Donna Saylor & Carolyn Mitchell The Power of TWO!'s Blog

Where do buyers come from?

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:43:37 -0800

Does anyone know the current percentages of where buyers come from? Internet %, Yard sign %, RE agent %, etc?

Thoughts About Phoenixville, PA

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:30:18 -0700

Is Phoenixville a nice place to live? Is the commute on 422 really bad? Will prices decline further? -- David

Phoenixville is really living up to its name. This once burnt out, dying town has, in a relatively short period of time, risen from its ashes transformed into a vibrant, diverse community. It offers everything from the big box stores in the strip centers to the boutique shops and restaurants along Bridge St.. Community and neighborhood parks dot the town and various events happen throughout the year. With the river and canal running along the town and Valley Forge Park nearby, there really is something for everyone. Phoenixville is definitely a great place to live.

As for the commute, it will depend upon which part of Phoenixville you live in whether you will use 422 to get to work. If you locate closer to Collegeville or Oaks the best bet will be to take the highway. If you are more east of town you may choose to follow Rt.23 through Valley Forge. No matter which way you go, if you're traveling during rush hour you should expect rush hour traffic. But that's anywhere.

Althoughwe don't have a crystal ball to tell us what will happen in this market we can look at the factors that will affect prices. Phoenixville did not experience an overly dramatic upswing in prices over the last few years. It sits in a prime location adjacent or close to major employment areas at a time when gas costs almost $3/ gallon. Couple that with the towns renaissance and you have a formula for greater price stability, even in todays market. As a matter of fact, the average sold price for houses between $100,000 and $350,000 actually rose $8,000 from Sept. to Oct.. It's taking about a month longer to sell them but this is definitely not one of the doom and gloom areas you hear about in the media.

Something Old, Something New- Real Estate Marketing & Technology

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 23:24:48 -0700

Someone recently asked us about the way we market ourselves in this tech savvy new world. Specifically, do we still use the old methods of lead generation or have they gone by the wayside completely?

We have dramatically changed our marketing efforts recently to take advantage of much the web has to offer. Many of our sphere are much more comfortable with communication through email, as it is less invasive and completely on their time schedule. We email new listings, solds and now links to virtual tours instead of traditional snail mail. Costs have gone down considerably and, especially in the case of our virtual tours, the emails can easily be forwarded to interested parties.

That being said, our traditional methods are not discarded completely. We still use postcards in the neighborhood of a new listing, the occasional open house and magnets with the Eagles Football schedule on it. We get BIG thank you's for the magnets and they tend to stay on the fridge until next years schedule takes its place. Important, because even with a great online presence those magnets will often be the first thing someone can find when they need us. Then they can choose how to reach us, phone or web address.

Lately, our floor time is punctuated less with calls and more with email enquiries. We are happy about that because it gives us the opportunity to formulate an answer thoughtfully before hitting the send button. We do make every effort to follow up with a phone call soon after. There really is nothing better than verbal contact to cement a relationship.

So we still do find success with traditional marketing. Now though, all of our traditional marketing reinforces the online marketing we do. The main focus is as it always has been, to put our brand in front of people so that we can help as many as possible reach their real estate goals.

What are your thoughts on personal promotion? What have you found works well? Works best? How often do you stop and analyze your marketing?

Time for a Fresh Look

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:10:17 -0700

It's Spring! At least according to the calendar it is. Here in the suburbs of Philadelphia we are still waiting for proof in the form of good weather. It just seems backwards that we should have a sunny, 70 degree day for the Mummers Parade in January and a snowy, 35 degree day for Easter in April. Oh well. Eventually we will be able to come out of hibernation and when we do it will be a great opportunity to get a fresh perspective on our homes curb appeal (or lack thereof).

It's difficult to look at our home in the same way that others do, because having lived in it we have become accustomed to the looks and how things function. It is difficult to see its faults. But a home gives other people an impression of the occupants within. That's why it is important to take a little time to thoroughly analyze what your home is saying about you.

A Very EASY First Step

The next time you come home, stop across the street or far enough down the driveway to get a good view of the house and its surroundings.

What is your first impression of the home and yard area?
What are the best exterior features of the home? How can you enhance them?
What are the worst exterior features of the home? How can you minimize or improve them?

Next, move in closer. Park where a guest would park and walk toward the entrance. Is it inviting, clean, neat and approachable? Take some photos from different angles and analyze them first in color, then, if possible, in black and white. Without the distractions of our other senses, it is easier to see any problems that are lurking.

The Almost as EASY Second Step

Make a list of the areas that could benefit from attention. Prioritize the list, focusing on clean up and repair chores first.

Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
Stow away unnecessary garden implements and tools.
Clean windows and gutters.
Pressure wash dirty siding and dingy decks.
Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.
Mow the lawn. Get rid of weeds.
Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.
Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home's roof.

Then put on the list some projects that make the grounds more attractive.

Add or enhance a deck or patio.
Create a water feature.
Redesign a garden area.

The Not as EASY but Well-Worth the Effort Third Step

The analysis is done. The list is made. Now all that remains is to get out there and do it! The critical thing to remember in this step is not to put off the projects until there is a full days time to do them. THEY WILL NEVER GET DONE! Most of the items on the list can be worked on a little at a time and by planning accordingly you will not become overwhelmed. Then you can enjoy the Spring weather having fun!