Marketing is such an important part of our real estate investing business that we are always looking for tools make the job easier. Here are a few that I love.
Getting the Business
Most everyone uses bandit signs when they are first starting out and a lot of seasoned investors continue to use them. They can be very effective when they are used regularly, but they can be costly and they are a real pain in the neck to put up. You do need to be sure they are legal in your area. Here are a couple of resources for you.
If you want a completely done for you system, check this company out. They are a little pricier as they charge a monthly fee, but you set it up and it’s done. And, keeping your list up to date is included.
I have used Vista Print for a long time for my business cards. Their prices can't be beat and you can almost always get 250 cards free on their website.
I’ve got a house. Now what?
Once you’ve found that smoking hot deal, there are some things you are going to have to do. These tools will help you get the job done.
This is a great little flip camera. You can take pictures or video of houses and post those directly to the internet or save them on your computer. I love mine!
This is a free service that allows you to create beautiful flyers and post them right to Craig’s List, Facebook, and other online sites to market your property.
Communication and the “Wow Factor”
If you have taken the time to build a list in your business, it’s imperative to keep in touch and nurture these relationships.
Most real estate investors are familiar with this auto responder service. Aweber is inexpensive ($19.00 per month) and always delivers. Using auto responders helps you stay on top of “keeping in touch” with those folks on your list.
When you get a property you can send it to your entire buyers list via text with just the push of a button. Just about everyone would prefer get a text first and then give you a call back at their convenience.
“Wowing”
In this business, it’s vital to make a good impression. You want to be remembered. The truth of the matter is that most people are so bad at making a good impression it doesn’t really take that much effort to stand out. When a seller is getting bombarded with letters and offers, just how can you stand out from the pack? Send them a thank you card! Take the time to thank them for letting you look at the property and considering your offer (even if they turned you down flat). Guess who they will remember if they move on to plan B?
You can write a simple thank you card, but you can also up the “wow factor” with one of these.
This is a great service that allows you to order and send out a customized card automatically for just about the price of a card in the store and a stamp.
This is a service that I just learned about, and I love it. Just by having a person’s email address you can send out stunning, tasteful cards, invitations and all sorts of announcements.
There are free versions and paid (but very cheap) versions of these cards. They have things for just about any occasion or promotion you could imagine. When you receive a Paperless Post, it looks like it is in an envelope. It’s animated to open up and pop out your card or invitation. These would be great for your next promotion to your email list.
You are probably using some of these in your business now. Are there some you could add to your toolbox starting tomorrow?
I am very happy to read such a wonderful post. Now I am eager to learn more about this stuffs you mention. Please keep on doing a good job and I’ll be glad to read all your posts.
Vistaprint and dirtcheapsigns are my go to for cards and signs. Also look at buildasign. It depends on the company you work for but they have branded items for most large RE firms. If you are ever in VA stop by Lake of the Woods! http://chooselakeofthewoods.com Great post.
Robert- I do internet marketing but I am still trying to get my site optimized. You need a website though. When people look you up, they need to be directed to a website. It makes you seem like a legitimate business.
Robert I love the Oncarrot sites. I did a couple of posts on their sites. Here is the link to the posts. There is a link in there to their site. I love these sites and they work well.
I only use white letters for probates. I send 5, then clean the database which usually ends up taking 3-4 weeks, then I start again. Repeat this cycle until the house is sold. I just bought one yesterday. That estate was opened just about a year ago. Guess who was still mailing this guy????
I went to click2mail through your recommendation above, it seems like there are lots of choices for postcard. Could you mind sharing with me which one do you use for absentee owners?
Hello,
I have enjoyed reading your blogs on another site and wanted to come visit yours. I have only just begun this adventures by reading a book by an invester and many different blogs. I am getting this started late in life and I am a bit overwhelmed but really want to make the world of wholesaling work. Some say get the great deal then find a buyer – others say get a buyers list first then find your deals. What keeps running through my mind – how can buyers trust you if you have nothing to prove yourself with. An older female just starting out – I can’t wrap my mind around how to get buyers first with nothing to offer nor do I want to end up with a house I can’t reaasign because I have no buyers. What do you suggest. Thanks for making this available. I really appreciate it.
Jackie – As long as you stick to bread and butter neighborhoods with solid 3 bedroom houses, you won’t have any trouble finding buyers for them. Join your local REIA group and become involved. You will see who is buying. People will begin to tell you what they are looking for. You have to be sure to buy the house cheap enough. I find the house frist, and then find a buyer. Don’t worry about being your age or gender. It makes absolutely no difference to the buyers. Just concentrate on learning what a good deal is. I have written about that many times here on my blog.
Just go to your local investors meetings and learn who the rehabbers and landlords are. They will be your buyers. When you find a deal you will know who to call. And I have to tell you, age is just a number. This business is perfect for women of all ages. Good luck.
Thank You , Very much helpful info but why you stopped blogging ?
I haven’t stopped blogging.
🙂
I am very happy to read such a wonderful post. Now I am eager to learn more about this stuffs you mention. Please keep on doing a good job and I’ll be glad to read all your posts.
Vistaprint and dirtcheapsigns are my go to for cards and signs. Also look at buildasign. It depends on the company you work for but they have branded items for most large RE firms. If you are ever in VA stop by Lake of the Woods! http://chooselakeofthewoods.com Great post.
I love Vista Print. I will check out the other resources. I have never been to VA. Thanks.
Hello Sharon, do you do any internet marketing, do you have any we buy houses website and can you tell me how is that working out for you, Thank you
Robert- I do internet marketing but I am still trying to get my site optimized. You need a website though. When people look you up, they need to be directed to a website. It makes you seem like a legitimate business.
Sharon
Robert I love the Oncarrot sites. I did a couple of posts on their sites. Here is the link to the posts. There is a link in there to their site. I love these sites and they work well.
Hi Sharon, I’m going back to probates and was wondering how many times you market to them? After you send letter, is it all postcards? Thanks..
I only use white letters for probates. I send 5, then clean the database which usually ends up taking 3-4 weeks, then I start again. Repeat this cycle until the house is sold. I just bought one yesterday. That estate was opened just about a year ago. Guess who was still mailing this guy????
Sharon
Eve – I am in the process of changing all of my marketing now. Check back in a few weeks.
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I went to click2mail through your recommendation above, it seems like there are lots of choices for postcard. Could you mind sharing with me which one do you use for absentee owners?
thanks
Eve
Hello,
I have enjoyed reading your blogs on another site and wanted to come visit yours. I have only just begun this adventures by reading a book by an invester and many different blogs. I am getting this started late in life and I am a bit overwhelmed but really want to make the world of wholesaling work. Some say get the great deal then find a buyer – others say get a buyers list first then find your deals. What keeps running through my mind – how can buyers trust you if you have nothing to prove yourself with. An older female just starting out – I can’t wrap my mind around how to get buyers first with nothing to offer nor do I want to end up with a house I can’t reaasign because I have no buyers. What do you suggest. Thanks for making this available. I really appreciate it.
Jackie – As long as you stick to bread and butter neighborhoods with solid 3 bedroom houses, you won’t have any trouble finding buyers for them. Join your local REIA group and become involved. You will see who is buying. People will begin to tell you what they are looking for. You have to be sure to buy the house cheap enough. I find the house frist, and then find a buyer. Don’t worry about being your age or gender. It makes absolutely no difference to the buyers. Just concentrate on learning what a good deal is. I have written about that many times here on my blog.
Just go to your local investors meetings and learn who the rehabbers and landlords are. They will be your buyers. When you find a deal you will know who to call. And I have to tell you, age is just a number. This business is perfect for women of all ages. Good luck.