By Erik McCormick
As an aviation real estate specialist with over 20 years of experience, I've seen many trends come and go in our industry. But one recent development that's causing quite a stir is the rise of lead diversion websites. Let me explain why these sites are bad news for both buyers and sellers in the aviation real estate market.
What is a Lead Diversion Website?
Lead diversion sites are online platforms that redirect potential buyers away from the actual listing agent to other random agents. It's like asking to speak with the pilot who's flown a particular aircraft, only to be connected to someone who's never even seen the plane.
This practice is harmful for several reasons:
It disconnects buyers from the agent most knowledgeable about the property.
It diminishes the importance of brokerage branding and their unique strengths.
It genericizes real estate brokerages, making it harder for firms to differentiate themselves.
For us in the aviation real estate world, this is particularly problematic. Our properties are unique - we're not just selling houses, we're selling dreams of flight. When a lead diversion site redirects a potential buyer to a random agent, it's like sending a Cessna pilot to fly a Boeing 747. The expertise simply isn't there.
How It Tricks the General Aviation Real Estate Buyer Pool
These sites are essentially tricking the general aviation real estate buyer pool. They're capitalizing on your excitement and urgency to find that perfect aviation property, all while funneling you away from the very people who can help you best.
How to Avoid Lead Diversion Websites
Go direct: Always try to contact the listing agent directly. Look for the brokerage name on the listing and reach out to them.
Use reputable sites: Stick to well-known aviation real estate platforms that prioritize connecting buyers with listing agents.
Ask questions: When you do speak with an agent, ask specific questions about the property. If they can't provide detailed answers, they're probably not the listing agent.
Be wary of immediate responses: If you submit an inquiry and get multiple calls from different agents within minutes, it's likely you've encountered a lead diversion site.
Best Methods for Smart Buyers to Engage Listing Agents
Research the property and agent beforehand.
Prepare specific questions about the property and its aviation features.
Be clear about your needs and expectations.
Respect the agent's time and expertise.
How Lead Diversion Site Owners Benefit
Lead diversion site owners profit by selling your contact information to multiple agents, regardless of whether those agents can actually help you. It's a volume game for them, not a quality service. By keeping you unaware of this practice, these site owners can continue to profit from your genuine interest in finding the perfect aviation property. They're essentially selling your dream to the highest bidder, rather than connecting you with the right expert.
In Conclusion
In our aviation real estate world, we value precision, expertise, and clear communication - just like in flying. When you're looking for that perfect hangar home or private airstrip property, you deserve to speak with someone who knows every inch of the runway and every detail of the property. Don't let lead diversion sites steer you off course. Fly direct to the source, and you'll find your aviation real estate dreams are much closer to becoming reality.
