When selecting neighborhoods to prospect, a great tool is Google Maps, with the satellite view enabled. You can actually see the GM infestation on roofs. Plus, you get the added benefit of maybe seeing a coupe of pockets of neighborhoods you never realized were there.
I've attached a screen capture of Google Maps to illustrate my point.
Additionally, it has become even more valuable in giving estimates without having to physically visit the property, using the "street view" function. Does it work 100% of the time...no, but it sure helps out time-wise. If its a price shopper who I get the feeling that I can't close I simply use this tool rather than setting up a face to face meeting.
This comes in extremely handy for times you mentioned, Ray. A lot of times, I won't even give a F2F estimate anymore, but that can definitely hurt your upselling! Google Earth makes it painfully easy to view a house or roof and take measurements. However, shots are not always available in newer neighborhoods and you do have to crosscheck with bing and/or zillow.com to make sure you are looking at the right house.
-- Edited by Phil Rogers on Thursday 3rd of February 2011 12:39:13 PM
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I gave out 2 estimates this week using google maps. One customer had given me a wrong address and it took some time to realize I was searching for an insufficient address. I believe he was just checking around for prices.
I always gogle map everything before going out.It's good for just getting a general idea of what you will be up against but most of these views are not current.