Thoughts on Real Estate Marketing…

What is an empty adjective? It’s a word that doesn’t really mean anything – but it can mean different things to different people. For example: nice, large, small, great, pretty, cozy, cute, huge, and spacious. You’ve read hundreds of real estate ads filled with those empty adjectives. If you’re writing them, it’s time to stop. [...]

Guest Post: Brought to us by Erik Braunitzer, a member of the Creative Writing Department at Douglas Elliman. Facebook and Foursquare for Real Estate Agents For real estate agents, keeping in contact with clients is essential and social networking is the way to get this done in a high tech world. In my experience selling [...]

When I started this post it was about how blogging can help a real estate business. But really, blogging can help every small business person. And for those on a marketing budget, it’s not only valuable, it’s darned near free. Look at all it can do: When you offer good information and advice, it keeps [...]

This week I’ve been thinking about “Coming late to the party.” Our county and state election primary is next Tuesday and this week our mailbox has been filled with “Vote for me” ads – but a whole lot of people have already voted absentee, so those ads are simply wasted paper, ink, and postage. It’s [...]

Through these rough years of the economic meltdown, it felt like the buyer pool was shrinking like a puddle in the hot sun. Those folks who were selling weren’t going to be able to buy again for a long time. Well, guess what? A “long time” has now passed. It’s now time to reach out [...]

On Thursday I wrote an Active Rain post talking about how funny it would be if real estate agents used the same tactics that many other marketers use. What if they said: “Scientific discovery reveals the secret to hypnotizing buyers into choosing your home – and paying top dollar!” But then… someone commented with an [...]

What to do with nosy neighbors at your open houses? Welcome them! In fact, invite them and give them special privileges. I just read about an agent who invites 20 of the closest neighbors via hand-delivered invitations. She asks them to come 2 hours before the “official” open house start time, so they’ll feel special.That [...]

Trying to be all things to all people never works – not even in real estate. The more you try, the more scattered you become and the more your work suffers. Instead, decide which customers and which properties interest you most, and concentrate your efforts on serving them well. You might prefer first time buyers, [...]

Most real estate ads are factual and boring. Use input from the sellers to learn the benefits of the home and make your ad copy come alive.

Pay attention to the photos on your listing – and change them frequently if the house doesn’t sell quickly. Old photos can prevent new showings.