Special offer

Does walking payoff for marketing?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Hamm Homes

I have  my version of doing mailers vs another company.  The last 3 weeks, I spend 2 hours a day walking and doing door hangers that have some information in it.  A company that mails coupons to neighborhoods got me thinking about the old days first getting in the business.  I would walk flyers in neighborhoods and hope for the phone to ring.  Well this past summer I came up with something to complete with the mailing company.  Here it is :

 It includes:

On the front, Will Hamm Broncos schedule purchase thru Captain Notepad.

Navy Federal Credit Union piece on 10 terrific tips for Mortgage Applications plus $2500 of closing costs by Deb Gustafson

Complete Home Care Specialists by my house cleaner Carolyn Bucker

CDC Financial Group, My lender that does a great job also

How Much is your Home Worth act now call Will Hamm

Carpet Connection flyer from Shelly Thoman (Every home she has re carpet for me 4 homes that sells in days and her prices are great.

and on the back side facing out a Note pad from Will Hamm purchase thru Captain Notepad.

I hope these all stay around for at least thru football season.  I also farm this area with mailers every quarter so the people know me.

Any suggestions?

 

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Barbara is right, everything does work. But it has to be consistantly used. Good luck and let us know. 

Sep 12, 2014 01:03 AM
Tom Ralston
United Real Estate Philadelphia - Downingtown, PA
ABR, e-PRO

Great ideas...I have been using a similar fridge magnet. I used to use local pro sports schedules, but then I got to thinking that after the season is over they probably throw the schedules away. Lately I've been sending out magnets with things like kitchen recipe measurement conversions (like cups to ounces, etc). I figured something like that they will keep on their fridge forever, if they do end up hanging it up. 

  In addition to the great exercise, you may run into people working in their yard, so you have the opportunity to start a conversation with them. You just have to be sure to keep trying to cover the same neighborhood at least 2 or 3 times per year so your name and picture start to become familiar with the homeowners. 

Sep 12, 2014 01:29 AM
Rob Arnold
Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. - Altamonte Springs, FL
Metro Orlando Full Service - Investor Friendly & F

It never hurts to get a few restaurant coupons on there as well.  Most people love to eat out so will hold on tight to the ad. 

Sep 12, 2014 02:31 AM
Tina D Saporito, Your Dedicated Palm Desert, CA Realtor Since 2005
Ronald Christopher & Associates. Proudly serving Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Rancho Mirage, & Palm Springs. - Palm Desert, CA
Call (760)799-8460. www.JustListedinPalmDesert.com

I did an experiment a couple of years with mailers. I did one larger mailer that was very broad based & costly (postage) - I received no return on it, not one phone call. Then I did another mailer that was very small (maybe about 30) and concentrated and received a call from one of those homeowners who was so impressed with the time I took for the specific, detailed information that pertained to him. I think the more personable you can get, the better your chances.

Sep 12, 2014 03:09 AM
Thom Abbott
MyMidtownMojo.com |770.713.1505 | Intown Atlanta GA Condo Living - Atlanta, GA
Midtown Atlanta GA Condos For Sale

I sell 90% condominiums, so there is no "door-to-door" marketing available. 

And in most of our suburban subdivisions, walking door to door would most likely result in a visit from the local sheriff or police...probably before you got to the end of the neighborhood. Most are all marked with "No Soliciting" signs at the entrance. Some even say "No Trespassing" in that you just walking the neighborhood could be deemed just that and arrested for that. 

Lucky you that you still have this opportunity.

 

Sep 12, 2014 03:31 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

That's a great idea to build a packet of ideas/benefits in the piece. Not just you but other things that are great offers in & of themselves.

Sep 12, 2014 03:58 AM
Kathy Opatka
RE/MAX CROSSROADS - Ocean City, MD
Serving Ocean City, MD, & The Delaware Beaches

Will,

I think you have the perfect "drip" campaign!  Each little "drip" reminds your farming area that Will is their go-to REALTOR!

Kathy Opatka

Sep 12, 2014 04:35 AM
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

Excellent marketing tips, yet most agents wouldn't walk a neighborhood for 20 minutes let alone 2 hours but I have and it's good for health and wealth. 

Sep 12, 2014 05:35 AM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Love your ideas Will ... not only are you making contact, you are in a position to meet some of those sellers (buyers) face-to-face, and to incorporate that into an exercise regime ... BONUS!!!

Sep 12, 2014 05:45 AM
Anonymous
Philip Gregory Schoewe

Yes.

Wearing out shoe-leather has ALWAYS worked.

Keep it up....and tell us how it goes when you have the whole "SOLE" of the neighborhood in the PALM of your smart phone!

Philip Gregory Schoewe ~ Lubbock, Texas...BEST YEAR...194 closing...same year 161 listings of which 160 closed during the listing period.

Sep 12, 2014 06:51 AM
#31
Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

I think it does work.  Captain Notepad...used to buy many a notepad from them back in the day...maybe that day has arrived again!! Thanks for the great blog and a reminder that what worked then will still work now!!

Sep 12, 2014 07:06 AM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Will, what great ideas!  People always love receiving things of value.  You  covered many bases.  I love the $2500 in closing costs.  May your pipeline fill in record time!

Sep 12, 2014 04:50 PM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

Maybe throw a pen or two in the mix.  These tend to be used kept, "stolen" by others, etc.  :)  I hope you have a lot of success in your "farming" you've encouraged me to rethink that process too!  Thanks Will.

Sep 12, 2014 11:06 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info
There's something to be said for good old fashioned marketing that gets you face to face with sellers and buyers.
Sep 13, 2014 10:56 AM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

TO me, it sounds like you have a great system, and are providing some valuable information to your potential clients.

Sep 13, 2014 04:36 PM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I used to walk but found my time was better spent on the internet.  However, it may work better for you.  There is no one pattern for success.  Let us know how it goes.

Sep 15, 2014 03:42 AM
Janice Zaltman
United Realty Group - Boca Raton, FL
Energy Efficient And Eco-Friendly Homes in Florida

If you don't mind door knocking it is a great way to meet the neighbors. I find that it needs to be done consistently so you can be top of mind. Will start again as the weather cools.

Sep 15, 2014 11:59 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

This is a great suggestion for prospecting. I'm glad it's working out for you.

Sep 20, 2014 10:37 PM
Anonymous
Barbara Salisbury

Great Idea! Even if you use only the Football schedule.

Sep 22, 2014 07:04 AM
#40
John Mosier
Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert - Prescott, AZ
Prescott's Patriot Agent 928 533-8142

That is a very comprehensive plan, Will. Please let us know how it works out.

Sep 30, 2014 03:51 AM