Anyone pay for leads provided by Mortgage and Real Estate Agents? I'm in Arkansas and don't see anything on the Insurance Departments website regarding the legality of this. (I'm talking about a $10 to $20 gift card per lead)

Donuts are getting old, real estate offices and mortgage brokers get flooded with them these days. Half the time I don't think they know where they came from. Any other good ideas as to what might work? Something creative.

Anyone heard of Hobbs/Herder? This is a referral-generating system designed to get Realtors and Mortgage Lenders to send referrals your way. Just curious if it works or not.

Porter, I know several captive agents that do really well. I know how you independent guys hate being "restricted" on what you can write, but we have no idea what this young man may be trying to accomplish in the market. I take it you've had a bad experience in the past, does not mean ever...

Allstate agents can sell their book of business to anyone that Allstate approves to be an agent. That includes even those with no prior experience. If you have the capital, you can purchase a book. You do have to go through the interview process, personality profiles ect...

Allstate is the exception. Exclusive agents with Allstate now own their business. The same with Nationwide and I believe there are a few more companies doing the same thing.

I would be interested to know how many of you guys pay your producers renewals. I am about to hire my first producer and am trying to decide how I should pay him/her, any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

The growth in this area is very high. The majority of the homes have yet to be built.

Sanddog1, I would be very interested in seeing your marketing program for new housing developments. Give me a shout.

Thanks for the input guys. I'm excited and looking forward to the opportunity.

[quote="InsAgentSF"]I think direct marketing will be cheaper... What area is that[/quote]
Northwest Arkansas, Home to Wal-Mart.

New homes will be my Niche. The population in the area I will be opening my office has grown 250% since 2000, and shows no sign of slowing down soon. New subdivisions are poping up at an amazing rate. Any suggestions on how I should tackle this market?

I am in the process of opening a new agency. The area I'm starting in is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation. My question is, if there are so many new residents to the area, is it necessary to telemarket since most residents will have recently obtained their current insurance. Any help wo...