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Buying Foreclosed Properties: Important Pitfalls
Many people have started looking at foreclosed properties as a new, cheap real estate investment. Properties at foreclosure sales often sell at a substantial discount, so you can get a very good deal in many cases. There are several problems you...
Home Floor Plan Designing for your future Home
Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder: What is your dream home? Do you have an idea of what it will look like? Defining a dream home is very difficult, especially if you have a spouse or significant other that has tastes different...
International Purchase - New Zealand Real Estate
So you have decided to purchase New Zealand real estate and move overseas. You scanned the world’s property journals and decided that this is your best international real estate investment, and that New Zealand is the place you want to turn into...
The Basics Of Real Estate Investing
Real estate investments may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but some people who have already tried investing in real estate know that it can be profitable. Real estate investment experts say there are several keys to making significant profits in real...
The Money Pit
A dark legend in the world of real estate, the monster in the closet, the secret fear of all investors. Why do we do it?
Why do we pour time and money, blood, sweat and tears, into a home renovation when the house turns out to be the equivalent...
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Real Estate Marketing Tips -- Using Testimonials
Genuine testimonials can add credibility to a real estate marketing program. When the testimonial comes from a known source, like a neighbor, that power increases tenfold. So how do you go about using testimonials?
An easy but effective formula:
1. Place a testimonial at the top of your piece, in headline fashion.
2. Followed up with your message, giving specifics of the transaction -- the number of interested buyers that came through, the time it took to get a contract. (Or other relevant data from a buyer agent transaction).
3. Then offer to help the reader in the same way.
4. End with your offer and call-to-action.
Create a testimonial "harvesting" system:
The easier your testimonial gathering system is, the more likely you'll do it on a regular basis. Put something down on paper. Map it out. Make it a point to solicit a testimonial from each client X-number of days after the transaction.
Follow your timeline consistently. And be sure you make it clear how you will use the testimonial (simply by using the phrase "in my marketing efforts").
Use your client's full name and address whenever possible. When you write a testimonial-request email or letter (or call them on the phone), ask if you can include their full name and address. Explain that it makes the testimonial more believable than something signed by "R. P. from Houston."
For example, if you lived at 344 Elm Street, Houston, TX, which of the following testimonials would capture more of your attention:
One signed by J. Riley, Houston,
TX?
Or one signed by John and Beth Riley, 357 Elm Street, Houston, TX?
Send thank-you cards or a small gift to testimonial providers. This will boost your referral rate. Besides, it's just plain nice (and there's plenty of room for nice in today's business world).
Use the complete testimonial:
Open your newspaper up to the movies section and you'll see testimonials that look like this:
"...great..."
"...superb..."
"...astounding..."
Besides the fact that these snippets are worthless, what's the first thing they bring to mind? If you're like me, you might say they look like they've been taken out of context by a tricky writer. Use the full testimonial, or at least the full sections that are most applicable.
Summary:
Testimonials carry more power than anything you might say about yourself. Create a simple harvesting system and follow it consistently. Be honest about your intentions. Send a thank-you card or small gift.
About the Author: Brandon Cornett has worked as a writer and advertising manager within the direct mail industry. He now dedicates his time to helping agents and brokers improve their marketing. His "Modern Guide to Real Estate Marketing" and his free newsletter are available at: http://www.ArmingYourFarming.com.
Source: www.isnare.com
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