It is important for home sellers to remember to put something in the buyer’s hands. Its hard to put a house in their hands though. But it is very easy to highlight the best features of a home onto a convenient  real estate flyer. However, flyers aren’t a place for a “data-dump” but rather a reminder of the best attributes of a home.

Home buyers are in the process of making the biggest, most expensive purchase of their lives. They are looking for specific features in a home, a dream or starter home. It is critical for the sellers to use real estate flyers to tell the buyers about the property when they leave.

The real estate flyers should have several components. One of the most important features of a successful real estate flyer are pictures. Most buyers are not going to consider purchasing a home if they can’t see what it looks like. Even if a home is listed with all the features they are looking for in a home, if there are no pictures to back those statements up, a buyer will likely ignore the listing. There are some essential pictures that should be included:

• Front of the house
• Master Bedroom
• Kitchen
• Living Room

The better the pictures look, the better the flyer will look. The buyer wants to know what the home they will be living in looks like and the pictures should show them.

Now that the pictures have been selected, sellers should also list important features of the home on the real estate flyer. At the very least, a home owner should list:

• Price
• Square Footage
• # Bedroom & Bathrooms
• Any upgraded features

A lot of home owners have features in their homes that are not standard. These things should also be listed, if not pictured on the flyer. The fact that a home has a Jacuzzi tub, gardens on the property or a roof top deck could be the deciding feature between similarly priced homes.

When those things are on the flyer, it gives the buyer time to weigh the features of the home against their want list. If a buyer is truly interested in the property, it will give the seller time to speak with serious buyers. When homeowners are honest upfront about the home, buyers appreciate them for not wasting their time on a home that doesn’t meet their needs or budget.

Talking about the neighborhood is also very important. There are certain buyers that will only purchase a home in a certain neighborhood. If there are special events, specific school districts or spacious yards, the buyer will want to know about these positive aspects of the neighborhood. Even in a neighborhood that is less than desirable, there is always something positive to list. Buyers should always know where they may live.

Successful real estate flyers always include information about the home. Buyers don’t like to waste more time than necessary when looking for the home of their dreams. By handing out great real estate flyers, home owners are saving themselves the aggravation of dealing with buyers that are not interested in what they have to offer. A great flyer saves both parties time and energy.

(if you’d like to see more real estate flyer examples, click here to see a sample gallery.

1. High Pressure Real Estate Sales!

Glengarry GlenRoss, 2002 (4.5 of 5 Stars on Amazon) 

(Glengarry Glen Ross The Movie on Amazon)

All Star Cast: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris

If a car salesman and a Realtor had a baby it would be Blake (played by Alec Baldwin) a hard driving, super closer, take no prisoner type of guy!

My favorite quote: “…You know what it takes to sell real estate? It take brass balls!”

Memorable take away: ABC — Always Be Closing

Here’s a clip:

2. Buying Signs

Boiler Room, 2000 (4 of 5 Stars on Amazon) 

(Boiler Room The Movie on Amazon)

All Star Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long, Nicky Katt, Scott Caan

Super movie about cold calling. It’s one of the worst and most dreaded tasks in sales to do, but it’s not all that bad… at least we’re not pushing stocks!

My favorite quote: “There is no such thing as a no sales call. As sale is made on every call you make. Either you sell the client OR he sales you on a reason he can’t. Either way, a sale is made.”

Memorable take away: Act As If!

3.Chicken Wing Confidence

Tommy Boy, 1995 (4.5 of 5 Stars on Amazon) 

(Tommy Boy on Amazon)

All Star Cast: Chris Farley, David Spade, Brian Dennehy, Bo Derek, Dan Aykroyd

Ultimate funny movie that’s surprisingly education. Tommy’s trying to live up to his father’s name and learns how to be a genuine salesman throughout the process.

My favorite quote: “…it’s about reading people… knowing what people wanted to hear and what they NEEDED to hear… that’s what selling is all about.”

Memorable take away: Confidence

There are many ways to get inspired… I get my inspiration juice from movies! What about you? Where do you find that extra “umph” to get you back on your feet and burning up the pavement?

Here are some of the main highlights:

Specifically made for Mac Pages
These templates were purposed built to work seamlessly with Pages. Upload them to your “My Templates” folder for easy access.

Customize it!
You can re-arrange the layout, delete things, change fonts, colors, and add graphics!  Customize as much or as little as you’d like.

Flyer + Back + Supporting Pages
Each template package comes with a cover page, flyer, call-out flyer, back pages, and marketing support pages.

• Contracts
• Written Agreements
• Marketing Brochures
• Real Estate Property Flyers
• Personal–Property Websites

Why use templates? Templates are made to make real estate tasks easier, faster, and more convenient. They’ll become the #1 tool in your business and a key resource in dominating the competition. Take for example contracts; if you’ve every used WinForms before, those are a form of template. The legal verbiage has already been pre-written for you; the only thing you need to do is fill-in the blanks with your client’s information. Now image WinForms didn’t exist! You’d have to write or commission an attorney to draft listing–purchase agreements for each and every property. This can be time consuming and very expensive; which are the main reasons templates are so popular. They are the biggest time and cost saver for business.

For many of the ‘repetitive’ duties, like marketing, templates make light work of complex tasks. Chances are you’re not a graphic design superstar who can crank out marketing artwork and–or property flyers in 5 minutes. Actually, even hot-shot graphic designers couldn’t do that from scratch. However, if 90% of the artwork and layout is pre-loaded for you, throwing in a few photos and typing in text is a breeze. With the help of templates, Top Producing agents can create listing flyers in less than 5 minutes. That’s the power of templates. In fact, templates are the secret tool ‘custom‘ graphic designers use to make property flyers. It’s a short-cut they exploit and charge agents hundreds of dollars for. All they simply do is load-up a template and drop-in the property information and send you an invoice.

Websites are a great example of effective use for templates. Just like marketing flyers, you’re probably clueless when it comes to html and java-script website coding. Website templates (sometimes called ‘themes’) make creating personal, professional, and–or property websites simple and easy. Although website templates are a bit more complex than document or marketing design templates, they are less complicated than trying to create a website from scratch. Most website templates are free! The most popular platform for creating a professional looking website is WordPress.

Should you use templates? Absolutely! Well, unless you’re the sole heir to an oil company with an endless stream of income, you should definitely consider using templates. They save you time, money, and effort; especially for marketing and websites. Templates allow you to portray a professional and polished look to your clients and prospects. They’re especially important for new agents. They’re a cost effective way to enter into the market without looking like an amateur. Seasoned agents love them too, since they can basically eliminate the designer or programmer fees!

How about cost? Cost can vary depending on what template you’re looking for. WinForm is sold through your Realtor Association and is typically a monthly fee (it used to be a 1 time fee, but now it’s a monthly access fee which is another way for them to make more money). Marketing and Flyer templates can range in price from Free to $300. Prices are highly based on quality. Free templates are often simple and used as a “fish-hook” to get you in and upsell other products. An average price for a ‘single’ property marketing template is approximately $30-$40; which is very affordable since you can and will re-using them for your entire career.  Package templates, like Turn-Key Flyer Templates, are one of the better value templates at 50+ template designs for only $95. Do the math, that’s about $2.00 a template (or 94.3% off just buying a single template).

Website templates are a different story. I’ve found FREE is as good or even better than paid themes. Mentioned earlier, WordPress is the most widely used website platform and is very easy to use. There are real estate designed themes that are free. A quick google search will point you to the most recent themes that you can easily pop-into your site. However, one paid theme that I’ve liked for quite some time is the ESTATE theme by WooThemes. It’s purpose built for real estate and looks and functions very smoothly.

When researching templates, you’ll notice some companies like to charge a monthly SUBSCRIPTION fee. This is a decision that you’ll have to make based on your budget. The “subscription” gives you ‘access’ to online templates. Keep in mind you don’t own these templates. Once you stop paying your subscription, it’s over. Subscription based templates range from $9-$90 per month.

So which template system should you use?

That’s a tough question and depends on your level of business and sales volume. High volume top producers might find the cost to convenience factor is better with a subscription service. Newer agents trying to manage monthly cash flow, paying a subscription for a service you might or might not use depending on your listing frequency is a fee that’s hard to justify.

I personally don’t like the subscriptions because I’m a stickler for cash flow. If you own a template out-right, the more you use it the less expensive it gets. Plus, subscription services like Imprev are full of extra fluff products that are used to justify a monthly fee; however, if you really look into it you might only use once in your career. My advice, try to find templates you can buy. Focus on the important templates that you’ll use all the time: contracts, brochures, flyers, and your website theme.

What about software programs?

Great question, and again, this depends on your skill level. Templates come in many file formats and some come in their own software programs. Stick to the file format that you’re most comfortable with. Contracts written in MS WORD .DOC or fill-able PDF file is good and easy to understand.

PDF format is actually a very understated technology that has make drastic improvements in the last few years. What most people don’t realize is that PDFs can be made into fill-able form templates. The main benefit to PDF is that most, if not all, computer are compatible with Adobe PDF and Adobe Reader (which is free). Since there are no special software to use like: WORD, PHOTOSHOP, ILLUSTRATOR, or PUBLISHER, you don’t have to worry about shelling out hundreds to buy or update your current software version. Adobe reader is free!

Website template are web based so you don’t need to worry about software issues.

Where can I find templates?

There are handfuls of great companies on the internet that provide templates and template services. You’d really have to do research to find the templates that best fit your needs. Contracts are pretty simple, use WinForms. Marketing templates take a bit of research. My company, TurnKeyFlyers.com makes PDF based property templates. However, they might not fit your exact needs. There aren’t many companies in the marketing template space. You can review them all within a few hours.

For website templates, I’d highly recommend looking into WordPress.com and WooThemes. They’re the most widely used and popular.

Templates are an essential tool for your business. They make your business run smoother, faster, and more efficient. They cut precious time, effort, and cost. Templates will help new agents look like rockstars, and help veteran agents perform like rockstars!

Happy marketing everyone!

Like Resources:

WordPress.com

WooThemes.com — Estate Theme

TurnKeyFlyers.com

Imprev.com

RealFlyer.com

A few days ago I posted an article “I lost a sale because of facebook!” which hit a nerve with some agents and brought up a very important subject about Social Media Ethics and Best Practices. Social Media (ie: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even ActiveRain) are weaved into the fabric of our everyday communication.

Currently, Social Media Ethics are not yet covered in our real estate education requirements. I think this subject is important to understand, so this is a “working” article (I’ll be updating based on comments and suggestions) on the possible threats social media can have on your deals and business; as well as, preventive actions you can take to mitigate these threats:

(Please feel free to comment or email me if you would like to add to any of these points)

Key social media sites: Facebookcom, Twitter.com, Activerain.com, LinkedIn.com

Potential threats (pertaining to Real Estate and transactions):

• Client poaching: Unscrupulous agents solicit and poach clients via social media.
• Deal manipulation: Propaganda through social media regarding transactions from the clients’ friends, strangers, and rival agents can negatively manipulate real estate deals and transactions.
• Client/Agent defamation: Agents and clients suffer personal defamation via comments and photos.
• Client/Transaction loss: Loss of a client or transaction is the ultimate threat.

To many, these are far-fetched; however, these threats are real and prevalent. As social media become more integrated, these threats will be amplified.

Causes (some of these are from actual cases:)

• Negative or offensive comments regarding agent, property, or transaction
• Derogatory/Racial comments or post that are directed to agent, property, or client (see article, “I lost a sale because of facebook!“)
• Posting and tagging unprofessional/negative photos of agents, property, or clients
• Using the “like” features to distribute unprofessional/unethical articles
• Public association with unprofessional social media groups.

The main causes are due to distasteful commenting, blogging, and posts left by agents, clients themselves, and/or rival agents. The most prevalent cause is Derogatory comments directed to an agent, client, or group. In the article I references an agent lost a deal because the seller’s client publicly posted a derogatory/racial comments on Facebook. The buyer noticed these comments and retracted the offer.

Why do these causes happen in the first place?

Most people don’t fully understand that comments, posts, photos, tweets, and status updates are all “public information.” Privacy policies and settings within these social networks are unclear and sometimes vague; hence, why there is currently a huge debate in the tech community about online privacy. Users believe because they set their privacy controls to “FULL PRIVATE” or “VIEWED BY FRIENDS ONLY” means they are safe. This is partially untrue. Example: You post a private status update on Facebook, your friend can “like” it. Likes are displayed on the friend’s profile page and copies of your comments are subject to your friends’ privacy settings. According to Facebook’s privacy clause “Some of the content you share and the actions you take will show up on your Friend’s home pages and other pages they visit.”

The bottom line is, if you post it online. private or not, consider it public and permanent. So what can you do? Prevent it from happening in the first place.

Preventative actions:

• Professional conduct: Prevention starts with you. Keep a positive and professional tone and language when socializing on social media. Clean-up your profile and remove anything that would be interpreted as “unprofessional or offensive.”
• Remove unprofessional photo tags: Facebook has a feature where you or your friends can “tag” you to a photo. The photo is distributed online with your name. Remove unprofessional tags of yourself to prevent hazardous photos displaying on your photo profile.
• Educate your clients: Talk to your clients about the potential treats of social media. It might be prudent to recommend them to refrain from posting information regarding their transaction or anything that would cause or threaten their deal. This can only be for a limited time until the transactions are closed.
• Educate the house hold: Not only do you have to educate the client, but anyone else within the household, ie: children or relatives.
• Monitor: Monitor your own and your clients social media. Keep a pulse on what is being said to or about you.

Prevention is the key. It’s prudent to re-think your profile and audit your client’s social media as well. You and your client have a vested interest in the sale or purchase of their home. It’s important that you take steps to reduce any possibility of their deal being threatened by outside influences.

Social media is a new and amazing distribution and marketing tool. With more power come more responsibility. Social media ethics and best practices are an overlooked threat. We are starting to see some of the negative impacts social media can have on us today. It is important that we are aware of these threats and how to prevent them.

(This article is meant to be an informative resource for real estate agents and brokers. This is a “working” article which I will be updating and adding as social media grows. Please feel free add sections or key points that will benefit this resource. To do so, simply comment below or email me and I’ll make revisions.)

We’re going to do is use the samples are inspiration and add our unique design and templating twist to it. We will template the samples and send you a FREE copy!  The samples can be anything from a Word, Publisher, Photoshop, or even a JPG (Picture) of a template you saw online somewhere. Please send your submissions to helpme@turnkeyflyers.com Subject: TEMPLATE SAMPLE

We’re going to open this Free Real Estate Flyer Template service for a few week.

Thanks!

Reuben

A handful of Loan Officers have asked us for this type of template. We figured to ask you if you’d be interested in this type of flyer… so are you?

Here is what our original mock-up looks like:

What do you think?

Any feedback?

• We have a few questions for you that maybe you can help us with:
• Would you like to see a “split” contact area for both the agent and loan officer?
• How many columns do you need?
• Would you rather see no “grid-lines”?
• What other information should we incorporate?

This real estate flyer template will work on both MAC and PC. The grid is not dependent on Microsoft Excel so you can simply type in the info as you wish.

Thank you in advance for all your feedback!

Cheers,

Reuben

I just had an enlightening phone call from a Realtor in San Francisco just now…

She recently switched to using a MAC (Macbook Pro to be exact) thinking it would be easier than using the PC. For the most part it is; however, she’s become increasingly frustrated over creating marketing

1. She doesn’t know how to work any of the standard design Programs.
2. Many of third party marketing support is not compatible with MAC.

MACs are actually far superior to PC when creating graphics, designs, and marketing (I personally use a Mac Pro)… But like any new machine, there is a STEEP learning curve. Additionally, most companies are still far behind in adapting their products to MAC.

So what is an agent to use?? Go back to PC??…  I might have a more simpler solution for creating your property marketing flyers.

TurnKeyFlyers Real Estate Flyer Templates work on both PC and MACs… seamlessly!

TurnKeyFlyer Templates are purpose built flyer templates using Adobe PDF, a universal file format familiar to both PC and MAC.

The flyers open, edit, and save using the Free Adobe Reader application.

There are no fancy software needed, no design skills needed, and most importantly… THEY WORK ON MAC!!

So, if you are a Realtor Mac user looking for a better, simpler, and more efficient way to create professional looking real estate flyers give TurnKeyFlyers.com try.

http://www.TurnKeyFlyers.com

Real estate flyer (brochure) templates is a faster and easier way to create quick advertising.
Real Estate Flyer Templates – No Software Required! Made in easy PDF Format!

By Reuben Fine – www.TurnKeyFlyers.com

Here are some of the flyer template samples YOU can make using TurnKeyFlyers.com on your MAC!

Feel free to visit our site to learn more about these templates and watch live videos! Visit: http://www.TurnKeyFlyers.com

New Real Estate Flyer

So we’ve been working overtime gathering feedback from our clients and designing the new Platinum Template Collection (Coming Very Soon)… Here is a preview of our new designs and new features based on your requests and feedback!

Attention To Detail!

Attention to Detail! A flyer… is a flyer… is a flyer… the things that distinguishes a good flyer from a GREAT flyer, that prospects and your clients will be impressed with, are the DETAILS! We’ve added POPS of bold and subtle color… included stylish Vignettes – like you see above – and various creative styling ques that give the perception of a fully custom expensive flyer.

More Bullet Points For Your Flyer

MORE BULLET POINTS! The #1 Most requested feature was to add more bullet points! We heard you loud and clear so we’ve highlighted and increased the bullet point field to accommodate more “key featured bullet points.” These areas are made prominent to draw the prospects eyes to the list of the most important features of the property.

Marketing YOU!

Marketing YOU!! Highly request by agents… we’ve increased the size and text of your agent contact information. It is very important that the flyers serve the purpose of marketing YOU, in addition to showcasing the property.

Professional Elegant Backgrounds and Designs

Elegant Backgrounds and Designs. How often do you come across flyers with this much detail?? Our new Platinum Designs include a variety of enhanced textures and detailed backgrounds to add elegance and a more custom – non generic – look to your marketing!

These Platinum Templates will be out very soon. We’re currently engulfed in designing and templating. If you are interested in being the first to know about these templates, please comment below or email me me direct at reuben@turnkeyflyers.com (please use the subject PLATINUM FLYERS).

Thanks!

1 Most Over Priced Suberb in America

West

1. Santa Monica, Calif.

Median home price: $1.05 million

Median household income: $61,423

Gross income to buy house: 17.1 years

Part of the Los Angeles metro area, Santa Monica has a wide range of housing stock. Ritzy beachfront condos and houses go to the Hollywood set, and inland rental units host much of the city’s population, as 70% of residents rent, according to the Census Bureau. The result? It is impossible for someone at the median income level of $61,423 to purchase average-priced property in Santa Monica.

2 Berkley CA - Over Priced Suberbs in America

2. Berkeley, Calif.

Median home price: $752,500

Median household income: $51,256

Gross income to buy house: 14.7 years

At first glance, it seems these figures might be distorted by the UC Berkeley population. While the school certainly has an effect on the area’s demographics, there’s a larger group of residents responsible for the sharp divide between the million-dollar homes in the hills that look out over the bay and those renting apartments closer to Interstate-580.

3 Hawthorne CA - Over Priced Suberbs in America

3. Hawthorne, Calif.

Median home price: $585,700

Median household income: $40,045

Gross income to buy house: 14.6 years

Hawthorne may be best known as where the Beach Boys grew up. Prices are still somewhat affordable when compared to other suburbs that are closer to the ocean, but with 20% of people living below the poverty line, according to the Census, there’s a cavernous gap between those who can afford to buy and those who rent. Just eight years ago, the spread wasn’t so sharp; the median home-sale price in 2000 was $183,700.