My husband/partner and I were with a RE/MAX for years and they had maps (we had to buy) made specifically for our franchise, with the locations of the four offices marked on the map.  They were updated every few years, I think, and were the best street maps I've ever come across for our market.  They had everything--subdivisions, even paper streets, etc.  

I loved them--but not because of the RE/MAX stuff--mainly because of the material they were printed on. 

They were on a thin, soft flexible paper that was light to mail, was very easy to fold and maneuver, and didn't crack so badly in the creases like the Chamber of Commerce maps most of the local Realtors advertise in. 

In almost two years of searching different map companies like ADP, etc., we have yet to find a company that has such a thin-papered map available, which bums me out!  

The Chamber maps are thick, heavy and glossy and while some people view this as a connotation of quality, they're really a pain in the neck to deal with.  And very heavy, thus pricey to mail out.

A couple of times, our Chamber gave us boxes of old maps for free.  I have no qualms using a two or three year old map.  But I don't really like giving out any publications filled with other Realtors' ads (other than the default HomeTour or Homes and Land magazines) so I'd like to avoid the Chamber maps altogether.

Plus, the map company the Chamber uses calls us relentlessly to ask if we want to advertise in it, which we don't because (sorry if this sounds grumpy...) then we have to pay to buy the maps!  

I buy maps in bulk and put my info on them - they do seem to bring me some business

I take the chamber map and add it into my welcome kit. There are other agents who advertise on the map, but I don't go ON the map. I staple my card prominently to the front of the map.

Never thought about giving maps away. Great idea...

Thanks for a great tip. It is a good idea to just buy maps and place your sticker on them.

I have a folder I put together for new comers to the area. Inside is a local magazine, a map, a chamber of commerce guide to local businesses, and info on how to buy a home in our area (tax info, schools, etc). The map is crucial to newcomers. The ad inside is too expensive, in my opinion, so I don't do that. 

I hand out maps at my open houses, but have never added my business card.  It seems so simple, but it's never crossed my mind.  People are really grateful to receive a map when they're going from home to home.  Thanks for the tip. 

Shannon: I have maps for clients. never thought about the other give away locations. Great idea

That thought did not occur to me, but I think that is a good gift. The chamber map mentioned above would be perfect. I create a form that I call the Neighborhood Letter to give my clients after the inspection. I list the schools, post office, park , library locations and non-emergency phone numbers for police and fire department.

I too have never thought about maps,how big an area do your maps cover.

Hi Shannon.-I do hand out area maps with my contact info on it, but usually for people that come in my office, thanks you gave me some great ideas, Great post.

I put maps in all of my Buyer and Relocation packets. I put these togetehr by gathering information from the local Chambers and Visitor Centers - I do 10 in advance so I can just pull one out any time.