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Inexpensive tips to increase your business

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with RE/MAX Action Real Estate

While there are many ways to market yourself as a Realtor, here are a few inexpensive methods that you may have overlooked.

When in public, always wear a name tag that says who you are and what firm you work for.  It may sound corny, but I guarantee it will prompt people to ask you about real estate.  The best name tags are magnetic and don't ruin clothing as easily as the ones that use pins. 

I know this will bring jeers, but car magnets are also great conversation pieces.  You might want to get something a little nicer looking than just the generic company Realtor magnet.  If you have an SUV, you might even consider getting your name, company logo, and phone numbers lettered on the back glass.

On the home answering machine, always add that if this is for "John for real estate" please call 555-1212.  That way anyone calling the house will be reminded of what you do.  On your business/cell phones voice mails always identify yourself as a Realtor. 

Always write letters and faxes on your letterhead, even if it's not business related.  And always have your pictures, company logo, and contact numbers on your email.  If you use Outlook you can set up a business card that automatically appears at the bottom of your emails.

Keep business cards with you at all times.  While I'm on the topic of business cards, spend a bit more on your cards and get the laminated type.  If you go to www.sbcards.com you'll find pricing.  The cost is not that much more and it makes a nice impression on potential clients.

Take advantage of all free advertising sources, particularly the space provided by your MLS and company website.  Completely fill out your biography and upload your picture.  If people can't see your face and read a bit about you, they will keep on looking.

Utilize real estate blogs.  They are great for networking with other Realtors and you'll definitely learn something new every day. 

These suggestions won't break the bank and could put additional commission dollars in your pocket.

Joe Zapata
Keller Williams Realty Media World - Burbank, CA
Your Burbank Real Estate Expert
Gary - All good ideas, allthough I am not a fan of the car magnets I know people who do swear by them.  I am not a big fan of the name badges either but I do wear a shirt with a company logo most of the time.  Thanks for the great list.
Oct 13, 2007 02:59 PM
Barry Shapiro
Broker-Associate - Camarillo, CA
We are in the Lead Generation business --So, anything that can potentially generate a prospect is an excellent method to be considered.
Oct 13, 2007 03:03 PM
Brandon Causey
Coastal Palmetto Realty LLC - Loris, SC
Realtor, Coastal Palmetto Realty LLC
The nametags really work.  Make sure that you talk to everyone you can.
Oct 13, 2007 03:12 PM
Karen Monsour
Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

Gary - I could have written this post.  I agree whole heartedly....name badge always works...car magnets I have as well...if only I wouldn't get the porno messages...ugh! but as my friend says...after a while with no response the guys stop doing it....leaving porno msgs...that is...

Thank heavens I had my phone off...one guy called 5 times in one hour...and left 5 sick msgs...other than that most of the time the results are good...now and then...you just get beeped at for directions to I-95 or the Turnpike - that is, here in South Florida  :-)

Karen Monsour, Realtor, Fort Lauderdale, Fl

Oct 13, 2007 03:29 PM
Jason Smith
DreamDirt Auction - Mondamin, IA

Great ideas- I also carry MLS flyers for my listings with me.  When I see bulletin boards I pick a couple listings that fit the folks that may be visiting that place and hang them up.  At the farm supply store I'll hang up acreage flyers.  At the local grocery store I'll hang a mix if in town and country listings.  Its free and a lot of people get to see them.

Oct 13, 2007 03:36 PM
Gary Bland
Century 21 All Islands - Lahaina, HI
Great tips,  I do wear my information tag when I remember to put it on. It works
Oct 13, 2007 04:13 PM
Amy Dawson, Vancouver, WA Realtor
Vancouver, WA
This is some great advice Gary.  I'm thinking about doing the car thing :)
Oct 13, 2007 04:18 PM
Nancy Brenner
Referral Associates of Georgia, Inc. - Roswell, GA
Roswell Georgia Real Estate Agent
Every Friday and Saturday morning, you'll find me driving around town hitting all the local yard sales.
Magnets on my car and name tag on my shirt.  Do I buy much at these yard sales?  Sometimes.  But I give away more business cards and talk more about Real Estate on those days than any other day of the week.
have I received any calls as a result???   YES!!!!!
Oct 13, 2007 08:13 PM
BLR Guy
BLRGUY(Beach & Luxury Realty Inc) - Saint Pete Beach, FL
Excellent ideas....I know both name tags and car magnets have generated business for quite a few agents.
Oct 15, 2007 02:19 AM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains
Car magnets haven't worked for me but I do think they have value.  Name tags are definitely a plus.  I am thinking about advertising my website on my car instead of all the other stuff, I will probably try that and see if that boost my website visits.  I liked Jason's idea about carrying MLS listings with you.
Oct 21, 2007 05:41 AM