It is so important to have my game plan ready for marketing a property and giving it the best exposure possible as a new listing. Provided that the home is in "showing condition ready" those first 24 hours are crucial to get all marketing material ready and out for the public to consume.
- I take dozens of pictures before the listing is even ready to put on the MLS to ensure that I have
MANY pictures for different sites that I post the listing on. I never rely on one shot of one room. I take MANY with different views and angles because you just don't know how they'll look until you get home and look at them. - I also have my flyer and brochures made and already in the home for showing appointments.
- My booklet of property info is already in the home as well along with magnetic 'things to do' notepads an keychains and other odds and ends for guests to take with them.
- As soon as the property is up and running on our Honolulu MLS system I insert the pictures which are already sized for input.
- I already have my www.realestateshows.com show ready and slap that link directly into our virtual tour entry spot and wham! That's up and running within the first 10 minutes as well.
- My flyer with the tour (made from www.realestateshows.com) is up and running on my ActiveRain blog as well as all the spots that they have linked to the show when you click for submission (i.e. Google Base,Trulia, Zillow, Oodle, Hotpads, Vast, Geebo, Viewr and Clickapost)
- I download the property show from www.realestateshows.com and my husband burns them to cd with the pictures and my info right on it. I keep a few for handing out...and also put a few in the home for showing appointments and for the Open Houses.
- Enter the listing into our Century 21 site and Realtor.com and enhance the listings with slide shows, music, additional pictures and so forth.
- Trulia and Craigslist even get the property listing on their sites too.
Why are those first 24 hours crucial? All the input I enter for one listing are getting exposure ....and Google Alerts me within a few hours. That means it's all over the internet and the consumer is viewing. You are also giving your client's property the best possible marketing tools on and off the internet with all the marketing material I've described here.
The buyer who walks into the home will walk away with the cd and NOT forget the home...they can play it over and over. The other informational material will surely give them loads of info so they are well informed and can make a uniformed decision within those first few hours after viewing.
Your listing will leave a lasting impression on the consumer...and you have given the property loads of exposure and given the seller reason to say you've done a 'phenomenal job' of marketing their property.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
P.S. I love my real estate show (obvious) ...:) :)
I just roll everything into a ball and throw it in the air...and see where it sticks.
WooHoo, Your Sellers are very fortunate to have you. You do an awesone job of getting their property "Out there". Good for you. The first 24 hours is also imprtant because there are probably lots of buyers that have been set with auto property alerts by their agents. When your listing comes across their email it will catch their attention due to all the photos and the video tour.
Neal: I really need to give you a noogie or something...maybe that'll stick lol!
BB: I always forget something in my posts lol! You're absolutely right! All the new listings pop up and that first peek by the buyer will surely impress them....with all my stuff up there :) :)
I just love those custom virtual tours - very powerful to offer sellers !
You are clearly a premiere, efficient listing agent, and your sellers must surely luv ya !!!
Nice Sally ! ...thanks again for sharing, I love your blog...
Cheers !
Sheldon
Aloha Sally,
The sign of a real pro Sally, have great systems in place. And I agree with your philosophy about the urgency of having every ready for a new listing.
Well done, other should learn a lot from this post.
I love your CD that you give out! I remember when you posted about this before and I still haven't made any progress on borrowing that idea, but I need to. I know your buyers and sellers both appreciate it.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Sally, You are a top notich realtor....I'm so glad there are such dedicated and knowledgeable people like yourself out there to help their clients. From what I have seen on the MLS lately, if they even HAVE pictures they are a disaster. Consumers need to look for an EXPERT who pulls out all the stops.
Sally - you are absolutely correct. The sooner the better to get the property all the exposure they need. Point2 is another great web site that syndicates to a lot of search engines. I don't know why I see listings in the MLS already 3,4,5,7 days old and just got input.
Hi Sally - this is great! Getting everything ready to go the minute you put the listing into MLS is important. By the next day it might not be marked "new" (at least not in our MLS), and if other agents or consomers have seen it before it has all the bells and whistles included, they might not come back for a second look. So tell me - do you like real estate shows? ;-)
Hi Sally, good to know that you can immediately upload pictures to Realtor.com.
Sally - you clearly do a great job for your seller clients. I find the first few hours of a new listing is pretty crazy since there is so much on-line marketing to do. I also use a unique blog for each listing with photos, videos, more information, adn multiple articles that I add during the first few days.
Jeff
Sally, you are a true professional and a credit to our profession. Thank you for your passion, your commitment to excellence, and your generous transparency. I can hardly wait to refer a client to you! ;-)
Nice list, I agree that the first 24 hours is critical. It's all about first impressions.
Sally you do a terrific job. It is good to have all the pieces ready before putting the listing on the MLS, I won't give a listing without pictures a second look.
Sally.... sounds like you have a real plan here for your sellers. This is very detailed and easy to understand. And it sounds like your sellers are in great hands. Carole mentioned about your post on her post also. Nice job here.
Woo Hoo, Happy Valentines Day! Could anyone wonder why you are so successful in your real estate career. I love the old adage "the harder I work, the luckier I get "and you fit it to a "T".
20 things you can do at no cost to improve your Marketing and make more money now with Global www.viewr.com,
http://www.viewrmarketing.com .
--- Karl Lingenfelder
President/CEO
Woo Hoo Sally...
I am presently receiving property alerts for The Florida Keys. I can't tell you how often I receive alerts for properties with just a few pics and nothing else. Geesh, you'd think $600,000 and $700,000 listings would at least have a tour of some sort. Now I understand why Buyers call and beg us to run around taking pictures for them. It makes me wonder about that whole pocket listing thing :)
TLW...ROAR!
Oh, Sally. I love this.
So often an agent will
Take Listing
Enter Listing in MLS
then. . . . . sooner or later. . . . .
distribute to office agents, take photos, make brochure, order sign, and then . . . . . sooner or later. . .
install key box so co-op agents can show.
It's as though the "get the listing is the goal" and the rest is just work.
Sally, that's great stuff. Could you expand on the "Google Alerts" portion? Thanks again. kevincavanaughonline.com
When syndicating to multiple sites is so important to do it right the first time. Its what everyone will be seeing from the start.
Sally, Just curious: What software does your husband prefer for burning CDs? And for printing the color label on the CD? Thanks!
It takes me a couple of days now to get all of my online marketing up and running. It is a lot of work but it helps tremendously and sellers love the exposure they get.
Celeste, good post. I do things very similarly. The biggest factor is the MLS hot sheets which good agents check daily. If the pictures and descriptions aren't there, many agents will either ignore it and forget it since it's just another poor input. With the virtual tour, pictures, full description it will make a much stronger impression.
Sally - Sounds like you have their marketing plan down to a science... I'm also a fan of Real Estate Shows - They are a great tool!
Hi Sally:
Well done. The first 24 hours are absolutely crucial!
Every minute counts...
Celeste, Great job as I think it's important that the sellers see your efforts. My process is similar and I don't stop until it's done. How much time would you say it takes you to accomplish the items you listed?
MORNING SALLY! "When I grow up - I want to be like Sally!" The 24 hour time frame is critical - and what you do in it is exactly what you say - it can make or break it! It's almost like being an emergency room doctor! -- Gabrielle
You are so right! It is critical to get everything out there! When buyers (and agents) get the Alerts from MLS that a new home is on the market - it doesn't do much good, when the agent has yet to post any pictures!
Well done and a class act too. It is so crucial to get those 24 hour taken care of.
When you list it it helps to have the photos out there right away.
Sally, Great post ! You are right, those first few days are crucial and critical to maximize exposure right from the beginning ! It is great to be among some of the best internet marketers right here in the Rain ! Your seller client is a lucky seller to have you !
Morning Sally, Very impressive system in place to ensure max exposure !
Sally - Your clients should all be extremely pleased with the service you provide! Bravo!
Sally
Love all your ideas, I will borrow some of them. Pictures on MLS the first day the listings shows up are a must.
The only thing that I don't like, and that may be just me, is the music on those virtual tours. I find it distracting and annoying. And if the volume in the computers is up agghhh.
Great post. Your sellers are lucky to have you.
Sally - you totally Rock!! You should check out the business card sized CD's they cell now. Fit's in your wallet and holds 50 megs. Very cool. Business Card CD's
Sally, I love this. I do many of the same things, I am just not sure about I am as fast as you are? Your clients are blessed to have you represent them. I was wondering how you did the CD? I recently joined the RES, but need to sit down and study it. So far I am loving it. You are awesome.
Sally - these are all fabulous tips to make sure all bases are covered. I bookmarked this post! Thanks Sally.
Sally, I'm going to do my first RealEstateShow this week. I'm very excited about trying it. I've only heard good things and what you've just discribed is very exciting!
I want one of those CD programs....Putting the info on a CD doesn't seem hard, but getting your pictures on the front impresses me :) I have always admired your Marketing Skills :)
Sally~ You can do all of those things with RealEstateShows? As far as the CD, what program do you use and how do you get those labels? Vickie
You have a great marketing plan. A good reference to bookmark.
I agree. When a hit comes up for my buyer, I need to see pictures with it.
Sheldon: Oh....I'm that way with both buyers/sellers :)
Lynda: Thanks Lynda...I get discouraged looking through many listings for buyers...and they are wondering why there aren't any pictures ,....what can I say...they didn't take any.
Ann: Thanks...and this time I have MY info on it ...like someone suggested before. Getting better at ordering my husband around lol!
Sally... taking many photos is a key in this business... great marketing stratigy you have here...
Carole: I just saw you post...thanks for the mention there! I agree...WORK FOR OUR CLIENTS. Geez, I often wonder...what ARE they actually doing?
Petra: They are going to start charging for Point2....and still don't know if I want to continue as I don't get as much exposure as other sites.
Susan: You wouldn't believe how many are searching...let alone getting in line for new listings and wanting to see PICTURES!
Leolinda: Actually, Realtor.com takes our listings from our mls and it does take a day .....THEN I can upload immediately. I think it's more important for our local mls to have everything in quickly as agents/their clients/my clients are getting automatic notification of new listings.
Jeff; Thanks Jeff...i do as well. It takes MANY hours to get as many up as I can. Those first 24 hours are so crucial to local markets and mls system.....why they don't take any pics is beyond me.
Randy: I appreciate your kind comment. THIS is what makes us good Realtors®.... doing a good job and working hard and efficiently.
Kevin/Monica...it is....those first impressions MAKE the difference for showing those listings.
Jennifer: My clients think so too :) :)
Jeff: Thanks for letting me know Jeff! Carole is a sweetheart! This should be VERY easy to understand so hopefully agents in my market are reading and taking heed. More are concerned with 'self' rather than promoting their listings effectively. :)
Hi William! Happy WooHoo! I hug you!....and thank you!
Karl: ???? And just what are you trying to say?
Hey TLW! That's what makes me mad. My clients (buyers) ask me to take pictures because THEY didn't do their job. No matter what the price.....all listings should be well taken care of to promote/market/sell.
Lenn: Thanks Lenn! Yup....sooner or later ....if even. I turned a listing down last week....but that was another story :)
Thanks Kevin: Set up your Google Alerts for keywords you have plugged into your listings/blogs. Plenty of info right here on AR. Type google into the search :)
Laura: Exactly. Those first looks are detrimental to a listing's success.
Cheryl: He uses Nero 7 Ultimate (husband has a person thing to not use the Nero 8 or 9 as they have issues) for burning and it's not a label but prints directly to cd with our HP D5360 cd printer. (didn't cost much and we have two other laser and color printers but it does that job well) Software is Surething CD/DVD Labeler 5.
Sally - your clients are lucky that you know that you only get one chance to make a first impression. We often have a 7-10 day lag between signing and entering the listing in the MLS (we have selles sign and authorize that delay) so that the photos, tours, links, flyers, website, etc are all done and ready when it hits.
Hey Sally! I have hesitated looking into Real Estate shows but after your enthusiastic endorsement plan to do so this week! Congrats on the feature too! WOO HOO!
Bill: I think it takes many a few days...but that first day is crucial for local markets.
Gabe: And that's a bunch of FACTS!
We do the same thing. The pre-marketing period is key to get all this work done so you can hit the ground running when you do put the property in the MLS. Thanks for the summary here. Very well worded!
great points, it is impeartive for the client to know you are on top of what you represented in your listing appointment as well
Sally - I love Real Estate Shows! We have to have our listings in MLS within a day of listing it - so it is crucial to have a plan and get it all done, Real Estate Shows is so easy and quick - it really helps.
Sally,
I can see how organized you are. Now, do you do all of this yourself or do you have an assistant that helps?
Debbie: Not quite...as it keeps changing through changing industry :)
Toula: Exactly!
Barb: Me either...and I keep tweaking it throughout...have to!
Gabrielle: Aww...shucks :) No kidding!
James: No kidding...it's like a let down or something.
Russ: Yes it does!
Chris/Steph: Why thanks much! Hope this helps others too!
Bill: Thanks...it sure is a winner :)
Sally-What an awesome post. Congrats on the feature. :-)
Sally, congrats on another well written feature. You have all the bases covered with the exposure and this is why they should choose YOU!
Barbara: Thanks...woohoo!
Tere: Glad you can use some! On www.realestateshows.com you have your pick of music....I use soft stuff and it isn't distracting but adds to it. The noisy ones may be annoying. :)
Brad: Awww...that was nice of you. The biz sized cards aren't doing what I want though. Those don't have enough room for pictures and my info in print right on the cd. Thanks though...maybe I can use a biz card though :)
Audrey: Fast? I devote the hours and hours it takes to do all. On RES they have options to download etc. When you burn it to cd it plays automatically as soon as it comes on. No clicking here and there...just starts. Pretty cool.
Sally, You are a true professional! I have written about this in the past. It always amazes me when I see a new listing with NO photo. There is simply no excuse for not having all of your marketing prepared before submitting a listing to the MLS! Great job.
Hi Sally, Thanks, great ideas, I am going to bookmark this one. Congrats on your feature.
Sally, I notice that listings ready to go seem to offer a more professional touch than something input lacking details, photos, virtual tour, etc. With competition higher than average I would bet your listings get more traffic, exposure and higher closing ratio than others. Lucky sellers have you!
Sharon: Woohoo! Glad it helped ya!
Connie: Wonderful! Just to let you know...you can use RES for area tours, your dog, your community, the beach and also for buyers who want to keep looking at the place they are in contract with. It's great!
Kathy: Thanks....you can do your listings on them and you need a printable cd printer. Thanks.
Vicky: Oh, yeah...cool huh?
Sally,
Well done. It's service that separates the pros from the wannabees. I'm sure your sellers appreciate the additional traffic that your efforts bring!!
Sally: Thank you!! Off now to do a little software/printer shopping....
Sally,
Wow! You are a dynamo! Love the idea of the CD....THANKS!
Sally, What an awesome marketing program. I'm sure your sellers love it. Bet it helps you get listings too.
Rebecca: Thanks...hope it helps.
Melina: Don't we all!
Roland: Thanks...it is a plus for any market any time.
Sharon: 7-10 days? Wow. We put it up the same day and after signing the listing we have to have it in the mls by 4 days (unless for some reason the seller wants to wait....to get home ready or something) Sounds like you folks have a plan set anyway.
Sally having followed your blogs for a while now, I would not expect anything less than 110% from you when it comes to representing your clients..
Russell: Oh, Russell..you will just love it! There are no limits...do a show for Christmas, for family (you can send to relatives so they can see what's going on in your home :) or for anything and everything....not just listings. Unlimited shows per year for one flat fee. Go to Jeff Turners blog and you'll see the member discount :)
Christianne: Great...then you are ahead of the game too!
James: No kidding....I wonder what some promise and don't fulfill?
Virginia: I agree...so that is the main focal point of my listings....pictures, RES :)
Diane: All by myself. My clients get ME. :)
Sharon: Thanks
Gary: Thanks...and WooHoo!
Diane: Thanks Diane. Those amaze me as well...The timing is crucial. It's those first 24 hours that will be embedded in all agents and the consumer's minds that will leave a lasting impression ....or not.
Christine: WooHoo....hope it helps!
Kelly: Of course they do! Thanks much!
Hal: That last sentence (the word phenomenal) came from my current seller (the listing in the photo). I do believe they're pleased :)
Chery: go to surething.com for the software for the pictures on cd. We got that cheap printer at OfficeMax :)
Lori: Dynamo? Hmm...I do believe I have dynamite lit under my behind to keep me moving! haha!
Eileen: Being on top of the game in a slower market is definitey in the cards!
George: You were following me? LOL! I thank you for all you have done to support me throughout George :) :) Thanks much!
I am always dismayed (not shocked... just unhappy) that so many agents try to see how little they can do to sell a property. And they end up squandering the best opportunity.
Sally,
Great post. I love all your ideas, especially the cd! Mind if I borrow it?
lisa
Sally, great advice and organization. Our listings are getting sparcer and sparcer these days. People are so afraid that they will have to take less than they want. It's just that chain link reaction to everything else. I do have a listing appointment in the morning though~yea! Take care and thanks for the great post.
Later in the rain~Deb
I totally agree with you. I always tell my sellers that I blast them out there as soon as they are active. I haven't done the cd though, that is a great idea!
Sally- fantastic system you have in place! I love the exceptional care you have for your clients. This is a wonderful post and something for all Realtors to aspire to!
Sally you are a woman after my online heart! I really think it is so important to saturate the market with information about a newly listed property as soon as possible. The online world demands photos and information and they want it right away or onto the next listing they go. I appreciate your thoughtful posts and keep on blogging!
Great listing plan! I agree the first 24 hours are the most important. Way to get your listings out there.
Sally --- a great post --- I am going to re-blog this so that more of my agents will read it. They usually read my blogs, but not necessarily others.
Sally - shhh ... don't give away all the secrets of success ... but then I suppose those that do not already know what it takes likely are not here in the rain anyway so go ahead the rest of us can always use a refresher. Your vendors must love the exposure you provide for their homes
Lane...and that's a fact. They literally miss the boat. Oh, well, this may or may not help those who are oblivious to their insincerity to their clients...or not. But at least I'm seeing the ones that are right up there with me on this one! :)
Lisa: Of course you can...everyone can....I'm sure there are many that already do. I just started implementing that into the rest of my marketing.
Deb: I'd love the sparser listings...that means buyers! Yup I love buyers! I love sellers! I love all and it's up to us to represent them to the max!
Terrific list, terrific post. I agree -- time is of the essence, exposure is vital. I love the CD's that people can take away from opens/viewings. They are great for the brokers too.
Hi Sally! I'm late to the party for this one but, WHAT a great post! I'm going to re-blog and make sure that my team reads this one for SURE! Thanks for the reminder and pulling this altogether for us Sally!
Alexsandra: Thanks much! And it works!
Debe: Wonderful...glad it can be of some help!
Hi Sally,
Also late in reading this. Awesome post and great information. Thanks
Wow well done and very nice. What camera do you use? That seems to be the key.
I missed this very informative post the first time around. Thank you for bringing my attention to it.
Great post!
I cannot wait to impliment some of these great suggestions in my next listing, next week! I have been wondering where to do some of the DVDs, so I am really appreciative of all you have written here.
Thanks,
Dagny
Sally, I'm so glad I read your timely post, as I'm preparing for my very first listing in about a week! Thank you for sharing. Much appreciated.