Start with the job
For homebuyers, the job is a sound decision with enough margin. For agents, it is a measurable path from contact to conversation to client.
HOW WE REVIEW
Useful over
impressive.
We look past feature counts and ask what a reader must spend, do, and sustain to reach the intended outcome.
Use first-party sources
Government agencies, regulators, program administrators, and official provider materials take priority. Third-party claims are not treated as current pricing.
Separate the models
A data list, shared portal connection, managed ad lead, referral, calling service, and booked appointment have different economics.
Show pricing honestly
We publish official prices when available. “Custom quote” is more accurate than repeating an unverified number as current.
Name the work
Every platform shifts work somewhere: setup, prospecting, speed-to-lead, nurture, content, coaching, or reporting.
Date the review
Every guide and provider profile shows when facts were checked. Readers should verify current terms before making a decision.
THE 100-POINT RUBRIC
Six factors, published weights.
The framework creates a consistent set of questions. It does not make noncomparable vendor outcome claims comparable. When evidence is missing, we label it as unverified instead of estimating a result.
| Factor | Weight | Evidence reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| Lead intent and source | 25 | Trigger, capture method, recency, qualification, handoff |
| Economics and price clarity | 20 | Platform, setup, media, usage, referral, renewal |
| Workflow burden | 15 | Setup, response, prospecting, nurture, reporting |
| Exclusivity and competition | 15 | Sharing, territory, routing, replacement rules |
| Data ownership and exit | 15 | Contacts, recordings, sites, campaigns, exports |
| Evidence and fit | 10 | First-party detail, integrations, support, audience |
How order is determined
The provider directory uses the rubric plus an editorial assessment of who the product fits. The order is not a promise that one company will outperform another in every market. Local inventory, skill, speed, list quality, budget, and follow-up materially change results.
How updates work
High-change facts such as pricing, packages, contract language, and product names are checked against official pages. If an official price is unavailable, the profile says so and gives the exact lines a buyer should request in writing.
How homeowner claims are sourced
Mortgage and assistance coverage favors the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, HUD, the Department of Veterans Affairs, USDA Rural Development, and official program administrators. Local rules still require local confirmation.
THE SIMPLE TEST
Can you explain the economics on one page?
If a quote cannot clearly show total cost, delivered unit, ownership, term, and exit rights, keep asking.
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