Aloha, I am a Realtor/Broker in Hawaii. I know what you mean.

What I have done is set myself apart! You can't follow in the foot steps of 'other' Agents. You have to do something different or do what they are doing...better.

I decided to finally 'take a stand' on Real Estate Issues. I decided I wanted to be "The Expert" and when inevitably the question comes up "Should I buy now or not?" "What is really happening in the Real Estate Market?"  GIVE THEM AN ANSWER. YOU ARE THE EXPERT.

I then decided to do a Monthly Real Estate Article on the web and it is providing me with plenty of qualified leads. I do it on Oceanic Cable at www.aroundhawaii.com I also tie the Monthly Articles in with my webiste at www.hawaiirealestatestatistics.com

I also take the same Monthly Columns and Graphs to the Open Houses and it 'slows the folks down enough to look at them' so that you can ask questions and better establish a relationship.

This works!

 Try something like this.

Any other questions, please let me know.

Much Aloha,

Mike G.

Very cool!! Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

I've actually went to FSBO homes and after seeing their home sent them chocolate in the shape of a foot that says thanks for letting me get my foot in the door with my business card.

That is a RIOT!  Thanks!!

We do less creative "prospecting" - but do more with our sphere of influence. Last month with daylight savings we made a special card and reminded our friends and past clients that "They would do 2 important things that day - 1 set the clocks forward and 2 change the battery in their smoke detectors - We actually purchased 9volt batteries and attached them to each card included a sentiment about how special they were and that we wanted to help keep them and their family safe.

It generated great conversation at @ $.87 postage + $1.60/battery = @$2.50 per - Interestingly enough we listed 3 properties this week from that group and have 1 more to meet with.

We find creative "remark"-generating ways to stay in contact with our best advocates. Funny thing is the President of the local chamber had received on and he loved it so much he announced it at the chamber luncheon to everyone and then asked if it was ok he shared - of course, (smiling inside) - You can't buy that kind of BUZZ!

It will be interesting what others come up with.    

Blogging.

Your website and blogging. 4 of my last 5 clients were internet leads. 

A real estate friend of mine has found this very useful.

She gets the sellers to record a videoemail inviting prospectiv buyers to visit the home. A video or virtual tour of the home is linked to one of 3 linkable spots on the videoemail. She attaches other information (school report, other relevant videos, audio, documents, websites to the others spots). The seller can send this to their friends who may know someone who is looking for a property. The viral distribution is tracked as well. She is also able to see how many times the video has been viewed.

The videoemail is also a great way of folowing up with people who walk into her office or make enquiries about her listings. She is able to put a human touch to her reply immediately way before a face-to-face meeting.

In addition, she uses the same video technology to do her "Open House". She has on occassions, set up so that the sellers can watch the open house from a safe place on thier computer and are able to answer any questions if need be. She certainly sets herself apart from other local real estate agents.

My friend works with local Biotech companies in Southern California and helps in relocation housing for new employees. The video technology comes in handy in the introduction. For a recent relocating family, it was the only way he could show his wife who was pregnant at that time and in NJ, potential homes (much more realistically than virtual tours).

With her colleagues in the mortgage and finance industry, title and vertical markets related to real estate, they broadcast regular internet TV shows to educate the local market. As Mike G said above "GIVE THEM AN ANSWER. YOU ARE THE EXPERT". This group here is doing just that. They also have blogs, vlogs and podcasts.

I have invited her to AR. I am also going to borow Jack Haydon's idea and modify it a bit. One of the linkable spots on the videoemail will have a printable voucher for the batteries at a local store. That will reduce the cost per household and also allow full tracking. It should also reduced loss due to wrong address and tenants. Only those who would use the batter would retrieve it, though everyone will get the message.

Jack, once you have caught the buzz, don't let it die. The testimonial from the Chamber president could have been captured on video as your next buzz generator. Surely it is NOT too late.

Great ideas - can't wait to see more....

Blogging is the way to go.  I also believe in branding, most of the people in my marketplace knows who I am.  Networking and volunteering should not be overlooked.

Thank you all - this is a fabulous bunch of responses!!