Well, Kris threw down the gauntlet, so to speak, and invited a sharing of our own ideas and intrepid adventures in home marketing. I know that many have been very open in their sharing of marketing ideas, especially our host, and I thought I would also share some ideas that I use.
First, I can absolutely see the benfits of a professional photographer, and while I is one, I know that there are better people than me, and I probably ought to delegate some of this (a gratuitous nod to Russell). But darn it! I like doing it. I am an endless tinkerer, and nothing thrills me more that playing with photos. Here are a few examples:
So, I’m not totally thrilled with my work, but who ever is? The point is that I’m always trying to get better.
Next, I tried a new flyer idea: a largish tri-fold flyer:
So, I print these off myself on heavy stock on my Phaser printer, and they come out looking pretty good (despite the 380 dollars a month for ink!) I then create my own virtual tours:
One thing that I do with my tours that I haven’t seen many agents do is photograph the entire neightborhood and surrounding city. Depending on what’s around the property, I’ll photograph houses of worship, restaurants, cultural attractions, shopping, mountains, ball parks, zoos, etc. I think this is particularly helpful to out-of-town buyers who may not be that familiar with our local scenery.
Finally, I’ll take the virtual tour and burn it to a miniature, business card cd, with a picture of the home on the front and some contact information. This card, along with one of the flyers for the home, and an additional page extolling the virtues of listing with yours truly, will be sent to the homes in the surrounding area. I’ll leave a stack of these in a presentation holder inside the home for the buyer to take with them. I also give a stack to the owners, so they can give them to family, friends, co-workers, and curch-goers. I also keep a pocket-full of these things with me to hand out at random. I have actually toyed with the idea of giving a small still-image presentation with voice-over narration on the benefits of listing your home with The Realty Butler after the home and neighborhood presentation.
What say you?
Tara Jacobsen says:
Wow! Very classy collateral – and not a bad set of photos either. Thank you for sharing, I am always looking for new tips! Have you ever thought about having your tri folds printed professionally and also how many do you generally distribute during the course of a listing? Thanks! Tara
September 13, 2007 — 3:55 am
Rebecca Levinson says:
I really like the voice over presentation idea that you have: I wonder, how about a video instead on a topic of interest to home sellers? If it were timely to current market conditions, or had tips to improve the Seller’s marketing of their home, I bet it would get watched. You could direct Sellers to this in the bevy of marketing materials you prepare already.
I like your pictures, and I also feel that the virtual tours are an effective marketing tool, and people really do expect them. I wonder how many Seller or buyers would read the brochure. What content do you have in them? Is it area content it would be hard for them to find anywhere else? Your website gives a great look into the local market from a very honest perspective, I bet that content would be read in a brochure format.
Rebecca D. Levinson- http://www.Connect2Agent.com
September 13, 2007 — 4:44 am
Todd says:
Why not just use Google Maps for all that presentation data? Just print the URL on a business sized card and hand that out? Like this:
http://tinyurl.com/2xgnqr
Why use all those closed, proprietary technologies?
September 13, 2007 — 5:43 am
Kris Berg says:
Allen,
I used to do the mini-CD’s also, in the flyer boxes and inside the home. I found that they became redundant. People are more inclined to visit the website and get all of the same info (and more) rather than pop a little CD into their computer. I tried mailing them as well, but heard crickets.
Like the brochure. Do these go in a flyer holder on the yard sign, or just inside the home?
I know it’s hard to let go of the photography, but you will one day be so busy (if you aren’t already) that you will find it is not the best use of your time.
September 13, 2007 — 7:27 am
Kris Berg says:
One more thing – Do you link the virtual tour (can you) in your MLS? I like how yours is branded, but our MLS won’t allow any branding in the linked tour.
September 13, 2007 — 7:31 am
Marlow says:
Todd,
“Why use all those closed, proprietary technologies?”
Because they’re exclusive. They’re more professional. They offer something that isn’t available for free to anyone. It takes more skill, more effort and is more polished and professional. It sets the agent apart and offers an exclusive, more rare and hence more valuable service.
September 13, 2007 — 7:49 am
Frank Borges LL0SA- Trust Me, I'm a Realtor says:
Those don’t look like they were taken with a wide angle lens. Why aren’t you using the V570 from Kodak?
September 13, 2007 — 8:15 am
Todd says:
@Marlow
“…offers an exclusive, more rare and hence more valuable service.”
Sir, do have any research data showing people have made that distinction? What percentage of people who view both the proprietary “package” of printed material, mini CD, etc. and a customized Google map page actually choose the “package”?
September 13, 2007 — 9:23 am
Allen says:
Thanks for the comments guys!
Tara: In spite of the cost of ink and postage, I still think it’s economically feaseable to do it myself. I send out between 35-60 flyers per week, depending on location.
Rebecca: I like the way you think.
Kris: The color flyers are both inside and outside in a weatherproof flyer box. The tours (unbranded, of course) are linked to MLS, along with a map & a floorplan.
Frank: I did use a wide-angle lens. The photos were trimmed and cropped for use here.
Todd: I don’t know what to say ;>)
Allen
September 13, 2007 — 10:21 am
R.Soto says:
Those are great marketing materials, you’re making me look bad with my black and white flyers. lol
September 13, 2007 — 1:54 pm
Richard says:
The home looks beautiful! You’ve also gone above and beyone with you’re marketing pieces. Nice to see when agents actually care about getting a home SOLD!
September 13, 2007 — 1:57 pm
John Kalinowski says:
Allen,
Would you mind sharing where you purchase your flyer boxes, and exactly which one you use? I’ve had a heck of a time finding something decent that doesn’t cost a million bucks. Thanks for sharing!
John
September 13, 2007 — 7:34 pm
Barry cox says:
Allen,
Those pictures look great. I wish I could get mine to turn out that good. I may have to start delegating a little in the future as well.
September 13, 2007 — 7:45 pm
Allen Butler says:
Hey Barry.
I buy both the brochure boxes and my signs here:
http://smsproducts.com/realty-flyer-box.136-15R.aspx
September 13, 2007 — 9:22 pm
Pattie says:
VERY Nice! Beautiful pictures and gorgeous home! I’m inspired now! Thanks for posting the link about brochure boxes and signs.
September 14, 2007 — 12:04 am
Darla Vanderlip says:
Beautiful brochure you’ve done. The photographs you’ve taken look very professional. I’ve done simple flyers but never ventured into a tri-fold, they do look so much nicer than just a sheet of paper! Thanks for sharing.
September 14, 2007 — 3:10 pm
Colorado Home Guy says:
Nicely done! Very Professional. I typically only do a simple brochure. However i can see the benifit of spending the extra money to create a professional brochure.
December 14, 2007 — 12:39 pm