Step Seven: Postcards, CDs, DVDs, TV

The next-to-last step of my marketing plan involves postcards, CDs, DVDs and television.

Postcards

I produce a professional, attractive, full-color postcard of your home and mail it out to the top 100 employers in the area. By exposing human resources directors and relocation specialists to what's in the market, they can help steer new hires and people who are fresh to the area toward your home.

I also like to get my postcards in the hands of your neighbors. People are always curious about what homes in the neighborhood are selling for, and almost everyone knows someone who would like to move to the area. By notifying your neighbors and other locals that your home is on the market, we can stimulate interest and generate qualified leads.

Postcards are also mailed to 100 - 150 of the top real estate agents in the area. While many of them get my flyers and can look up the information through the MLS, a high-quality postcard mailing helps reassure these agents that your property is being presented accurately and professionally, and that their clients won't be wasting their time to consider it.

One of the most effective marketing techniques I've used when listing homes is the development of a secondary postcard campaign. These campaigns are targeted to nearby neighborhoods that are considered "move-up" communities for your home. My experiences have shown that reaching out to this group of potential buyers can be extremely effective.

Lastly, postcards are mailed to my client base. My clients often know someone interested in a particular type of property or neighborhood, and can let me know of a potential buyer's interest.

CDs

CDs are produced for each of my listings. Each CD includes a printable copy of the flyer for that property, as well as photographs of the home. Copies of the CD are left in the home for potential buyers and the agents; I also mail out CDs to the top 100 local employers, the top 100 - 150 area agents, and to my client base.

DVDs and TV

While most small to average-sized homes are best showcased via "still" photographs, larger homes (and occasionally smaller ones as well) have features which are better displayed through a "virtual tour" in addition to standard still images. With the help of an experienced film production company I film a live tour of the home, complete with voice-overs. The tour is captured to DVD, which is distributed in the same manner as the CDs (see above), and is also available for viewing on Comcast Cable. These types of tours can be powerful in their message, and - when used on homes of the appropriate size and style - are a wonderful tool to expose a property to an even wider pool of buyers.

NEXT: Feedback.