Los Angeles, CA (July 20, 2006) -- Guthy-Renker, one of the world's largest and most respected direct response television companies with sales of more than $1.5 billion per year, announced today a strategic partnership in which Guthy-Renker will invest in RealtyTracker, one of the fastest growing online realty networks in the U.S.
Under the terms of the agreement, Guthy-Renker will deliver value to RealtyTracker by providing the Company with a national media campaign management that will include creative development, execution and distribution of real estate-related content. Guthy-Renker, which is known for its longevity in the industry and for delivering quality products through award-winning shows that feature some of today's biggest stars, will manage all aspects of direct response to position the RealtyTracker brand for long-term success.
“By leveraging an enormous television audience, we hope to establish RealtyTracker as the first web site consumers will visit when looking to buy or sell a home,” states Bill Guthy, founding principal of Guthy-Renker. “RealtyTracker is a fast growing player in the real estate market, and we are pleased with the prospect of helping them achieve a leading role in the marketplace,” adds Karen Barner, Senior Vice President at Guthy -Renker.
“77% of home buyers go to the web before speaking to an agent, and yet only 11% of an agent’s marketing budget is spent online,” states Sean Whiteley, CEO of RealtyTracker. “Branded tchotkies, such as notepads, pens and magnets are marketing tools of the past. If a REALTOR wants to connect with a home buyer or seller, they need to move their marketing dollars to the web.”
RealtyTracker offers a unique lead delivery service which connects residential real estate professionals with consumers who have requested to speak to a real estate agent. The Company stands apart from its competitors by utilizing unique media distribution to deliver validated home buyers and sellers to the Real Estate industry.
Most real estate agents do not have the expertise to effectively market online. With the majority of consumers going to the web before speaking with an agent, it has become increasingly expensive to reach the online consumer. RealtyTracker helps agents save time and money by providing web tools and services that turn successful connections into successful transactions. Through relationship management tools and monthly coaching, RealtyTracker gives agents instant traction in the online marketing arena and provides a guaranteed pipeline of motivated home buyers and sellers, while providing an attractive return on investment.
About Guthy-Renker
Established in 1988, Guthy-Renker is one of the world's largest direct response television companies with annual sales in excess of $1.5 billion. It is known as the leading producer of high-quality infomercials and products designed for direct response television sales, with offices in Palm Desert, CA; Santa Monica, CA; London; Beijing; Tokyo; New Zealand; and Sydney, Australia. Guthy-Renker has a superior track record of customer satisfaction for 18 years.
Originally launched as a television direct marketer by Co-CEOs Bill Guthy and Greg Renker, the independently-owned, vertically-integrated company has since broadened its focus into every area of electronic retailing, making quality products available to U.S. and international consumers through broadcast television, cable and satellite, as well as internet, telemarketing, direct mail and retail channels.
About Realty Tracker
RealtyTracker (www.realtytracker.com) is focused on moving traditional real estate to the Internet. Through its web tools and services, the company assists REALTORS® and real estate customers in achieving successful connections that lead to successful transactions. RealtyTracker generates over 16,000 home buyer and home seller inquiries each month and boasts 5,300 active paying customers. RealtyTracker is a privately held company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
RealtyTracker
Colette Dill Lerner
VP of Online Marketing
colette@realtytracker.com
5055 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90036
tel: 323-936-9900 x136
mobile: 310.963.9284
AIM: cdilllerner
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