Ben Eckenroed writes:

Subject: Good, but I have a few tips

I like this article overall, but I there are two sections in which I have a big problem...at least in my market. First, my local paper charges $1,200 for a one-day full page ad. There are two local papers (owned by the same company). I can do both papers for $2,000. Considering the average price range, even at a full commission, it only takes 2-3 days to eat up every single dollar on a full page ad. That just seems simply outrageous.

Second, flyers/brochures. I put full color brochure's in the home, but never in a box our outside the home. I can't talk to potential buyers if they don't call me. If they get all the answers to their questions without calling me, then I may have lost a potential buyer for their home. Most flyers go to neighbors and kids anyway.

Instead of doing "passive" marketing where you put out advertisements and expect people to find them, I do "active" marketing where I take the advertisements TO the people. Visit homes in the neighborhood and knock on the door, give them a brochure and tell them about the home. I do this for several hundred homes. I also mail a copy of the brochure to all of their friends and family as well. This is much more effective than a flyer in a flyer box. (Not sure how it would compare to a full page ad in a local paper, but that is too costly).

Kris Kombrink writes:

Subject: RE: Good, but I have a few tips

Ben, first let me thank you for finding my article.

Sorry to hear about the outrageous cost of advertising in your area. In our area, we are with a rather large office so are lucky enough to leverage a very good price for print ads.

I am aware of the fact that most flyers placed outside will never reach their intended target, for the rare buyer that IS driving by I think it's best to provide information while the fire is hot, instead of forcing them to call which they most likely will not.

Admittedly, our team has always worked of the mindset that we do not withhold information in an effort to make someone call us. It is part of our laid back approach to selling. While we also employ numerous proactive marketing methods to get our homes in front of as many "qualified" eyeballs as possible, we have more luck with a no-pressure approach.

Best of luck, and thanks for the comment!