Not Driven But Definitely The Driver

 Not Driven But Definitely The Driver

Barbara's post  Are You Really Driven...got me thinking.

I am not driven but I am definitely the driver.

Always looking for a way to get my properties sold.

It could be a new way, an old way or a better way.

Advertising and marketing  come in so many different forms.

 Find out what works. Nothing works all the time and unusual properties require doing a variety of things. Some require a lot of time, some a lot a patience and some an outlay of money.

Writing copy, use of the internet, proper information in the MLS, keeping print media updated and a multitude of blogs can all draw attention to the house.

Sharing  technology or getting a listing or making my own appointments or the use of Lockboxes or finding a property for a specific buyer or talking about a reverse contingency, are all ways of getting noticed and in return getting exposure for my listings.

Letting the public know the benefits of the the community, talking to other agents, teaching, being the neighborhood expert, networking, writing a book and even having a my own radio show, proves that I am

Not Driven But Definitely The Driver.

Systems in Place For 2013

Systems in Place For 2013

Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers.

As a listing broker in Baltimore, I represent sellers to get their home sold. Each of my properties get extensive exposure through my website, my blog, my signage, my presence in the community, hosting a radio show and my advertising.

When one of my listings gets a "TOO LATE" sign, some sellers need to buy another property in the Baltimore area.

                                                                            

I have always had a Buyers4YourHomePage  to help these special clients find the right home. In addition to advertising my listings I also advertise for these qualified buyers.           

                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                     

Below are a few of the homes needed for qualified buyers.

                                                                                                                        
                   
      

 The main portion of my advertising is for my listings. Lately the left side of my advertising is searching for buyer specific property.   

It is rewarding to know that this special advertising still works.

                       Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers.

Systems in Place for 2013

Was the Pet Rock a crazy idea?

New ideas sometimes come dressed up like clowns or fools. It can be hard to tell whether you're looking at the next great innovation or just another flash in the pan.

A hundred and three years ago, a couple of bicycle mechanics were considered nut cases. Until they flew at Kitty Hawk.
Thirty three years ago a marketing executive packed pebbles in boxes, gave them names, and became a millionaire selling Pet Rocks. Genius or just plain clever, they had crazy ideas that placed them out in front.
So you can understand why I was feeling pretty smart the other day when I heard about a new website called BuyerHunt.com that lets sellers search for buyers. According to an Inman News story, "The site allows prospective home buyers to create a free profile that describes the home they are seeking." Hmmm...sounds a lot like the Buyers4Your Home feature that's been on my website for several years! My B4YH allows sellers to scroll through a list of potential buyers. I run an "ad" for buyers. It includes information about area, price range, school system, and other features the buyer is seeking. I keep the buyer's information confidential and make the connections for interested sellers.

When I first created the page, some people thought it was a slightly crazy idea. Now, after several years, the Buyers4YourHome page is one of the most visited on my site. People looking for a specific home go there to post their needs. Sellers scan for a possible match for their home, often before they even sign the listing agreement. I offer this service to other agents who have a specific buyer. I run an "ad" for them. And that "ad" sometimes turns into a listing for me.

Crazy idea? Maybe. But don't dismiss it. You just might be ahead of the curve!

Homes for Sale in the Baltimore Area!

This is a follow up of yesterday's featured post...Do You Put Prices In Your Advertising?

After receiving so many comments....thought you would like to see what the ad looks like without prices.

 

 Homes For Sale in the Baltimore Area

  Homes For Sale in the Baltimore Area!

Do You Put Prices In Your Advertising?

Do You Put Prices In Your Advertising?

For many years I have always posted prices and addresses. From the beginning of my career, I was advised not to because it would take away the reason to call. Most of the time buyers only want to know the location and the price.

I felt strongly that the public had a right to know these two important facts. This week, I am deciding to take the prices out but leaving in the address. Check out this weeks ad in color.

 

For me, a bit different... I wonder if it will make  a difference.

What do you do? Do you put prices in your ads? Do you even do ads? Is Print Advertising For the Birds?

 

   Do You Put Prices In Your Advertising?

                                                 

 Search All Active Listings

Paperless Challenge In Progress

Paperless Challenge In Progress

Back in February 2011 there was an ActiveRain Paperless Challenge.

    

The goal... to create a plan reducing the amount of paper used in real estate.

 Here are a few ways that allow me to use less paper but not quite paper-less.

My listing agreements are on my iPad but I still keep a paper copy.  Many of my clients do NOT use a computer,  email or even faxes and I have to work around this situation.

I still use MBAI forms and no longer keep a stack of out of date listing packets.  I still  print one Exclusive Right to Sell contract which I have signed by the seller, scan the original and keep it in the email folder for that listing. Disclosures are scanned separately so it is easy to print or email just what is needed to write an offer. My Fujitsu Scanner still makes it easy to take that one document and file it electronically.  

My contract offers are still  emailed to the client with highlighting for signatures and initials. I have phone appointment times to review the offer and answer questions. They sign and return by fax or email. The fax goes directly into my email. When complete, I combine with the same cover letter and email to all parties. For clients without technology, I am able to send the offer to a family member, lawyer or other trusted adviser for review.

I no longer print up broshures  for listings or MLS sheets  when showing property. I have each listing in the iPad and can have them in my photo gallery...so much easier than carrying paper copies.  I am always Looking For Ways To Eliminate Inefficiencies.

On listing appointments, anything can be pulled up on the iPad from a marketing piece on a specific property, to a blog about the neighborhood to showing my weekly  print advertising.

I have been able to entertain, 3 kids under the age of 4 at the same time, with a single Cool iPad Tool...no more coloring books and reams of paper for drawings.

The Challenge is to create a plan reducing the amount of paper used in real estate.  Did a Paper Truck Throw Up?    

I may be a bit old fashioned but I still want one original paper copy of the contract. I have not been able to cut that paper umbilical cord.

My goal (when I have time in between listing, selling and settling my properties) is to delve more into some of the things Cheryl is doing.  Realtor Plan to go Paperless starts with Evernote Cartavi & Docusign! 

 Right now I am a Paperless Challenge...in Progress 

Baltimore Broker Markets Homes

Baltimore Broker Markets Homes

It's true that many most potential buyers start a home search on the internet before they ever contact a Realtor®.

  That doesn't mean being on line is enough!

Properties need to be seen! As a listing broker in Baltimore, I represent sellers to get their home sold. Each property gets extensive on line marketing, numerous blogs, signage, my presence in the community and my advertising.

  Baltimore Broker Markets Homes

If you want SOLD on your home call Margaret Rome.

                                         

Baltimore Siblings Up For Adoption.

  Baltimore Siblings Up For Adoption.

As a Broker I have used Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers.

Now I am looking for another kind of home.

This week we have Baltimore Siblings Up for Adoption. Can you help the Baltimore Humane Society find a home for Rocky and Natasha?

                  Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers! 

                              Baltimore Siblings Up For Adoption.

                                                    

Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers.

                                                      

                                                                            

Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers.

 As a listing broker in Baltimore, I represent sellers to get their home sold. Each of my properties get extensive exposure through my website, my blog, my signage, my presence in the community and my advertising.

When one of my listings gets a "TOO LATE" sign, some sellers need to buy another property in the Baltimore area.

I have always had a Buyers4YourHomePage  to help these special clients find the right home. In addition to advertising my listings I also advertise for these qualified buyers.                 

                                                                   
                   

     

 The main portion of my advertising is for my listings. Lately the right side of my advertising is searching for buyer specific property.

Below are the homes needed for these qualified buyers.

 

Today a call came in from a seller telling me about her 2 story colonial with a large yard in the Franklin School District for under $500,000.       

  (see # 6 bullet above)

 Since it was already listed and we knew about it. It had been ruled out by the buyer. It had many features that were right but not right enough.

It is rewarding to know that advertising still works.

 Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers.

                                                            

Another Place to Advertise HomeRome Listings...Check Out Roo Solutions!

Another Place to Advertise HomeRome Listings...Check Out Roo Solutions!

This is what happens when you invite someone special to become a New Member of ActiveRain.

You find...Another Place to Advertise HomeRome Listings...Check Out Roo Solutions!

                           
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Hillary Gibbons has been in Real Estate for over 20 years and recently  founded Roo Solutions (Real Estate Options Online), a service placing homeowners in direct and immediate contact with Real Estate and Contracting Specialists.   Homeowners, at no cost and no obligation, can instantly review specific professionals in their area of need using "View Virtual Resumes" and/or post a need for service.  This is a free service, easy to set up and create  a "Virtual Resume"  Go check out mine - Margaret Rome 

Who have you invited to ActiveRain and how have they helped your business?

Another Place to Advertise HomeRome Listings...Check Out Roo Solutions!

Using Too Late and Sold ... Advertising the Rome Way

Using Too Late and Sold ... Advertising the Rome Way

When my listings go under contract, I like to use the term Too Late on my sign rider.

                                                   

When doing my ads I take a thick marker and write Too Late or Sold  and put a copy in the file . There is a cool  marker like app on my   iPad that allows me to write these words in my own writing style.  I then take a screen shot and  save  a photo of these handwritten words. 

                                                     

An email attachment is sent to the advertiser so these changes can be made depending on my activity.

Now my advertising looks like I personally marked these properties as Too Late or Sold!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Using Too Late and Sold ... Advertising the Rome Way.

What are you doing to bring attention to your ads?

Kick Butt Listing the Rome Way works!

 Kick Butt Listing the Rome Way works for me!

Being a solo broker and listing agent,  THE MOST AMAZING KICK BUTT LISTING PRESENTATION CONTEST was right up my alley. Since most  listings are from past clients and referrals, I have a steady stream of sellers to choose from and the luxury of interviewing the potential listings to make sure I want to take them on. I love what I do and give so much to each transaction, I need to make sure it is a good partnership.

When I get to the actual listing, there are only 2 questions my sellers  answer.

1.Are you 100% sure you want to sell your home?

2.Are you 100% sure you want to use me?  

If they answer yes to both, a listing agreement is signed. And that would be my actual listing presentation. The End!

However...the judges would all say that is just too short for this contest.

Starting at the beginning...

Information is obtained long before I get to the house. I know who the owners are, what they paid for the house, how much they owe, why they are selling, what they think their home is worth and a list of the improvements made over the years. I give them a list to have ready for me...There is a Lot of Paperwork When Getting Ready to Sell!  

I am a one stop lister.

Being prepared  with all the the homes that are active, under contract and sold in their neighborhood is a must. This information is all on my iPad but I  have hard copies to pass around. We can all add plus and minus signs comparing the comps to their home. 

The benefit of blogging

Potential clients are already aware of my social media presence.

Most questions are answered in one of my 1200 + blogs.

For me, other than the fun of connecting with so many bright and creative minds,  blogging  gets exposure for properties and finds buyers.

Who has the buyers?

Other agents, other people, other real estate professionals, others who are related or connected, friends, family, etc…and not just in my Baltimore area.

Answering Questions..

With my phone interviews and the use of email prior to listing, most questions and concerns can be addressed prior to going on the appointment.   Here are just a few of the articles depending on what questions they pose. There are a myriad of topics...ranging  from reasons to use me, how appointments are made, commission concerns, staying in touch, how a solo broker works and my advertising. Very rarely does a question come up that has not been addressed.  

 Top 10 Reasons to Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome 

Listing the Rome Way...Not Just Cloneonials 

How I Use a Waiting List..Making Room for a Better Listing

Are You 100% Sure?

A New HomeRome Listing

Why I Chose Real Estate.

Real estate commissions – you get what you pay for! 

Real Estate Commissions Are Negotiable

Being a Solo Broker With a Team.

When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement

Can Using Color Help Sell Homes in Baltimore?

Yes, I DO! and Yes, I DO...Part 2

Where Do Listings Come From? 

It only takes a phone call to keep a seller happy!

Real Estate the Rome Way,

Top 10 Reasons to Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

There is no reason to send a pre-listing package, there is no reason to leave work behind unless it is the signed copy of the agreement. I do leave a copy of my book Real Estate the Rome Way  with a promise to autograph at settlement.

My screen shots are all over my iPad showing my website with all my active listings.

              

Having a copy of my advertising available is important along with showing similar sold properties and examples of my marketing.

               

 At the bottom left is a Zillow button showing my active listings along with  testimonials.

So with this one post...a Kick Butt Listing the Rome Way works!

Can Using Color Help Sell Homes in Baltimore?

Can Using Color Help Sell Homes in Baltimore?

Many factors go into selling a home including things like pricing, photography, internet presence, presentation, marketing, condition and ease of making appointments. I have decided to experiment...Can using color help sell homes in Baltimore?

My favorite color is sort of a non color. I love the color brown.

But when it came to advertising my listings..I wanted the color to stand out against backgrounds of black and white.

My "For Sale" sign is red so I again chose RED for my real estate advertising. I have always used black and white and did not see the advantage of the additional cost. Recently, I made the change and it make my advertising pop off the page.

 In the past week, I have been getting more calls.

 Can Using Color Help Sell Homes in Baltimore?

                                                 

 I Am Using Color to Sell Homes in Baltimore

When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement

There are times When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement.   Print advertising is used to bring buyers and sellers to my Internet sites. 

In this Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome  print media ad below..my email or website is mentioned sixteen different times.

I use it to show off my listings, I use it to find properties for buyers, I use it help a former client find a rental for his daughter, I use it to announce "coming soon" spring listings, I use it to promote my book "Real Estate the Rome Way", I use it to Search all active listings ,  I use it to share when a property goes under contract "TOO LATE",

...and I use it as an invitation for my    Garden Party.. Wednesday May 4th! 

Hope you will join us!

 This is a time ....When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement!

 \               

There are times When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement!

No One Will Disagree With Me On This Subject!

Today I received flowers and  I bet  no one will disagree... they are just beautiful. The arrangement looks  good on my coffee table. He Did it Again! I love them both... the roses and TLH!

But yesterday's post about my print advertising did not have everyone agreeing. Take a look...within 24 hours, there were 75 comments on this feature   So forget print advertising ?.... NOT at this time.

Phil Faranda made this comment.. "Margaret- do what works. If I got results from hiring a town crier or taping my card to the inside of men's room stalls, I'd do it.If print ads are working for you, do print ads." Phil had written a featured post with an exact opposite view.

Thanks to Praful Thakkar for reblogging both posts.



                    
These roses are beautiful and I bet no one will will disagree with me on this subject!

Is it our  goal  to write only posts that will get the reaction.."these are pretty flowers"

No One Will Disagree With Me On This Subject! Yes, of course, the flowers are beautiful. If all my writing was to have everyone agree with me, how would I have the chance to teach from my experience? How would I share ideas that have been a success? ....even when others have tried to convince me of what does not work!

So forget print advertising ?.... NOT at this time.

So forget print advertising ?.... NOT at this time.

Internet Advertising Only? ..... I Think Not !    
                 
Call me old-fashioned, but I do both print media and Internet advertising. I know that not everyone who buys a house - or who is helping someone look for a house - is in their 30's. There is another generation and they do read newspapers, and they do need print ads. This generation includes people with lots of disposable income who are looking for nice homes. It also includes people with children and grandchildren who may need a new home, and these parents have time to help their kids with the search.

Knowing the market, taking the time to listen and learn about the client's needs, working my wide network of connections and resources, investing my time and talent in each transaction, and yes, placing ads in all appropriate media is what  sells houses. Sure, you can Google me and my properties anytime. I'm there. In the page above, there are many references to get readers to the internet. Just counted 22 times that my website or email are mentioned.

The full-service commission that I receive pays for my print media, for my Internet ads and for the many hours of my time. It is recognition that I apply all my knowledge,marketing  skill and experience to getting the best price for the home. This advertising also keeps my name and face in front of the public and keeps a future waiting list of sellers.

So forget print advertising ?.... NOT at this time.

Accelerated Marketing – aka Auction – Sellers Need Options!

In today's market, a professional real estate agent owes it to the seller to consider and present all options for selling a home, especially when it has been on the market for a while.

There's a popular perception that "Auction" = "Distressed Property." That's a holdover from the Depression and the downturn of the 1980's, but no more true today than the idea that direct mail is the only way to advertise. In reality, "Auction" can mean "Non-contingent, cash deal, no closing costs, commissions protected." Doesn't that sound better? Bidders at an auction know they are going to pay only what they have to and are comfortable with, and sellers know they will get the best price possible. The point is, a creative and qualified auction company can create a buying audience of qualified buyers, build interest, and create urgency.

It's not unusual to see four houses on the same street for sale, all about the same. It's hard to sell in this situation as buyers play one against the other. But suppose three of the houses have realtor signs out front, and the fourth has an auction sign. That house is proclaiming it will be sold at a specific time on a specific date. As a potential buyer, why would you not come to that sale? We humans love to get a better deal, and "Auction" says we have a chance at doing better than bargaining with the owners of the other three houses.

In fact, that's exactly what happened yesterday. As you can see, there are several real estate signs including one auction sign for three properties. Yesterday morning we held the auction and two of the three properties sold.

Many Realtors® are not familiar with the options available with auctions, and so don't offer them to their clients as an alternative. Auctions allow you to customize terms and conditions the way you and your seller want them, and there are different types of auctions to choose from. Why not put the auction tool in your real estate toolbox?

Internet Only Advertising? Not For Me!

An article I read recently seemed to take the position that anyone who spends money on print advertising is wasting money, and that those old-fashioned ads that stain your fingers may make the sellers feel good but they don't sell houses.

Call me old-fashioned then, but I do both print and Internet advertising. I know that not everyone who buys a house – or who is helping someone look for a house – is in their 30's. There is another generation and they do read newspapers, and they do need print ads. This generation includes people with lots of disposable income who are looking for nice homes. It also includes people with children and grandchildren who may need a new home, and these parents have time to help their kids with the search.

Why would you ignore an entire group of potential clients by refusing to talk to them in the way that will reach them? Sure, many of them are tech savvy, but they often find us on the web after seeing our names and faces in newspapers, in glossy magazines, or hearing us on the radio.

It's true that many potential buyers start a home search on the internet before they ever contact a Realtor®. But that doesn't mean that just having a Web presence is enough, any more than doing the Three P's is enough. Placing the listing in the MLS (which is NOT the same as advertising on the Web, though some agents think so), Placing a sign in the ground, and Praying – these won't sell houses.

Knowing the market, taking the time to listen and learn about the client's needs, working my wide network of connections and resources, investing my time and talent in each transaction, and yes, placing ads in all appropriate media, that sells houses. Sure, you can Google me and my properties anytime. I'm there. But I'm also in the Merchandiser, the Baltimore Jewish Times, and the New York Times when the property needs that.

Some sellers like to see their home in the paper, others love to see it on their computer. Whether it's a big ad on your web site or a print ad in the local paper, how can it be wrong to do whatever it takes to reassure your seller while you market their home?

The full-service commission that I receive does pay for the print ads, for the Internet ads, and for the many hours of my time. It is recognition that I apply all my knowledge, skill and experience to getting the best price for the home and making sure the seller is happy. This advertising also keeps my name and face in front of the public and keeps a future waiting list of sellers.

So forget print advertising? Not at this time!