Real Estate Blog - DO YOU KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED?

Home : Blogs : Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL : Weston Florida Real Estate Blog, Neal"The Real Deal"Bloom

DO YOU KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED?

Keeping an "eye" on property values can be a bit challenging from a distance.

Every now and then ,wouldn't it be nice for the sellers to borrow someone's eyes and ears for an occasional update of their neighborhoods values?

That's actually what I am doing for them ,"free of charge!"

You might be wondering why I do this for free.....it is because I feel that if I can show them the value they get from all this wonderful information I send ...then when it comes time for them to sell , they will choose me as their Realtor.

Inventory has tripled during present market conditions, making the days on the market(DOM) figure grow.

I am sure that this trend dosen't end here in Florida....but I believe it is spreading across the country.

I believe that springtime through the end of the summer ,will really tell us exactly which way this market will turn ,whether it will be to either continue seeing these highly aggressive returns or will it just spiral into obscurity.

They are receiving an update on Real Estate values in their area on a regular basis, just to keep them informed of what is really going on.

I send it out as a "bi-monthly value check up" and it is automatic....... all they have to do is open the mail box and read my "Real Estate Market Review".

My content usually includes an up to date analysis that shows ,current homes for sale ,homes that are currently under contract (or pending) ,and closed sales for the current quarter as well as any featured properties I currently have for sale in the neighborhood, plus a newsletter which includes my view about real estate.

Anytime "buyers and sellers" need suggestions or advice, I hope they will contact me and I will be glad to help.

That way, they'll always know who their area Realtor is.

eyes

Posted by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL on 04/14/2007 08:04 AM

Comments (95)

analysis, eyes and ears, realtor, florida, broward county, weston, homeowners, buyers and sellers

Originally posted at: Weston Florida Real Estate Blog, Neal"The Real Deal"Bloom : DO YOU KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED?

95 Comments on DO YOU KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED?

APR

2007

That is a great way to keep the people in your farm interested in you!

good farming tool

I pull that information too for the area I watch. At any given moment, I know where their market is in regards to DOM, absorption rate, # of actives, STI's, pendings, and what sold. Right now I am only sending it out quarterly. But, as I develop my blog, I will be sharing this information with them on a weekly basis. Way to go! You are ahead of the curve.

Tina,

It has worked for me, please note this is my effective way to get listings, but I have turned some inot buyers or multiple deals.

Dianne,

Repetition is why it works, if you keep putting your face out there, they have to call you.

Debi,

Thanks...I was doing it differently a few yrs ago, but have recently made changes along the way, testing...probing, looking for different reactions, some work some do not.

Great post my friend as always. Staying connected is so very important. Have a great weekend.

George,

I can always count on a good comment from a friend and an expert in our industry!

Good job! Good idea so you get responses from the mailings.

I think the one good thing our office has going for them is that we are located in one of the major shopping centers in Mililani.....we have Starbuck's a couple of doors down and Jamba Juice on the other side. We do "floor time" and you would be surprised to see how many "walk ins" we get from Randy putting up some of the current listings (single family and condos/townhouses) in our area.

Sally,

This is more tailored to listing the properties, but I do cultivate the sellers into either renting or purchasing after they sell...or usually after a while they will call me with another transaction, actually works on referrals as well.

That's great!

Way to go Neal..good post. I have a company called SaleAmp that send out monthly flyer's via email and postal to potential clientele and previous clientele. They keep them informed of my services, what they need to do to their homes to add value and what not to do. etc.

Actually let me introduce Elizabeth Muffett who is the Marketing Manager for SaleAmp; http://activerain.com/emuffett

Great tool, Neal. I hope you have an assistant who handles it for you. Depending on the size of your database, you could end up spending the whole day doing nothing but that.

I know, however, that it will eventually pay off for you.

Thanks for the introduction Danny! I do work with SaleAMP (check us out online at www.saleamp.com) and we have created (what we humbly believe) is a new and better way for agents to market themselves. We recognize, as Neal mentioned, that repetition is important and keeping agents top of mind with clients in all stages of the sales cycle is our goal. We provide a consistent marketing air cover so you do not spend all your time with designers, printer and trips to the post office, plus we add in an outrageous level of customer service for our agents.

I love learning about the real estate industry and am excited to be a part of the activerain community - great blog Neal.

Danny thanks!

I basically have all the tools myself, design,printing, mailing, lables, the whole ball of wax..I market out about 4-5000 every 2 months, this way it is consistant but no too much to be overbaring, plus better on the budget.......Thanks for stopping by as well.

Steven,

It is a good tool especially if you are willing to take a chance farming for listings, and willing to hold inventory, I have gotten a few buyers out of it as well. And I used to have an asistant but they never seem to get it the way I want it, so I now do all the designing.

Elizabeth,

Welcome to Active Rain!

I am sure Danny will take good care of you,right Danny?

My time developing this is time well spent and I find it better for my needs to have all say on any matters, I used to outsource it ,but I always seem to be dealing with new people and replacements, I have a few people that help me with the rest!

Thanks for coming by.

Neal, good plan man. I am constantly sending sending out market reports, free cmas of whatever I can to make myself known as the go to guy for Poinciana RE. It all comes back to you in the long run. keep it up!!

BB,

Well ...If I get an AOK on my method of madness from one of the best, then I guess I am doing the right thing....well after 11 yrs..I better be doing it right.

Thanks!

Neal, Neal he's our man - he's our Realtor when no one can!!! kinda korny uh.... great plan - keep your name in front of them and know at least 5 statistics - people love stats... comes from sports I guess

Thesa,

I guess you must be in the sports mood.

I.......on the other hand ,almost always watch some sort of sporting event, but only pro-sports, I really do not like college sports....baseball,hockey, football and basketball in that order.

If you send those things out 6 times a yr I can tell you I have hardly ever paid much in the long run because if I do one deal it usually pays for another yr and more.

I wanted to add a sample of what I do , but I am having problems loading the shots, they were converted to jpeg from microsoft publisher, but you might see it later if I can fix it.

Thanks..... always for stopping by.

APR

2007

I think there is a fine line whether it is just content alone...I also beleive it is timing, if there are people looking to sell when my letter hits there mail box, they will read it and call, if they have no intention to move, then they either throw it out ro they file it away for the future.

I can tell you i have received calls and listed those calls after they told me they have held older versions I mailed out at least 1 yr later and they keep them and call me when the time comes, so if you miss a mailing because of deadlines, it is ok...believe me...they keep the old ones and file them away for later.

Neal good post and very good advice.

Bob,

Thanks for dropping by on the weekend!

Have a great one!

Great post Neal, I do something similar. Recently I listed a home and when I went for the initial appointment, the wife pulled out a folder as thick as I had ever seen and I was surprised when she showed me it was a folder of all of my market reports I had been sending the area, for several years. She really liked them apparently and kept them all to watch the value of her home grow. It was at that moment I knew I would never stop sending them.

Great info, thanks for that.

Steve,

I have people call me from a report I sent them over a yr ago, the keep them ,I didn't believe that until the few calls came in...They said the reason they kept them was because they liked what I put in them and their intentions were to use me as their agent.

I was really looking for something different from postcards and it is very hard for a realtor to keep sending these on a consistant basis because of all the time and work it takes to produce, sometimes I have to frorce myself to make sure I meet the dealines.

But the rewards are worth it. What do I have to lose? Only my money spent!!!

Amy,

Thanks for stopping by and making my day!

Great idea, being consistent is the key , i believe. Most Realtors won't kept this going over a long period of time

It does work, I advertise on cable TV, 3 radio station and mail thousands of letters a month.

I model is that I will buy your property or sell it for you at public auction.

Good idea, Neal. I do that for particular neighborhoods. How many do you send out?

Regarding adding audio to blogs - you can do that through jott, too.

neal

Congrats on the feature post.....I do monthly newsletters to my "farm" areas and of course direct mail about once a week. Most people absolutely love the "free" information... and of course every once and awhile some is sick of seeing my "face"... and we just remove them from the list.

Great post... have a great day!!

Sort of like a GOOD stockbroker or financial planner, watching the market for them and advising their clients, so that client can make an informed decision based on current factual information.

Hi Neal,

How are you today?

I think what you are doing is great! You have alot of relevant, useful information and an intelligent opinion. The folks realize that and it will be only natural that they will be coming to you for their knowledge, and in turn come to you as sellers.

I can see this gift being common amongst the best.

I have been sending out monthly e-newsletters for about two years now but my market area, South Orange County, CA, was too broad for me to provide effective "local neighborhood stats." Broad area statistics are relatively easy to come by but providing specific information for neighborhoods and communities is really what consumers are seeking. I made the decision to scale down and focus my marketing on specific neighborhoods within one community. I just don't have the time to research the numbers and be an "expert" in all areas of South Orange County.

Great idea Neal! I've been thinking of ways to continually expose myself to my farming area and yours is a very good idea.

Great idea as always my friend. You seem to always have the wheels churning!

Neal - look at that pretty star - we are so proud of you :o)

Congrats on another article well done! Think Think Think! You're just a thinking machine full of ideas!

Neal--Great Idea. That is a great farming tool. Keep up the Great Work!

Neal,

That's good stuff! It will keep you top of mind whenever someone is thinking real estate! In these times, there are opportunities for those that are prepared. The information you are providing is seed for those that are just sitting on the sidelines now... You don't plant seed now, and expect a harvest tomorrow, but in due season, folks will be calling you and the agents that have been working their ground!

Tom,

Yes it is key but it also is the hardest part because ...like you said,most give up, Ive experimented with lots and sometimes they fail and I move on, now I have established somewhat of a pattern and it has been working fairly well, I am exploring a few new neighborhoods,but with the way the market is I want to be careful where my expenses go.

Charles,

Anywhere you get exposure is good, it does not matter if it is different from other peoples.

Sharon,

I send out about 4-5000 every 2 months, but it is split right now into 4 neighborhoods, sometimes I try testing other neighborhoods, but the way the market is ,I have to be careful,how long I give it to work.

Thanks for jott!

Desiree,

Wow that much? First off, I barely have time to get what I have out 6 times a yr, your doing it weekly!

I think 6 times is adequate, I didn't want to over do it, but if it works for you, I say go for it.

Jody,

Yeah....except I do not make them buy another 50,000 shares!

Steve,

On vacation? or are you thinking of some songs to sing with Sally?

Thanks for the compliment and stopping by.

Kelly,

I have a friend who works in my office he also only farms one area, the neighborhood he lives in, he gets great results and he sells homes that are at least 400,000 , he actually has probably had better results then me, but we both do not farm each others area...at least for now.

Andy,

It's alot of work,pain and time...but can work if you can be really patient.

George,

You probably already know this...so I can't teach an old dog new tricks...you already know them.

Thanks as always.

Thesa,Thesa,Thesa,

I think both us had a good day ,wouldn't you say so? Right back at ya!

Sally,

Thanks as usual, I should have a template for your comment because I know you always stop by and visit my posts.

I could just paste it in for you and save you time!

Repetition is good,but I that is a little too much to handle, how many are you actually sending to?

How do you get the information out to them? I'm thinking of the neighborhood websites, but don't know if it would be a good investment. Do you send out letters, or rely on an opt in list for emails?

Rhonda,

Thanks for dropping by and for your feedback!

Rick,

I am glad you see it takes time to grow and sometines I have to replant due to natural disasters!

Chris,

I do not send any emails...just regular old fashion US postal service, although since you brough it up, the only problem I have is with them,when you mail bulk, you hope it gets there in the near future,we have some issues with them regarding how oong it takes, they like to stick us bulk people in a sack and throw us in the back where it gets lost for a while...but we are trying to resolve that.

I have several friends I have been sending updates for a couple of years. Three have turned into clients in the last two months. One has their townhouse listed with me currently, one is listing in a couple of weeks and the other is a buyer and seller, I am showing property to today. It makes a big difference if they consider you their source of information. That makes you their Realtor.

Randy,

As always,you are right brotha!

Plant the seed....watch it grow.

I do monthly emails with city by city details in the markets I serve. Then quarterly I do a mailing to those that don't have email. These quarterly mailing include the city by city details as well as historical graphs. Included in my list are the bloggers that "report" strictly negative "news" about our local market. People ask me why I do that. Two reasons: 1. it gives the nay-sayers accurate information, and 2. a lot of people read the blog and it gets my name out there as someone with accurate information. No sugar-coating, no hype, no BS. Just the facts.

Kelley,

I would use email for it ,but it is much more difficult to cultivate a list of people with email ,yes of course it is easier and cheaper, but harder to put a list together.....at lease for me, old fashion way works for me so far!

Do I need to tell you it was a great post?

Good I will tell you later.

Neal... so late to the party, but having one myself because of the 40 tomorrow. Need to get my last few hours of my 30's used up. ;o)

Seriously though, very good post. I also believe in putting effort out there, even if it's free, to free up some business. As long as you don't use up all of your time, which doesn't sound like it because of the automatic e-mail feeds.

Overall,.... again, great post with some great articles. I read the first 3 links. The other links sent me to other links and not articles. But many seem to fit exactly what your point was and where the market is going at this moment.

jeff belonger

Jeff,

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post , it is greatly appreciated!

Oh..I forgot,,,Happy 40th, I am on 44 in March.

I noticed you were not as big on e-mail. That is a great point. email is easier, but not personal. We need personal contacts.

Hey Randy,

Where has Roffina been lately?

Well I would do it as an extra, but never really pursued it.

I believe the old fashion way is easier, it would be hard for me to get thousands of names with email address and not everyone has email yet or frequently opens them...regular mail you almost can't help read it.

I say if you have another way or source ,use it if it helps.....anything that works ...I say go for it

I have recently started doing monthly statistical graphs on my blog, got to get them out to more people though.

Michael,

I am sure graphs are a good, I might try one as an experiment.

Depends on the time factor.

Do you tag your blogs?

Hey Neal!!

Great reminder that farming and mailings - real mail - is not a thing of the past. I do real mailings to geographic farm areas, and get some rather good results. I also do email on a regular basis, too, which also brings me great results. I use postcards alot, and I also make my own market updates for certain condo complexes that I do a good number of sales in - keeps my name and picture out there, and when I am out and about in those complexes, most know who I am and they wave and stop to chat.

By the way, what was that you were saying over on Caleb's post about featured posts and spelling?? :-)))
A little bit of teasing for ya!

Ann

You just changed your picture! Nice and friendly-looking!

Ann

Ann,

I always love your playful humor.

It's a secret ...the picture.....You think I should leave it?

You are awesome. I don't know where you find the time to get all of the information together. Now that tings are getting busy, it is difficult to find time to keep in touch. As you point out, however, it is critical. Thanks for the inspiration.

Joan,

I have to say it...........I have been called alot of things ,but never awesome, thanks!

Dearest "Awesome" Neal - OK, I got it, a 'secret'. Yes, it looks nice.

Hmmm, let me see......who did you cut out of that one? I'll figure it out. But my lips will be sealed once I do.

;-)

The cut out is there in spirit.

Ok...now you just want to tease me.

Ah spell check.... and 'spirit'

Teasing?

Neal-I am also doing the same thing. Once each quarter I publish my neighborhood real estate report that is a colored document with "tips" on our market condition, thing they can do to increase home value, things that do not increase home value etc....I also attach a second sheet of paper that shows all of the activity in the neighborhood for the past 6 months as far as new listings, sold listings, expireds etc....as well as DOM. The feedback I have gotten is trememdous and I know it is only a matter of time before I am considered "their realtor". I dont mail mine though. I walk the neighborhood and slip them in the crack of the front door on a Friday only so the paper does not get lost with junk mail. Aloha!

David and Tonya,

Thanks for stopping by and adding me as an assoc.

Yes,that takes even more time and guts, I can't deliver them by hand...I have too many!

It will work if you give it time and hopefully you pick the right neighborhood.

The way I choose a neighborhood is to analyze whether or not they have attest an 8-10% turnover rate, unfortunately I have been farming the same for about 5-7 yrs and those figures have gone down ,but I established myself and most people see it and remember me.

Sometimes it is hit or miss....

Ann, without the e

You always know what to say.

We periodically send out property updates via mail with the same hope that they will contact us when it comes time to get help. And it works. We're also using an online market report that people have to sign up for. It's new so the jury is out. We've gotten some positive feedback but it's too early to tell how people like this online report compared to a direct mail piece.

04/14/2007

by Doug and Gina Gibbons

Delete

Neal - something weird is going on. Check this out....................
http://activerain.com/blogsview/76076/DO-YOU-KEEP-THE That particular post shows just TWO comments, and it's the same post as this one. You playing some games or something?

Ann without the 'e'

Doug and Gina,

Thanks for stopping by.

I think email can work if there is enough people or leads to get them out to, in my opinion, you need to have at least 2500 or the chances are less.

I am sure you will have success after you do it awhile, remember that repetition is key.

Ann,

I was trying something and it got double posted by accident, but I guess you noticed that.

I put their comments in here and deleted that, so no...you are not going crazy.

Hey Neal,

Unfortunately, no vacation. I've been as busy as can be. Trying to set up a new website... for the first time. Been getting alot of great help and advice here on AR. I hope to be up and running soon, although it will be a while until it is finished.

Yes, I've been working on some new songs. The only problem is that Randy is getting jealous.

Seriously speaking, your idea is a winner, but it souds like something that has to be a way of life and not a sporatic sales gimmick.

What's with the new picture. Sally, which picture do you like better?

APR

2007

love the new pic

Great post!!! Hats off to you! I do the same thing for my area.

Steve,

Please do not ask me to sing any more songs, you guys are getting a little too off the wall for me.

Thanks on the idea, I had to think of a way to draw business to me instead of just waiting for it.

Thesa,

Got your email as well.....Yes already had a few comments about the change in picture...even a few stalkers....oh no!!

Chris,

Good, keep blogging and keep mailing!

Neal,

that's very good, I have seen that a russian realtor here in my neighborhood he does it, he sends periodically some cards with market value information about properties.

keep the good work

Ray,

Thanks for reading, yes it is a tough job...but someone has to do it!

Hi Neal,

I am new at this and I really want to know here do you get your information. I read your post and all of the comments hoping that someone would give a rookie a place to get information. I looked on my local mls service but I found a limited amount of information. Thanks for your help.

Neal-The neighborhood that I chose is my own neighborhood. We have at least a 10% turnover on a large part of the island because of the large military presence that is here. I just started farming recently and I am getting recognized quite a bit at the grocery store, local restaraunts etc....How many homes do you farm? The area I chose is only 500 homes. I enjoy the exercise to walk and do the flyers. The front doors are easily accessible with no gates or fences in front of the homes. Aloha!

Michelle,

I usually pull comps based on what I want to add to my content, usually closed and pending..I will mention active, but i do not usually list them as there is too many to input.

Are you new at blogging or Real Estate?...I can probably help you more with real estate,but now I am pretty good at blogging too.

Welcome to Active Rain and thanks for stopping by and reading!

David and Tonya,

Aloha!! Mahalo!

By the way my other good frineds are Sally and Randy over there in beautiful Hawaii.

I send out about 4-5000 homes every 2 months, they are currently split into neighborhoods, I intend to increase soon, but have to watch the budget with the lack of turnover for listings...you must have a very high turnover based on the military....I was told you need to farm a minimum of 2500 on a consistant basis to have a better ratio , but hey...if it aint broke..don't fix it.

Thanks Neal,

I am new to both and eager to learn. I have been spending a lot of time in the rain. I am excited to be here and I look forward to my future. I really appreciate all of the professionals here that are so willing to share.

APR

2007

Michelle,

No problem, we are all always learning...I've been learning for 11 yrs.

Also..please check out my week in review,I posted my favorite 25 blogs...there are some great posts from some gret people who also are willing to help WEEK IN REVIEW 4/8/07-4/15/07

Leave me a comment after you read it.

Welcome and good luck!

APR

2007

Great stuff! Not sure how I missed this the first time around. Farming works. No doubt about it.

Linda,

Thanks for checking it out..yes..i missed a few also..if you want to see some other great stories, please check out my week in review.

Neal- Really well said.. I think the most popular blogs I write are the bi-weekjly market snapshots of listings and sales..people want to know what is happening in their local markets..

Thanks Kaye,

There is nothing wrong about writing blogs based on your business, from what I am told is that if it is put in Localism the correct way,you'll get traffic.

These other blogs are not as much towards selling or soliciting or what some others all branding.

If you look at a few...you'll see some that were very short,even one line..but actions speak louder than words...it is important for all members to rate these as well...so if you read them...rate them too..it helps our position in the market and on the search engines.

Thanks for reading!

Thats a fantastic farming tool! The thought has gone through my mind many many times, i have always wondered why i dont get e-mail or mail like that!

See thats valuable information, you grab the attention of clients that are not yet in the market.

You are informing prospective clients on what represents over 80% of peoples MOST IMPORTANT investment in their life.

Inform people on this MAJOR investment.

It could even contain a website where they go in input their property details including the amount of equity in the home - monthly pmts etc so that "your" system informs them monthly on the appreciation of their home, how much they can take out, if refinancing is an option etc etc.....

Now thats building a relationship with clients. Offer a service like this and you become an investment adviser, not just any investment adviser but an adviser of the MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT OF YOUR PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS LIFE!

Now thats a powerful differentiation tool!

Great post, i think of this everytime i get a direct mail letter campaign from a local real estate agent.

Bruno,

Old fashion mail is the best and easiest way to capitalize on the larger audience versus the Internet..I'll tell you why..with the Internet you need to locate many email addresses to get to the prospect, many addresses are wrong or do not exsist..I still believe that not everyone has email and that some do not know how to use it or even read it ..so I think I can pick up extra from direct mail...the competition might differe and that is good for me...this way I have a better chance then they might.

There is nothing wrong with Internet marketing if it works for you and I would love to make it easier...but in my market direct is still better for me.

The other thing is email is a lot easier for an agent to use than direct...less coordination on mailing, printing etc.

Please check out my WEEK IN REVIEW 4/8/07-4/15/07,there are lots of other great stories to read..please make sure you rate the ones you read. Tell me your comments.

Thanks for stopping by.

APR

2007

Hi Neal,

I meant a direct mail campaign in conjunction with an e-mail campaign. I fully agree with direct mail, back when i was a Realtor i did exactly the same thing your doing but specializing in condominiums. What i regret doing however is providing that extra added value...which i mentioned in my previous post....

Thanks for the reply! Ill stop by and read the week in review.

Bruno,

No problem...I say if you can do both ..go for it...it is just too time consuming for me and not in my budget right now..I am thinking of it in the future by incorporating it into a website...might be easier to expose it that way.

Hey..go check out my week in review post,you'll like alot of the posts I included..also please rate the post and any you like.

Thanks!

As an appraiser I much prefer doing a job in a area where someone is using this type of marketing. The homeowners are much better informed and much less likely to have unrealistic expectations. (Except when they think their 800 square foot, one-bedroom house should be valued the same as the 2000 square foot houses that comprise the neighborhood.)

An advertisement like this with useful information is much more likely to be read and get result.

Greg,

I agree...it is hard enough when I have clients that can't sell because they piad more than they owe...but I try to work some sort of program to help them get through that..but it is difficult.

Please rate this post! Thanks