IHomefinder, which builds Internet data exchange (IDX) websites for brokers and agents, has integrated a lead generation tool from Down Payment Resource that alerts homebuyers when a property may be available for homebuyer assistance programs, and prompts them to enter their contact information to see if they’re eligible.
Berkeley, Calif.-based iHomefinder Inc. joins WolfNet and Union Street Media among IDX website providers that have integrated the Down Payment Resource tool, the company said.
Down Payment Resource maintains a database of more than 1,000 down payment assistance programs from approximately 1,500 local and state sources across the U.S.
Consumers who search for properties on IDX websites that have enabled the Down Payment Resource tool are alerted when a property they are interested in may qualify for an assistance program. According to Down Payment Resource, about 70 percent of homes on the market are eligible for one or more programs.
Consumers who click on a “Down Payment Assistance” icon displayed next to listings that may qualify for a homeowner assistance program are taken to Down Payment Resource’s website, and invited to fill out a form to help determine whether they will qualify for any programs.
About 5 percent of consumers who click on the icon when it’s displayed on a Realtor or broker’s IDX website will submit their contact information to learn more, Down Payment Resource says. Down Payment Resource sends that consumer’s contact info to the referring website, along with links to down payment assistance programs they may qualify for.
Down Payment Resource, winner of Inman News’ 2011 “Most Innovative New Technology” award, in June opened up its database to the public at downpaymentresource.com.
Last month, Down Payment Resource announced deals with two MLSs representing about 4,300 agents — Southwest MLS Inc. in central New Mexico, and the Multiple Listing Service of Jackson, Miss.
