Frequently Asked Questions

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GENERAL QUESTIONS
RATING SYSTEM QUESTIONS
WISH LIST QUESTIONS
PROPERTY TOUR CHECK LIST QUESTIONS

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

 

I see the letters “RAH” used in different areas, what does that stand for?

 

       “RAH” is short for “Rate A Home”

 

Is Rate a Home a real-estate company?

 

No, RAH was created to be the innovative tool for buyers, renters, sellers, real-estate companies, (buyer, leasing and seller agents), brokers and builders to improve and streamline the way real estate transactions have always been done. RAH feels that the world is more technology driven, so why not bring the real-estate process into the technological  21^st century.

 

Does Rate a Home include a lead generator?

 

       When a buyer or renter completes an online “Wish List” and checks “Contact Agents in which State” the subscribers to RAH in that particular state are notified by e-mail that the buyer or renter, is interested in researching agents. The person filling out the wish list has the option of completing it for their own personal use, or forwarding it to the agent or builder they are already working with.

 

I noticed in the “Advantage for Agents” a statement that “Rate a Home could help in distinguishing the “Procuring Cause” in commission disputes”. What does that mean?

 

       Procuring Cause disputes usually arise when for example, Agent #1 begins working with a buyer, and the buyer then involves Agent #2, to write an offer once a property is located.  If Agent #2 doesn’t question as to whether the buyer is already working with an agent (and they write the deal expecting the commission), a “procuring cause” dispute could arise between Agent #1 and Agent #2. “Procuring Cause” disputes need a track record of who, what, when and where you worked with the buyer and most agents are to busy to take time to keep a record. We feel at “RAH” that if Agent #1 has utilized the “Rating System” with the buyer (which places the agents name and company logo at the top of each report), they may be able to use the reports as “procuring cause”. Furthermore, while taking the buyer on property tours, the “RAH” subscription automatically includes the agents name on the walk through “Check Lists”. RAH recommends keeping dated copies for your records. “RAH” also recommends that you consult with legal council for input in regard to the “procuring cause”.

 

You say this “streamlines” the buying or renting process, how so?

 

       Yes it does in many ways. For example:

       Using the online “Wish List” helps the agent or builder understand the buyers or renters needs and wants.

        By utilizing the “Rating System” the buyer, or renter, will be able to make one of the most important decisions in life, through a “due diligence” approach instead of an emotional approach. How many times have you seen a buyer or renter choose a particular home, condo or apartment, because it had a nice kitchen or a great garage, when nothing else in the property really met their needs? By rating the entire home, condo or apartment, (inside and out), not just one area of the property, the “Rating System” helps them make the right choice.

       Completing a “Walk Through Check List” for each residence helps the client recall what each property included. This handy check list can be referred back to, days, weeks or months after the tour, cutting down on repeat visits.

 

Can I subscribe to Rate a Home and use the rating system if I’m not an agent?

 

       Yes, anyone can subscribe to RAH for their personal use.

 

What would you honestly say is Rate A Home’s number one, bottom line advantage over doing it like I’ve always done it in the past?

 

       It saves you a lot of time during the selection process and gives you a competitive advantage over the competition.

 

What kind of a contract do I have to lock myself into in order to get this service?

 

       Actually, that is up to you. You can pay for it by the month or by the year (and experience a considerable savings by doing so).

 

Being a broker, I have a lot of independent agents in my offices and I was wondering how that works? 

 

       Quite frankly, it’s very simple. This program is licensed on a per code user basis, so one, or all of them, can choose to purchase the service.  And, we have quantity discounts with twenty or more licenses purchased. So, the more purchases a company makes with one order, the better the price gets.

 

What if we just buy one license for an office, can we allow a number of people to use it?

 

       You can but the program is coded so that it can be operated by only one person at a time with the entry codes. Also, the program has the feature of placing the individual realtor’s name on all the material mastheads, thereby giving them extra exposure and credibility. Plus, you’ll find there will be a waiting line trying to get online once everyone discovers how great the program is.

       Also, if there is a “seller’s agent” and a “buyers agent” located in the same office, this could cause an unfair advantage. If both agents used one license, the seller’s agent would be able to access the buyer’s agent ratings on a property she may have listed, and expecting an offer from the buyer’s client.

 

Who else is doing something like this?

 

       No one really. Bringing a technology based program into the real-estate equation of buying hasn’t been done. Rate A Home’s, cutting edge innovation helps bring the real-estate industry up to date by providing their clients with the tools to help them make the right choice.

 

We are owned by a larger corporation, but have individual branches and offices.  Can you still work with us?

 

       It’s been said that eventually there will be less than ten major banks in the country. It has already happened in other industries as well, and with all the mergers and buyouts occurring in the real estate industry, who’s to say it will not eventually happen to some degree in the real estate business. The point is big or small; Rate A Home has a program for everyone. And, if down the road a smaller company gets bought up by a larger one or a merger takes place, the licenses are transferable.

 

 

RATING SYSTEM QUESTIONS:

 

I am not a computer wizard so how difficult is it to learn and use this program proficiently?

 

       RAH has been streamlined and tested to be very user friendly, no matter what a person’s computer knowledge or experience is.

 

When I send my client a password to view the ratings of the properties they toured, can the client see all the information in my account?

 

       No, the client can only access the “Rating Report” on the properties for which you entered ratings.

 

Will the client be able to access the “Notes” I am keeping in their file?

 

       No, other than the “Rating Report” the client has no access to the files.

 

Should I give my password to the clients I am working with, or to other agents in my office, so they can enter their own ratings?

 

       RAH recommends that you do not give out your password. This is your private account, which includes records, and information on other clients, and should remain confidential, accessed only by you.

 

As an agent, what is the advantage of having my clients use the “Rating System”?

 

       SERVICE! That’s why buyers or renters hire agents. The RAH “Rating System” is the innovative service that’s been missing in real-estate transactions. Not only is it a great marketing tool for agents, as a service to the buyer or renter, it functions as a method of helping the client choose the right property.

 

What value to me (as an agent) does the “Sellers Property Rating System” have?

 

       The seller can provide you with a list of what their home includes. In addition, the “property self rating” system allows the seller to look at their residence through the buyer’s eyes. This is a free use area.

 

 

WISH LIST QUESTIONS:

 

I am a builder and would like to have my customers fill out wish lists for the home they want me to build for them. How am I guaranteed that your subscribers won’t receive my customer’s wish list?

 

       The “Wish List” program is set up for a customer to fill out the information, and send it only to the builder (or agent) of their choice. To do this, simply instruct your customer to enter your e-mail address in the “Also Forward To” box located at the bottom of the wish list. You will receive a copy of the wish list along with the customer identification. They do not check the “Locate Agents in which State” box for this direct e-mailing.

 

How do I have my wish list sent only to me?

 

       When the program asks for the information, you are requested to fill in your e-mail address. By not checking the “Contact Agents in which State” and/or inserting an e-mail address into the “Also Forward To” box, the wish list would be sent to you only.

 

Are my wish lists saved in the system?

 

       No, if you want to change the wish list you would have to re-enter your wishes, or change it on the e-mailed copy you receive.

 

How does a wish list help me, with agents?

 

       The wish list you provide takes the guess work out of the equation for an agent or builder. Plus, it will save you valuable time at the initial meeting with the agent or builder. The first meeting is generally the “Fact Finding” meeting as to what you are looking for. The wish list will provide this information ahead of time.

 

I am a builder and have used the wish list with my clients. The wish lists have been very helpful, but there are some items it doesn’t cover, are you open to suggestions?

 

       Absolutely! Any time we can improve our service to you, and help make you and your business more successful we would be happy to do so.

       You can send comments or requests to inquiry@rateahome.com

 

 

PROPERTY TOUR CHECK LIST QUESTIONS:

 

Can I use the tour check list without being a member?

 

       No, you must be a subscriber to RAH to use the “Tour Check List”. If you are working with an agent, ask if they subscribe to RAH. If they do, they could provide you with the check lists.

 

How would I do the rating system, along with a check list, on my tours?

 

       What we have heard works the best, is to have the agent fill out the “Property Tour Check List” while you are rating the property.

 

What good does the check list do for me?

 

       The “Property Tour Check List” will help you recall what a property included after touring numerous properties. This will save repeat visits to the same property in order to refresh your memory, thus saving time and gas.