In this market I’m taking less listings than in the past because sellers just don’t get it and think their properties are still appreciating, but sending postcards to this niche is the way I prefer to get these listing appointments.

I get the postcards cheap through Vista Print (I think they look good and as mentioned, have been told they do) and my 6 yr. old granddaughter loves putting the labels and stamps on (she did ask for a raise the last time – she wanted another buck – LOL!).

Yes, they’re still an expense, but I’ve gotten it down as much as possible and it works for me. As a 25 year veteran I will admit I still hate making cold calls and if that’s what I had to do to be successful I’d have been out of the biz many years ago.

But I’m still not too old to learn new tricks and that’s why I’m on this website!

Isn’t that the truth! Well, maybe someone will “print” my blog and pass it around to them at the next office meeting…

LOL!
Matthew

I have a different opinion about postcards. I am a 39-yr old agent and have been in the business for 5 years, so would be considered on the younger side as far as agents go. Postcards have been an integral part of farming activities I have been doing in a few neighborhoods. I also have local community websites and have used newsletters and postcards, as well as custom for sale signs (with our picture) to build a brand image in these communities. The investment took a while to produce results, but after the good-old marketing concept of “repetition, repetition, repetition” the postcards and other cross-marketing activities paid off handsomely. In 2008, my 3rd year of farming, I spent approx. $18,000 in flyers and postcards and the results are rather good. I have done 72 listings presentations, listed 30 homes, and did $228,000 in GCI from the farms alone. The monthly postcards and mailers are a *key* component in keeping “alive” and upfront in the community. We are now producing a 4-page piece with our current listings, some recent solds and client testimonials. They do nothing to sell the homes, but do everything to create a perception that we are the listing agents in the area.

Just recently in a listing presentation one of my sellers actually questioned the effectiveness of the mailers we do in the area and I was rather upfront with them “they don’t really sell your home, they really are to promote my successes and experience in the area”. They laughed and thanked me for my honesty and signed the listing papers.

I do agree that sending one lonely postcard is much like “pissing in the wind”. That is a complete waste of time and money. But as part of a consistent strategic marketing plan, they work quite effectively.

Just thought, I’d share a perspective on this from a newbie in the industry.

Dominique Allard
Toronto, Canada

Sharon

One of my favorite quotes for you:

“In times of change, learners will have unlimited opportunity, and knowers will be marvelously well equipped to succeed in a world that no longer exists”…

Thanks for always keeping it real, Matthew.

BF

It’s ok though—the good thing for you is that they STILL don’t know what a blog is!