As part of our market research we recently ran across some very interesting survey information released by the NAR. The NAR in its 2006 Technology Survey (PDF Version) found the following:

• Internet ranks third in generating leads, behind referrals and repeat clients
• 56% of REALTORS^® spent >$1,000 on technology
• 30% of REALTORS^® spent >$2,000 on technology
• 16% of REALTORS^® and 28% of brokers spend >$1,000 annually on their websites
• 71% of REALTORS^® had a personal web site, a 129% jump since 2002
• Survey showed a clear connection between technology spending and Internet leads
• 40% of REALTORS^® spending >$5,000 on their website had >60% of their leads coming from the Internet

The NAR 2006 MLS Technology Survey shows the following:

• 73% of REALTORS^® are uncertain who in their firm receives leads from their MLS public website
• 73% of REALTORS^® received no leads from MLS public websites
• 81% of REALTORS^® received no sales from MLS public websites leads
• 63% of respondents said their MLS provided a public website for consumers
• 63% of REALTORS^® felt that a MLS public website competes with their own sites
• 43% of REALTORS^® didn’t view a MLS public website as a benefit
• 35% of REALTORS^® believed MLS public websites reduced the value of the REALTOR^®
• 50% of REALTORS^® felt that most value use of mapping information was a visual display of the property and driving directions
• 71% of MLS respondents said their MLS data was available via wireless devices
• 39% of REALTORS^® said they accessed MLS data from a wireless device
• 35% of REALTORS^® said they accessed wireless data several times a day

Obviously there is a lot more information contained in the surveys but here are some of our key takeaways as they relate to vFlyer and our partners:

• We need to continue educating REALTORS^® on how they can better integrate vFlyer as part of their online strategies in areas such as website integration, lead generation or lead distribution
• The general sentiment shared by REALTORS^® in the survey in regards to the MLS public websites is good new for distribution partners like Trulia, PropSmart, Oodle and Vast and demonstrates ongoing opportunities in our combined efforts to do a better job of generating leads for REALTORS^® that actually end up in their inbox
• Mapping and wireless/mobile features are important to REALTORS^® and at vFlyer, we will continue our investments in those areas
• Internet-based lead generation continues to be one of the most important drivers of REALTORS^® technology investments and that should continue to be the focus of our products and services
• We need to help REALTORS^® understand how they can use vFlyer need to generate more referrals and repeat clients which are the #1 and #2 sources of leads