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Is anyone using Craig's List?

By
Real Estate Agent with Hot Properties

Craig's List is such a great tool for so many people. I have found it to be useful for a number of reason. I love to go and look at what other people are doing in the Real Estate sections, but have not started using it myself. Have you guys used it? If you have...have you been successful?

I've considered a number of ways to utilize Craig's List...Reverse Prospecting, exposing listings, free marketing, etc. You guys have any suggestions. Are you getting any results from it?

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike Davenport 

Michelle Way
AVALAR Pro Realty - Jackson, MS
ABR, GRI, WCR
What is Craigs List
Oct 25, 2007 03:41 PM
A S
Salt Lake City, UT

I use craigslist regularly for open house and listing advertising and have a wonderful response for both.  I have tried reverse prospecting the FSBO listings and have had no luck whatsoever.  In fact I have determined that FSBO advertisers in Craigslist are a different breed and they have recieved so many agent calls that they truly hate us all.  I have also tried advertising in the real estate services section with no luck. 

For the response above, follow this link to craigslist. www.craigslist.com and then find your city or closest city. 

Oct 25, 2007 03:47 PM
Michael Davenport
Hot Properties - Concord, NC
Real Estate Broker, Charlotte

Craig's List is another website that is like an online classified ads. Its free and it has everything. You can sell, buy, trade, employ, search, and advertise just about anything for free. It has gotten pretty big in many cities nation wide. Its www.craigslist.com then just click on your state and city. 

My advise is don't check it out because you will become addicted ;)

Oct 25, 2007 03:51 PM
Cynthia McKenna
Keller Williams Realty Homes & Estates - Hauppauge, NY
Broker/Owner Comprehensive Real Estate Services

I actively use Craigslist.  I use www.postlets.com to produce a professional looking flyer and then post directly from there.  It also publsihes to edgio, and a lot of other places.

I have received quite a few inquiries on my listings from buyers.  I have even had a sale that I can contribute to craigslist.

Craigslist also helps with my homeowners, they feel that it is a valuable tool.

Good luck!

Oct 25, 2007 03:52 PM
Johnny Park
AmREDS - Bakersfield, CA

I have used Craigslist to sell almost everything but real estate. I suppose I should test the waters on Craigslist.

Hint and warning don't type in craiglist there's an S there. Craiglist will get you...into something naughty. I typed it without the S once and luckily I was at my home computer.

Oct 25, 2007 03:53 PM
Monica Pineda
RE/MAX Horizon - Elgin, IL
RE/MAX Horizon - Elgin, IL Real Estate

I just started using Craig's List and have had some success. I use it to advertise my listings and to promote my services. I also use it to advertise my open houses as well as look for new business. I have had some bites and think it's worth posting especially since it's free...and yes it is addicting! ;)

Oct 25, 2007 04:00 PM
Jason Smith
DreamDirt Auction - Mondamin, IA
Just got my first lead and listing from Craigs list using the Real Estate Services section.  Worked pretty slick.
Oct 25, 2007 04:11 PM
Rodney Barnes
Essential Properties Inc - Goodyear, AZ
Real Estate

Michael, I have used craigslist and have not been very successful with repsonses. I am now testing Zillow.com. This is my first week on Zillow, so we'll see what happens. If nothing else, they both show my Sellers that I am working.

Oct 25, 2007 04:22 PM
Erin Stumpf (Attardi)
Coldwell Banker - Sacramento, CA
916-342-1372 / DRE# 01706589 Sacramento, CA
I do use craigslist to advertise my listings...I get a couple calls per week.  I can attribute one buyer client that closed this year from an ad I placed there.
Oct 25, 2007 05:20 PM
Stella Barbour
NoVa Brokers LLC - Vienna, VA
Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland
I use craigslist for some advertising.  I have had some success with it.  I get calls from it at times depending on what I am advertising.
Oct 26, 2007 01:56 AM
Amy Whiffen
RE/MAX Southern Shores - Myrtle Beach, SC
REALTOR - Myrtle Beach Real Estate
I have been using craigslist for awhile now and have not received any calls from anyone but I have recieved a lot of hits on my website because of it. It's great for selling everything else though!
Oct 26, 2007 02:07 AM
Michael Davenport
Hot Properties - Concord, NC
Real Estate Broker, Charlotte
Thanks for the feedback guys. I might try using it, but will not expect much. I think as its popularity grows we will find out more about how to use it to our advantage. Until then I am going to use it advertise some listings and see where that takes me. It sounds like thats where you guys are having a little success. I might put an ad in the services section and just repost it every now and then for kicks.
Oct 26, 2007 05:07 PM
Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA

Michael,

 

I just started using Craigslist about two months ago.  My first closing is Monday.  Woo-hoo!

I had advertised two of my listings.  I always put thaat I am an agent, always put my cell, and always put two photos.  If I try to put more photos on, it boots me out, I can't get it to post.  Didn't know about the flyers, I'm gonna have to check that out. 

But, it didn't matter.  I got a couple of phone calls on them, and one sold.  We are on track to close Monday.  Apparently, I didn't need any of the fancy stuff, just a good ad and a listing that was priced right.  By the way, I posted every couple of days.  There are rules, so read them carefully, then push your luck just a little....

Good luck!

Marlene Scheffer, Realty Station, Bremerton, Kitsap, WA

 

Oct 26, 2007 06:15 PM