finally settled down in beautiful Colorado with my husband and our two cats. I’m continually trying to get plants to grow on my one acre lot. I love to travel and, since Colorado is landlocked, I love traveling to places near the ocean!