Why Retention Matters
Even after clients start working with you, they’ll often continue browsing homes on popular portals. Without HomeHunter, that activity can create risk: they might engage another agent or follow up with the listing agent directly.
HomeHunter flips that challenge into an opportunity — you can see what they’re doing and proactively add value, instead of losing visibility.
Key Retention Strategies
1. Embrace the Behavior
Don’t discourage clients from using other portals — they will anyway. Instead, position HomeHunter as the tool that makes their browsing more productive and transparent.
- “Feel free to keep searching wherever you like — HomeHunter makes sure I can follow along and support you, no matter the site.”
2. Monitor Activity for Signals
- Ongoing browsing → Signals they’re still actively hunting; keep providing value.
- Favorites on portals → Indicates homes they’re emotionally attached to.
- Shifts in search areas → Opens a conversation about needs changing.
3. Add Value Proactively
- Send Market Reports on neighborhoods they’re browsing.
- Share suggested listings similar to their favorites.
- Offer context they won’t get on portals (e.g., off-market opportunities, upcoming listings).
4. Strengthen the Relationship
- Use browsing updates as a natural excuse to check in:
“I saw you favorited a condo in [area]. Want me to give you the inside scoop on that neighborhood?”
- Keep positioning yourself as the advisor who interprets the data, not just the person who unlocks doors.
Scripts You Can Use
For Clients Still Browsing Zillow/Zoopla/etc.
“I noticed you’ve been checking out listings on [portal]. Want me to send you a more detailed comparison of what’s on and off the market there?”
For Clients Saving Homes Elsewhere
“That’s a great favorite in [neighborhood]. Here’s a market report that shows how it compares to others nearby — it’ll help you decide if it’s a good fit.”
For Clients Expanding Their Search Area
“I saw you started looking in [new area]. That’s smart — inventory has been picking up there. Want me to send you a list of recent sales so you can compare?”
Best Practices
- Normalize portal browsing. Let clients know it’s okay and that you’ll work with them wherever they search.
- Stay one step ahead. Use browsing history to anticipate questions before they ask.
- Keep offering value. Market reports, context, and local insight differentiate you from portals.
- Don’t over-message. Be timely but not overwhelming — focus on high-signal moments (new favorites, area shifts).
Takeaways:
- Clients will browse portals no matter what — HomeHunter makes it a strength, not a threat.
- Favorites and browsing shifts are your cues for outreach.
- Proactive, value-driven communication keeps you at the center of the relationship.