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ARE PHONE BOOKS AND POSTCARDS A THING OF THE PAST?

By Vickie Rohrer

Real Estate Agent with Prudential PenFed Realty

March 31, 2011 04:50 AM

I think phonebooks and postcards are a thing of the past Or MAYBE NOT..

Most buyers and sellers start their search on the Internet (it is a wealth of information). I do believe that we still have to do some older ways of marketing as well.

I just did a listing for an old classmate of mine (I'm talking out of school for more than 25 years)but, I stay in contact with him on Facebook. This was for his parents, whom are up there in years. They live in one state and the property was in another state. Anyway, I went out ot he property took pictures, got the listing ready and called them to see if I could email them the lisitng agreement for their singatures.

Could you what??? What's email?Hummmm Fax? No..Overnight mail? Yes

These wonderful people needed help in selling their home but, didn't know where to find an agent. They looked in the phone book but of course they were all local agents. (This would have been a great time for a referral). These people had also received a postcard in the mail from another local agent. All of these agents told them. that they did not sell in that state.. OK, people this is a no brain-er when someone calls you looking to buy or sell in an area you don't work in. Tell these people you would be than happy to help them. Say; I work with a great agent in that area let me get your information and I will have them give you a call right away..Done, easy money in your pocket.

I guess my point is, there is another market out there I think we forget about sometimes. Not everybody has a computer or email. Can you believe some people don't have cell phones! We don't all live in the same world.

So, next time your are putting together a marketing campaign for yourself don't forget about our older clients out there. They need our help too..

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Joanna Szwyd

StoneHouse Properties - Great Barrington, MA

You are absolutely right, Vickie. We cannot assume that everybody has computer or cell phone. Sometime we need to think "old school":)

Mar 31, 2011 04:55 AM

Carla Dimond

CATARRA - Mountain View, CA

(Silicon Valley)

Vicki, some good points, but to be honest if someone does not use technology I am not the right agent for them.

Mar 31, 2011 04:56 AM

John Souerbry

Cordon Real Estate - Fairfield, CA

Homes, Land & Investments

Half my clients don't use email (including several under 50) and I still get a 2% lead return from direct mail. Success in "old school" marketing techniques is still possible if concentrated on a specific market or demographic.

However, as the wise guys in business school say... the surest way to go out of business is to get a growing share of a shrinking market.

Vickie Rohrer

Prudential PenFed Realty - Salisbury, MD

YOUR REAL ESTATE CONNECTION ON THE EASTERN SHORE, MD

Don't get me wrong, I blog everyday, Facebook, twitter and you tube etc. But, until last week I think I had forgotten to include an area of marketing that still needs to be addressed. I really am enjoying working with these people. They are looking to me for everything. Sometimes, it seems that the educated consumer can be very difficult. I'm sure you all know what I mean..These people are starting to sell all of their investment properties. They are older and don't want the headach anymore. Thanks for your comments.

Mar 31, 2011 05:11 AM

Michael Dagner

Brokers Guild Classic - Denver, CO

Your Denver Homes Realty Expert

Hi Vickie,

I think that its actually a very smart time to use postcards and mailers. You almost have a captive audience with most realtors online these days. If you make the right impression, chances are you'll get the appointment because you have no competition. Not sure convinced about the phone books though, but perhaps for elder clientele their still useful. Great post!

Mar 31, 2011 04:45 PM

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Vickie Rohrer

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