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Marketing the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - ARE YOU READY?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RealSupport Inc.

I've been working all morning putting together marketing campaigns for our clients that have, or specialize in, First Time Home Buyers (definition meaning those that have not owned a home in 3 years).  Are you ready??  Here are my recommendations on things for you to do to get the word out and get some business!  This could be a huge opportunity for real estate agents.  What we all need to realize is that these buyers do not really understand or even know about this bill.  I'm serious.  We do, of course, so it is hard for us to believe they don't know, but I'm telling you, they don't.  You must act fast to educate them before someone else does.

Here's how you can get the word out (and hopefully gain some new clients/business):

1) Postcard - We have created a 3 week campaign; the first postcard is general, targeting both men/women/couples.  Our research suggests that this target market is 25-35, so our postcards reflect this demographic (think Gap ad).  The second postcard tugs at the heart of a man and the third week's postcard evokes emotion in a woman - shopping bags and a big smile.

2) Website - get this information on your HOME PAGE!  We recommend adding a graphic that reflects the message of "Learn More About the $8000 refundable tax credit" and links to a new page, outlining in layman's terms, what this means to your buyers. (All the info is on NAR's website)

3) Seminar - teach a seminar (and you can tie it to these postcards to market the dates) and educate first time buyers on what this means for them.  1-hour at a pizza joint works... nothing fancy (remember you're dealing with 25-35 year olds).

4) Email Blast - Get the news out the most cost efficient way possible (and do this for sure, since it costs you nothing).  How about including a few listings that fit the needs and price of a first time home buyer? Now we're talkin'.

5) Blog it (of course) - Fast and easy, you can do this right now! Get it on your blog!  Make sure you have a call to action "call me to discuss how this will help you personally".

6) Get on the Phone - have some buyers on the fence, CALL THEM NOW!  Let them know you'll email them information explaining how they will directly benefit from this new bill.

Bottom line, don't wait.  I've given you the plan, now get to work, or call RealSupport and we'll do the work for you!

Carrie Gable
President

David Timm
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Fort Collins, CO
CRS, EcoBroker, GRI, ABR

Great campaign, it has got my wheels turning.  Those who are first in line get the lions share.

Feb 14, 2009 03:48 AM
Nate Rowe
Oakstone Properties, Homes in Richmond VA - Richmond, VA
Realtor, Homes in Richmond VA

Great info.  Thanks for sharing.  I will have to get something on my website soon.

Feb 14, 2009 03:51 AM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate

Wow, thanks for the info....I was just getting ready to do this and had not thought of the website, so thanks.

Feb 14, 2009 04:22 AM
Kathie Shandro
Denver Homes For Sale - Denver, CO
RE/MAX Leaders - Denver Real Estate

Thanks for you thoughtful insight, Carrie. You've defined a plan of action for each of us!

Feb 14, 2009 04:35 AM