Prudential Preferred Realty Introduces New Agent Compatibility Matcher: Online Feature Provides Unique Way for Customers to Find Compatible Agents

PITTSBURGH, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of a busy residential real estate market this spring, Prudential Preferred Realty recently introduced a new feature on its website that will help match prospective home buyers with potentially compatible Prudential agents. The Prudential Preferred Realty Agent Compatibility Matcher provides people with an automated and interesting way to find an agent who matches their unique preferences. 

"Compatibility is an important part of any successful relationship," said Debra Arrisher, director of marketing for Prudential Preferred Realty. "We hope that this online feature helps potential buyers, particularly those who don't already have an agent relationship, find agents who have similar styles, common interests or real estate expertise that matches their needs." 

The Agent Compatibility Matcher works in a similar way to an online dating site.  It uses an algorithm to rank a customer's preferences with the self-authored profiles of the more than 250 agents who are in the matching system. 

People interested in trying the free service can visit www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com and click on "Agent Compatibility Matcher." They will be prompted to complete a brief multiple-choice survey online, where they will provide their interests, real estate needs and tastes.  They then will receive a list of potential "matches" – profiles of Prudential Preferred Realty agents who might be a fit.    

"We know that the vast majority of people start their home searches online, and they continue to rely on the expertise of their agents to guide them in their home buying journey," Arrisher said. "We feel this is a unique, customer-centric approach to helping Internet-savvy buyers solve their challenge of finding the right agent, while also highlighting our company's best asset -- our professional agents."

Brian Cummings, a Prudential Preferred Realty sales associate and associate broker in the Rt. 19 South office, was the first agent to be contacted by a customer through the Agent Compatibility Matcher.  Cummings and his wife Karen Cummings, who also is a Prudential Preferred Realty sales associate, met with the customer and now have listed his home for sale.

"It was nice to know off the bat what common ground you might have with a potential client, and vice versa," Cummings said.  "We're excited about the potential of the Agent Compatibility Matcher and are looking forward to working with our new customer to sell his home for the best price possible." 

Ron Croushore, Prudential Preferred Realty owner and CEO and current President of the West Penn Multi-List, Inc., added: "Home listings, sales and average sale price are on the rise in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  We're pleased to build on Prudential Preferred Realty's already robust website to better serve our customers and support our agents, just in time for what we expect to be a busy spring and summer real estate market in our region."

Prudential Preferred Realty employs 120 employees and more than 600 residential sales associates in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It is part of the national Prudential network, yet is locally owned and operated.  Prudential Preferred Realty's professional agents have been helping Western Pennsylvanians with their real estate challenges for generations.  Visit http://www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com or call 800-860-SOLD to learn more about how Prudential Preferred Realty's agents can help with your real estate challenges.

SOURCE Prudential Preferred Realty