REAL-COMP Data and Marketing Solutions

FAQ's

Property Tax Data

Where do you get your data?
Our quality data comes directly from each county's Central Appraisal District, who is responsible for storing property tax data for every property in its jurisdiction. It is then thoroughly tested by our team of programmers and specialists to ensure that you are receiving the most accurate information possible.

What types of data do you provide?
In addition to our property tax data, we offer apartment lists for the entire country, as well as Texas business data. If you don't see what you're looking for, call one of our sales representatives and we will work to find you the exact information you need.

How often is the data updated?
Our property tax data for the major metropolitan areas of Texas (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin) are updated on a bi-monthly basis. Smaller outlying counties are updated on a quarterly or bi-annual basis.

What if I don't see a particular county that I require?
We are continually adding to our already robust database. Simply contact a sales team member and let them know what county you are interested in, and we will work to provide you with that area's information.

What are the benefits of using your on-line databases?
We offer some of the most powerful search capabilities in the industry. You can search by dozens of criteria including, but not limited to, property/owner information, zip codes, cross county, market/improvement values, sold dates, improvement types, subdivisions, entire streets, year built, square footage, and property type to create a truly customized and targeted lead list. The use of "wild cards," denoted by an asterik (*) will allow you to search partial streets and names. Our system puts the power in your hands.

What is included in my on-line subscription?
Your subscription includes 24/7 access to our database, unlimited searches, up to 15,000 downloads and/or mailing labels per month, and superior customer support.

How do I retrieve my lists from your on-line databases?
After performing your targeted searches, you can download them to your personal computer in several forms. Custom downloads allow you to import your specified search results into a *.csv format that opens in easy to use spreadsheets. Or, if you prefer, you can download your results straight into a mailing label format available for immediate printing.

Your program sounds great, but I'm still not sure. Can I try your services for a trial period?
We understand that choosing your data provider is an important decision and one that no one wants to make blindly. Our sales team can set you up with a free demonstration that will enable you to perform unlimited searches on our database for up to one week. This will allow you to become familiar with our program and the results you will achieve.

What are your terms and conditions?
With our services, you will not be locked into long contract agreements. We do require a three month minimum subscription and new accounts are charged a one-time set-up fee of $25. However, after the initial 90 day period, you can end your services at any time, though we're confident you won't want to.

Are phone numbers scrubbed against Do Not Call?
Some of the records in our database do provide customer phone numbers. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of the number or scrub it against the National Do Not Call list. That is why we offer you this bonus feature free of charge.

Where can I find assistance for the on-line service?
In the system there is a HELP button on the right-hand side that should be able to answer most of your questions. Our technical support representatives are also available to help you with any trouble you may experience. Just call (800) 580-8300 M-F 8 am - 5 pm, or email feedback@real-comp.com.

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DL / MVR

What is DL / MVR?
DL / MVR is a comprehensive on-line database that houses the entire state of Texas drivers license and motor vehicle registration information. The data comes straight from the Texas Department of Public Safety and Department of Transportation, and contains over 65 million records.

How often is it updated?
We receive updates every 2 weeks that include over 1 million updated records each time. You can be sure that our information is the most current available.

What can this database be used for?
This on-line subscription service is intended for use as a verification tool and by law cannot be used for marketing purposes.

What specific information is included in the database?
Searches will reveal driver license number, license plate number, licensee address information, vehicle make and model, number of drivers at a particular household, date of birth of driver, registration expiration dates, lien holder and much more.

Who qualifies as a permitted user?
Generally anyone who requires this service as a verification tool. Specific industries who currently use this service include, but are not limited to, insurance underwriters, law enforcement and government agencies, car dealerships, towing companies, private investigators, banks and credit unions, and schools.

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Direct Mail

What is turnkey service and what does it include?
Turnkey service means that we take care of all aspects of direct mail on behalf of the customer so they have more time to focus on growing their business. This service includes designing a mail piece, developing a targeted mailing list, merging the data on the piece to be mailed, printing, postage, delivery to USPS, and providing follow-up files in a timely manner.

What steps do you take to ensure that my mail is delivered?
Undeliverable mail pieces due to bad addresses can be an unnecessary cost to your business. To eliminate this waste, we run all of our data through USPS software to guarantee that your mail will reach your potential customers. Additionally, we can also check addresses against the USPS's national change of address database for a small extra fee.

What kind of confirmation will I receive to know when my mail was delivered?
Every mailing you do will include what is known as a "confirmation letter." This will be delivered to your address so that you can confirm the mailing took place and approximate when your prospects will also be receiving their mail piece.

What is the turnaround time for a direct mail campaign?
The length of the entire process will vary for each individual customer based on the amount of time spent developing a list and mail piece that fits your specific needs. However, once final approval is received, your mail will drop at the post office within 5-7 business days.

Can I use my own lists for mailings?
Yes. Using leads from your book of business can be a great opportunity to solidify past customer loyalty and inform your customer about current promotions and/or changes in your business. After all, no one is more likely to use your services than someone who had a positive past experience. Additionally, we will run your lists through our USPS software to help "clean up" your mailing list and return it to you with any address corrections that were made.

Is there a minimum order for direct mail?
We encourage people to place orders for no less than 250 because that is the minimum for bulk mail rates and will allow us to pass on those savings to you. In certain cases, when mailing postcards, we will be able to accommodate smaller orders by bundling them with other orders to reach a bulk rate quantity.

Will I receive a follow-up file of the individuals or businesses that I mailed to?
Yes. This is included in our turnkey services so that you can know exactly to whom you mailed. It comes in a spreadsheet format for your convenient access.

Will there be live customer support to help me through the process?
Yes. This is one of the many features that sets us apart from our competition. We are a family-owned, family-operated business that understands the importance of one-on-one customer attention. Our sales staff is trained to help you with any questions and/or suggestions you might have.

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Postcard Direct Mail

Why should I use postcards in my marketing program?
Postcards are extremely effective for certain industries. First, they stand out and have an immediate impact by not requiring your potential customer to open an envelope. They are straightforward and deliver your message in a visually appealing way.

How do I choose the postcard that is right for me?
Our design partner has hundreds of templates for you to choose from. If you don't see what you're looking for, an experienced and creative design professional will help you create your custom piece.

What different sizes/color options are available?
The two most popular sizes are the smaller 4" x 6" or larger 5.5" x 8.5". The larger card really stands out in the mail and is the most effective of the two. We can also customize different "jumbo" sizes according to your needs. All of our postcards are double sided, full color, giving them more of a pop.

What type of paper do you use?
All of our postcards are printed on 10 pt., 100 lb. card stock using a state of the art digital laser printer for the best quality results.

Can I design monthly or quarterly mailings?
Yes, and we highly recommend this marketing strategy. The goal of direct mail is to sell a product, but more importantly to help you develop a brand identity in your area. Customers who receive a custom postcard from you several times a year will be more likely to use your services or refer you to their friends.

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Quote Letter/Postcard Direct Mail for Independent Insurance Agents

What is this program?
This is a direct mail program that we have developed to help independent insurance agents market to homeowners whose insurance is about to expire. Using our property tax database, we are able to accurately target these potential clients. You simply provide us with the criteria to perform the searches and the template of the letter to be mailed.

What search criteria can be used to create a targeted prospect list?
This service will allow you to target searches based on county, zip codes, sold date, square footage, exterior wall type (where available), and year built.

Do you offer a replacement cost calculator?
Unfortunately, we are not currently able to offer specific replacement cost calculations. However, by using your generic replacement costs and a well-designed campaign letter, your phone should be ringing in no time.

How far in advance of the expiration date should I send my letters?
Homeowners typically receive their renewal letters 45-60 days before their sold date (also known in the industry as x-date) month. You want to time your mail so that it reaches them during that same period. These mailings are intended to provide individuals with your generic replacement cost estimates which will be competitive enough to get your phone to ring.

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Billing / Accounting

What payment options are available?
Payments may be made by credit card, check, or bank debit (ACH) on a monthly or annual schedule. Speak with your account representative about what option best suits your needs.

Do I have to pay up front for my on-line subscriptions?
Yes. REAL-COMP requires payment for the first month when you sign up for a new on-line account. Set-up fees, when applicable, must also be paid at this time. New subscriptions will be pro-rated if initiated anytime after the first of the month. All other charges will occur on a monthly basis.

I pay monthly by credit card, so why do I still receive monthly statements in the mail?
Credit cards are charged during the second week of the month and invoices are sent on the 20th of every month. If you choose the bank debit (ACH) payment option, you can set a date between the 1st and 20th, for REAL-COMP to draft money from your account. Statements are mailed to all customers with monthly subscriptions, regardless of payment preference. These are solely for your records and do not reflect an outstanding balance.

I don't see a charge from REAL-COMP on my credit card/bank statement. Am I being billed?
Charges to your account will appear on your statements as Realty Computer Solutions.

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