Real Estate Facts - Evergreen Columns
These columns are appropriate for use at any time of the year. Be sure to read the guidelines at the bottom of this page before using them. They are intended for use by association executives and members.
For Homeowners
Spruce Up Your Home
Housing Beats Stocks as an Investment
Mold is a Growing Concern
Giving Warmth to Frozen Pipes
Give Yourself a New Coat of Exterior Paint
How Energy Efficient is Your Fireplace?
Home Buying and Selling
Just How Important is Location?
Using the Internet for Your Home Search
Leasing With an Option to Buy--One Route to Homeownership
What to do With Multiple Offers
General Interest
Voting Matters -- Yes, Your Vote Counts!
REALTORS® Celebrate Designations Month
Attitudes About Auctions are Changing
Historic Properties Part I
Historic Properties Part II
View monthly columns >
Guidelines For Use:
By featuring your association spokesperson, these columns help to position your organization as a local authority on consumer real estate issues.
These guidelines will assist those of you who are new to media relations, and serve as a refresher for everyone else.
1. Read each column carefully. Rewrite as appropriate to add local flavor. Local information will make them more valuable in the eyes of your newspaper editor because they will be of greater interest to the paper's readers.
2. Place your name and contact information at the top of the column (usually your phone number and e-mail address)
3. Cut paragraphs as necessary, to comply with space restrictions in your local newspaper. Publications with smaller circulations or "weeklies" are more likely to print columns in full.
4. Place the column on your letterhead or news release paper, filling in the blanks as necessary with your spokesperson's name and the name of your association. Double-space the copy and begin your second page with a repeat of the topic and the page number.
5. Hand deliver, mail, fax or e-mail the article to the real estate, business, or city editor at each area paper. If you don't know the name of that individual, find out. Your material will have a better chance of being used if the proper editor receives it directly.
