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Want to win a FREE home in a lovely area of Oregon?

I just read about this man who tried to sell his home for a while. Since he couldn't, he is trying to give it away as a prize

for the person who tells the most compelling story about why they want it.

There is an entry fee for his contest and it might be fun. If you try it, will you come back and let me know what you think about it, because I am always looking for new ideas for agents to market their products. This one takes the cake. It is interesting though, and might get him some press, and as I say in my book, Sold! Direct Marketing for the Real Estate Pro, you all need a USP, which is a unique selling proposition.

This one is, because it is fun. He might make enough money on the entry fees to make some money for the house. Apparently he owns it free and clear.

Anyway if you're interested, mosey over to his website about it:http://freehouse.wordpress

Posted by Lois Geller Marketing Trainer/Speaker/Author on 11/05/2008 01:13 PM

Comments (6)

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6 Comments on Want to win a FREE home in a lovely area of Oregon?

NOV

2008

Lois, you never know what someone may try next. Too bad he didn't include the house in part of his video rather than just talking about it --- would have probably been much more effective.

That's great- thanks for sharing. I will for sure look into submitting my story!

Thanks for sharing, Nicole Weidauer

The Egerer & Weidauer Team, Keller Williams Realty North Seattle

Lois- what if he doesn't get $300,000 in "registration fees", how do you know you will get your money back? He's even used the "$19.95 price" that's so popular from infomercials on TV.

The poor quality of the video is one big reason to hire a Realtor!. He'll be talking to the realtor again within a few months, I'm betting. If I lived in that town and was a Realtor, I'd be sure to keep in touch with him!

That is thinking outside the box. Great use of social media too.

As with anything anyone entering should remember buyer beware. It does sound a little scammy but interesting marketing tactic.

I am the owner of the property.

1) The guided tour of the house is at the site, under About the House

2) If we don't meet our target, I am donating all the money to charity.

3) As far as "scammy"....it's $19.95. Our original price was $200, but upon feedback, people are saying it costs too much...whereas $20, people would be willing to give it a try.

4) The video comes from YouTube. The original was filmed on a HD camera....

5) The property is currently listed with Keller Williams for $230,000. If you are an agent, look it up in the MLS. The agent's name is Jody Draper. Call him and ask him whether he knows me or not.

Thank you for your support. I'm just being creative about this.

Sincerely

George Tran

NOV

2008

I think it is a great idea, and I congratulate you for it.

I'm going to be on a online television show, and speaking a few times in the next months...and will definitely talk about this strategy. It is fun, involving and has a good emotional response from the right target market.

I'd like to interview you, for a new chapter in my book, Sold! Direct Marketing for the Real Estate Pro,

if we can set it up. Let me know.

Lois K. Geller

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