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Hire me. I'm Fido Friendly!

By
Real Estate Agent with Randy J. Chapman FL Lic. Real Estate Broker

"The good, the bad and the ugly." My business is going to the dogs. And, that's dog-gone great. My basset is an important part of my marketing strategy for finding buyers. And, it works for finding sellers also.

If I have to race off to a listing and get fido, then I do it. In this market you don't want to lose a showing because the pet is home and the sellers are working. During my listing presentations, I let the sellers know that.

But, I don't think that is enough. In fact I know it's not enough. I think it is time to step up with some listing marketing emphasizing that I am the "Pet Friendly" realtor of choice. I'M OPEN FOR IDEAS.

I have a strong internet presence and because of that I am one of the leaders in my office in closings from the selling side. I'm no where near the top on the listing side. I know part of this is because I have lived in the community less than two years. But that's an excuse and excuses aren't going to get me where I am going.

My publishing background has made me a strong believer in branding. It's also one of the reasons I chose ReMax. I'm determined on a local basis to make Dewey, my basset, as well know as that balloon.

Just about everything I have is branded with my 65 pounds of basset love. Don't tell me he's overweight because the vet says he's not. He's broad but long and has a 4-paw grip that will match anything Chevy or Ford ever made. Not only is he powerful but he's fast. He once outran a Golden Retriever. Either that or she gave up. :)

I have had people stop me and say, "You’re the realtor. We recognize your dog."

However, three Sundays ago was the most unusual request. I had a couple from out of the country that were looking at rental income property.  The husband insisted on seeing Dewey. When we arrived at the house, Dewey ran by the man's wife and straight into this gentleman's arms. Incredible!

A lot of my internet customers have told me they chose my website because of Dewey. He's also on magnetic signs on the side of my SUV. At lights I see people pointing and taking notice. Some honk and wave!

And, when I hand people my business card, I always tell them that I am the taller one in the picture. It's a great ice breaker. 


 

 

Comments (13)

Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate
Wonderful post, Randy. I love the branding of Remax too. Welcome to activerain, I notice it is your 4th post. I would love to hear how you started over in a different community and are leading your office in sales. That's great, phoenominal. See you in Vegas in 2008!!
Aug 05, 2007 12:01 AM
Earlene Myers
Fleming Island, FL
Your Client Connection
Randy, fun post; looks like Dewey is your right hand man...err.. I mean right hand dog!  Kids and pets are always effective marketing tools;people can't resist. I hope Dewey gets paid well for his services. . .LOL
Aug 05, 2007 12:03 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital
Fun post, Randy!  I am considering exploiting my hyper-active Labradoodle into my marketing thing, but I have to break him of the leg humping thing!
Aug 05, 2007 12:22 AM
Brad Snyder
Sierra Vista Realty - Sierra Vista, AZ
fun and great marketing strategy. Anything you can do to separate yourself from the pack is a great idea. I hope it works good for you.
Aug 05, 2007 01:24 AM
Jeannie Kontis
Lancaster, PA
I've been wondering how I can incorporate my two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels into my branding.  I'm afraid I'd be considered as "that crazy dog lady" -- which I am sure some people already do! (and by *people* I mean my family!).  
Aug 05, 2007 02:39 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
There are a couple of agents in my area that use their dogs as "toppers" on their signs,  One is a lab and the other a bassett hound.  I'd say use it as a differentator!  I'm wondering if my cat would draw any attention? 
Aug 05, 2007 10:33 AM
Randy Chapman
Randy J. Chapman FL Lic. Real Estate Broker - Hutchinson Island, FL
On my business card, website & letterhead (including email) I use the picture of Dewey and I. On my magnetic car signs and sign riders I just have Dewey. When I'm with Dewey and a woman says, "He's so cute." I say thank you but I'm married. Dewey gets a little jealous when I get all the attention.
Aug 05, 2007 08:18 PM
Molly of The Pet Realty Network
Pet Realty Network - Naples, FL
Randy - Woofs!  And a very special welcome to our Pet Friendly Real Estate Group.  I look forward to you sharing your experiences as a Pet Friendly Agent.  I would love to see some of your marketing materials.  
Aug 06, 2007 05:30 AM
Danielle V. Lewis
DDR Realty - Newburgh, NY
DDR Realty
I hope you and your beloved pet have many good business deals together. =).
Aug 07, 2007 12:36 AM
Patsy Ittner, Your Premier Broker Selling St. Augustine Real Estate
Little Fox Realty - Saint Augustine, FL

Who doesn't love dogs?  Even cat people like them.  You're smart.  Patsy

Aug 07, 2007 12:51 AM
Patti Ann Kasper
EXIT REALTY NEXUS - Blaine, MN
Blaine & North Metro Minneapolis St Paul Real Esta

We have lots in common.  My Basset Hound is an integral part of my marketing as well.  There are several Pet Friendly networks here on AR.  Just search for "Pet" in the "Groups" section.  You'll find at least two or three.

My Basset is also 65 pounds.  He's a little taller than most and his ears are just long enough to go past his nose - and he has a huge knowledge bump on the back of his skull.  My vet says he is just right for his build.

I used to take him out hunting with the American Hunting Basset Association.  Check them out if you like - they don't hurt the rabbits - just let the dogs hunt them up and use their noses.

Aug 21, 2007 08:15 PM
Jessica Horton Jessica Horton Realty
Jessica Horton - Jessica Horton & Associates - Griffin, GA
Jessica Horton: I'm not #1... You Are!
People have a fit over my Neo (Brutus).  He is such a gentle giant and people just love all over him.  If I could, I would take him to the office with me every day.  You talk about having people stop, look and come over to talk...Brutus is a PR magnet!
Aug 21, 2007 10:29 PM
Find a Notary Public needAnotary
QEC Internet Services - Long Beach, CA

Interesting concepts in your blog.  If you follow a well thought-out strategy and you will find yourself on the 3:00 news at 22 past the hour.

All news networks like a animal story to lighten things up at 22 past the hour after having depressed you with 20 minurws of bad news.  so they come back from a commercial at 22 past the hour with a animal story. 

You have an extra advantage.  A realtor and a dog will work in today's market as a great human interest story.  Pitch it to your local news channel editor any your dog will bcome a TV star overnight and icon for your real estate business.

Jun 09, 2008 11:13 AM