I've become a fan of the new blog series "Is WebsiteBox Too Good to Be True?" over the past few weeks. In short Q&A-style posts, the real estate website provider tackles suspicion that their famous $99-for-life hook is, well, just too good to be true.

It's a common doubt. After the company debuted at Inman NY 2013, we fielded multiple calls from agents and brokers asking that very question. What did we know about the company? they wondered. Is there a hidden catch?

As we did then, we thought we'd find out for ourselves. So we turned to Alan Randel, a broker in Orlando, Florida to hear about his experience with WebsiteBox.

One Broker's Story

As the owner of AmeriTeam Realty, Randel manages over 250 agents. His company was one of the earliest adopters of the WebsiteBox platform, using it to create a better looking, more functional version of their existing website.

Randel needed two things from a website provider. That it be 1) robust enough to meet a broker's needs, and 2) affordable enough for individual agents.

"We're a transaction based company," Randel explains. "We charge agents a small flat transaction fee, so we have budget limitations on the tools we can provide for agents in our company website." AmeriTeam recommends WebsiteBox to its agents because of the solution's low cost and high value. "They are an example of a company that under prices and over delivers," he says. "They provide agents with an excellent product."

One of the most valuable tools is WebsiteBox's Lead Capture App. It instantly notifies agents by email when a new lead comes in from the web. "You never have to guess if anything's there." This is important, Randel says, because "the first agent the customer speaks with is who they most often engage."

Randel's favorite features include the built-in CRM, integrated Google Analytics, and a task manager that helps agents structure their day. The CRM tracks visitor search habits so agents can use that information as a touch point to suggest properties a client might like. CRM contact information also flows into a drip marketing module that agents can use to keep in touch with prospects who are not yet ready to buy.

"Web buyers are usually 6-9 months or more out from making a purchase," Randel says. "Most agents don't have the discipline to follow-up for that long because they don't have the proper tools. The WebsiteBox CRM and drip email features resolve that issue."

Great Expectations

WebsiteBox met AmeriTeam's performance and price standards, but what kind of customer service does $99 buy? To find out, we asked Randel about his experience being a WebsiteBox customer.

AmeriTeam needed more than just a turnkey template--they needed their new WebsiteBox site to match their existing site to keep their branding consistent. "They were extremely cooperative with helping us customize the site," Randel says. "Their customer support is exemplary. They respond in a timely manner, always answer the phone, and are helpful and accommodating."

"I'm hard to please," Randel says. "WebsiteBox treats customers like they never have another chance to prove themselves."

About Alan Randel and AmeriTeam Realty

Alan Randel is the broker/owner of AmeriTeam Realty with over 250 Realtors serving the entire Orlando metropolitan area and most of Central and South Florida. AmeriTeam agents serve the needs of the full gamut of customers interested in Florida real estate. Many of the firm's agents are bilingual (Spanish, French, Portugese, Vietnamese, German, Hindi, etc.) and are well equipped to serve both domestic and international buyers and sellers.

In addition, AmeriTeam has access to government incentive programs that provide down payment assistance, as well as new home builders who offer a variety of buyer incentive programs. As one of the largest real estate companies in Orlando, AmeriTeam is able to offer buyers and sellers a full line of competitive service programs. Their sister company, AmeriTeam Property Management, provides investors quality property management services at lower than market pricing.

Next Steps

• See more WebsiteBox testimonials on their website
• Learn more about WebsiteBox in our Company Directory
• Read more real-life User Stories
• Explore your options for Website solutions