We have all seen those morning newspapers stuffed to the till’s with page after page of real estate ads. With all those ads competing for the same set of qualified buyers it can be quite a task for the average home seller to cut
can be quite a task for the average home seller to cut through all the clutter. Those ads don’t come cheap, so it makes sense to think carefully about the design, format and layout of the ad before shelling out all that cash.
One of the best places to start is with your own reactions to the ads you see. Take a moment to look through the real estate section of the local newspaper. See which ads catch your eye and which ones barely get a glimpse. Then look
carefully at what sets those eye-catching ads apart from all the others Is it the inclusion of attractive pictures? Is It the font? Is It the title of the ad? Simply looking at the ads and noting the effective elements will give you a great head start toward your own winning will give you a great head start toward your own winning newspaper ad.
When it comes time to start laying out the ad it is Important to use those winning design elements while still creating an ad that Is unique and properly tailored to your own property. Every home has its good points and Its bad
own property. Every home has its good points and Its bad points, the key is to accentuate those positive elements while minimizing the less attractive elements. For Instance, when choosing photographs it is Important to choose angles that show the home In its best light. When used properly photographs can greatly boost the effectiveness of an ad, but a bad photo will win you no
prospects.
It Is also important to keep in mind that the photographs should be designed with the black and white format of the newspaper in mind. Many of us have gotten so used to seeing full color ads in magazines, on the Internet and elsewhere that we overlook the differences inherent in the black and white newspaper ad. From lighting to photography techniques it Is Important to shoot with a black and white format in mind.
It is also important to consider the cost and benefit of every ad placement Every newspaper and other publication will have a different set of pricing options, and it is important to consider each ad carefully. When choosing which publications to use It Is important to look at factors like the daily and weekly circulation, the target audience of the publication and the nature of their real estate section. In many cases a combined approach works best; placing different ads in different newspapers in order to reach the widest possible audience at the lowest possible price.
…The first step is so obvious, yet many people forget about it: Tell people that you are selling a house! The days of just putting a sign in front of your house and waiting for customers to walk In are gone. When you talk to people about your house, don’t just think of your family, friends and neighbors. You can also talk to your co-workers, your children’s teachers, your health care providers, your hair stylist, and anyone else you have regular contact with. Even if those people are not in the market for what you are selling, they might know of someone else and pass the information on. This is called else and pass the information on. This is called networking. The best part is that it does not cost anything!
Another free way to market your home Is to advertise on websites. Use search engines to find web sites in your area that fit your need. While some sites charge fees, many do not. If you are using a realtor, your home will most likely be on their website. In that case, ask to seethe advertisement to give you Ideas what key words to use.
… Placing a classified ad in your local newspaper is also a good idea. This strategy works best if combined with an open house. Usually a realtor holds an open house shortly after he or she lists a property. If you are not using a
realtor, you can still hold an open house, It just takes more planning. It Is a good Idea to have a brochure prepared that lists the details of your home. If you are not using a realtor and you are not sure how to make a flyer on your computer, you can have an office supply store make it for you. You can also hire a freelance artist to make it for you. You can also hire a freelance artist to
compose it these services can be found in your local newspaper or by searching the Internet.
Of course you can also use brochures without holding an open house. The brochure should include color pictures, as well as a list of the popular features of your home. Some of the things people usually want to know include the
amount of bedrooms, bathrooms and fireplaces, as well as school district and amount of taxes. Don’t forget to include your contact information! The brochures should be placed in a holder by your mailbox.
