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Logo and Slogan

By Collin Duke

Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors

October 19, 2007 02:31 AM

I know that this has been covered here in AR, although I am putting mine out there for your bashing or your compliments.

I have had many people comment on my logo as well as my slogan - both good and bad. I have my back window of my car covered with them. I attach them to everything that I can - everywhere I can. Much like every other business.

The comments that I get from the average consumer in my area are: They are great. They look great.

The comments that I get from (some) agents are: Those are demeaning too the industry.

Are Real Estate Agents above EVERY other type of business out there? Too good for name branding and logos. Even the National Brokers understand Name Branding. Should that be left to the Broker and not the Agent?

While I would agree that when slogans are cheesy, they are cheesy. But sometimes the cheesiest marketing gets the attention. While I take great pride in working hard so that my brand is professional and tasteful, why the resentment from others?

Let's take other industries for a moment. I have seen slogans in every line of business that I would never want associated with myself - but just because they choose a bad slogan or logo and are in the same industry doesn't pit me with them, nor diminish my professionalism. They are the competition - which thankfully I can one up with my professional approach.

Yet in Real Estate, there seems to be this "us against the world" mentality, where conformity is expected. And yes while I shake my head when I see what I believe to be a poorly done or cheesy marketing campaign from another agent, I revel in the thought that they will only boost my business.

I would like to hear from those that like my logo and slogan as well as those that don't. Be as kind or brutal as you would like. Your real opinion is what counts.

Even personal criticism is accepted - I have very thick skin, so what are your thoughts?

Logo

"Duke Of Real Estate"

Collin Duke, CNS, Realtor®

Phone: (469)449-9867

Toll Free Fax: 1(866)591-9049

http://www.dukeofrealestate.com/

The Michelle Musick Jones Team

http://www.michellesellsdallas.com/

Coldwell Banker

Residential Brokerage

Comments(16)

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Roberta Murphy

San Diego Previews Real Estate - Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad Real Estate and Homes

Collin: I like it--and you are "well armored" against any criticism! You might also play on the "royal treatment" offered to your clients....

Oct 19, 2007 02:39 AM

"JT" Prevatte

Former Agent - Fayetteville, NC

I like it......as long as you can use it on all of your advertising.

I have recently updated mine as well....

Oct 19, 2007 02:39 AM

Bill Nazur

First Lending Solutions - Riverside, CA

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong or cheesy about having your own branding, unless you are the type of real estate professional that still uses a thermal fax, a pager, and a cell phone that is the size of most laptops.

I would go so far as to say....

If you feel like a Prince or a Pauper, let the Duke of Real Estate help you find your Kingdom". you are in Texas after all, and land is plentiful, etc.

A brand however has issues if your missing a follow up tool like a phone # or a website....

Oct 19, 2007 02:47 AM

Jeff Kessler

Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

I suppose if you have to defend you slogan and logo a lot, then maybe just tone it down a bit. Getting people to talk about it can be a good thing, but you know bad news travels like wild fire and good news travels in whispers,

Oct 19, 2007 02:48 AM

. .

US Property and Appraisal - Pittsburgh, PA

A little corny for my taste but if it does the job then good! Obviously the castle stands for houses in the real estate market but what do the keys stadn for? A key to your dream home perhaps?

Oct 19, 2007 02:48 AM

Bill Gillhespy

16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL

Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Just a few things come to mind. Not weighing in on the look of the loga. In another life I owned a small sign company. I learned alot about what is effective and what falls short when it comes to ads on vehicles.

1. It must be workable for all of your media including print, vinyl graphics, internet, etc.

2. It should not be so detailed that it competes with your message.

3. It should always be accompanied by contact info.

Good selling to you all.

Oct 19, 2007 02:52 AM

Sandy Bacon

MacDoc Realty - Fredericksburg, VA

My question is has it increased your business? If that logo gets people to talk to you about buying or selling then it works and who cares what anybody else thinks? If, on the other hand, you are alienating people and getting those strange looks maybe consider toning it down....

Oct 19, 2007 02:56 AM

Judith Reppert

United Country Countryside Realty - Mount Vernon, MO

I think this is a very nice and original logo. However, it is kind of complex and low-contrast with the blue, gray and black. It will be hard to see from far away if you have it posted on your car. Have you tried other color combos, such as making the ribbons with the text white so the black text stands out? Red is always good for contrast too.

Don't believe whoever in your market is telling you it's demeaning. Maybe they are just bummed out that they don't have a last name that lends itself to real estate advertising. I wish I had a last name that would work for a slogan.

Judith

Oct 19, 2007 03:01 AM

Collin Duke

Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors - Frisco, TX

Duke of Real Estate, Realtor, Collin County, Frisco TX

Robert - "Royal Treatment" is great

Jeffery - Very Nice Logo - I like it.

Bill - BRILLIANT - If you feel like a Prince or a Pauper, let the Duke of Real Estate help you find your Kingdom". (and I have updated the contact info - an oversight, but you are so very right)

Jeff - I do respect and welcome others opinions, thus the post. Unfortunately I only hear whispers of the negative when someone does not see me there. As far as defending - I feel no need. Getting feedback and making the adjustment if I feel it necessary is paramount to a successful branding. Thanks for the feedback.

Nick - Nail on the head - very nicely done.

Bill - I agree. I have mine in multiple formats - I can put it on Coffee Cups, Stitched onto a polo, mail-outs, website, etc. I "think" I have the bases covered.

Oct 19, 2007 03:01 AM

Gene Dexter

Asset Realty - Seattle, WA

Seattle Realtor

It's fantastic. Don't let anyone get you down about it.

Authoritative, exclusive, quality Realtor, well bred. These are postive messages I get when seeing it.

Much continued success to you!

Oct 19, 2007 03:07 AM

Collin Duke

Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors - Frisco, TX

Duke of Real Estate, Realtor, Collin County, Frisco TX

Sandy - Tough to tell if it has "increased" my business, but I do know that many, many more people seem to recognize me and approach me in public - so I would have to say yes, with no actual hard evidence.

Judith - I picked the colors because I personally felt the reds and stronger colors did not mesh with the tone that I was after. I am pretty laid back and pretty much like the softer image. While I agree distance might cause an issue, the softer image/approach outweighed it in my mind. And 'Reppert' - I am so very sorry - I have nothing there - wish I could help. Maybe your middle name might lend some help.

Oct 19, 2007 03:09 AM

Jennifer Esposito

JenRan Realty, LLC - Woodstock, CT

It seems fine to me. It's different and uses your name.

Oct 19, 2007 03:56 AM

* Rate A Home

Rate A Home - Saugatuck, MI

I like it. It looks rich and the general public will remember the name. You have to dare to be different.

Oct 19, 2007 04:31 AM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Collin whatever you do with your branding be consistent. From a distance I couldn't tell the logo had anything to do with real estate since the black on gray contrast is small. I would find a way to emphasize the Duke and the Real Estate more.

Oct 30, 2007 12:36 PM

Lane Bailey

Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA

Realtor & Car Guy

you have to be happy with it... not your competition. Too often, we ask our direct competitors what is best for us. Not a great strategy...

If it were me, I would want to make the logo a little more "graphic" and less complicated. I wouldn't want it to have issues when being scaled down for cards or low res applications on the internet.

Oct 30, 2007 03:20 PM

Maya Thomas, Broker

Tampa, FL

Please see my client recommendations.

I like your logo!

Jul 04, 2008 11:35 AM