Business Toolbox

 

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.

Need bandit signs?  The price is great and the turnaround time is very fast.

This is a great tool that will help you hang your signs 8-9 feet off the ground without a ladder.

There are a number of affordable options when it comes to post card marketing, but Click 2 Mail is one that a lot of investors use.

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!

If you don’t have access to the MLS this is an affordable paid service that will get you going.

Free software to market and analyze your deals. What a great tool.

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?

 

 

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