BUYER'S GUIDE: Readers' Choice
BY KELLY QUIGLEY
Top 10 products
Throughout the year, REALTOR® Magazine readers request information about the products that appear in our pages. In late fall, we tally these Reader Service card requests to learn which business tools have most resonated with you over the past year. Given the changing market, which calls for stepped-up efforts to gain clients and market your listings, it’s no surprise that direct mail and open house supplies top this year’s list. Computers and software programs also landed in the top 10, showing that you’re eager to adopt the latest tech tools so that you can provide top-notch service and keep your business running smoothly. Here’s the complete list, ranked by the number of Reader Service card requests.
1. Targeted newsletters. Get prospects’ attention with newsletters on topics that interest them, from healthy living to real estate investing. Newsletters are printed on heavyweight paper and are mailed flat, not folded. Prices start at 38 cents each for orders of 50 or more. TPMC also offers postcards, business cards, follow-up programs, and programs for converting FSBOs. The Personal Marketing Co., Lenexa, Kan.; 800/458-8245; www.tpmco.com.
2. Tools for a great open house. Get your listings noticed and ensure smooth showings with the right gear: lockboxes, brochure displays, name riders, and sign frames. The Complete Open House System—a collection of signs, frames, and riders—is $99.95. Real Estate Marketing Supplies Inc., Stanton, Calif., 800/777-2622; www.remsinfo.com.
3. Ultra-thick postcards. Promotion is easy with these color postcards printed on thick stock. Thanks to their special UV coating, they’re sure to arrive in mailboxes scuff-free. Use the company’s online card creator to upload images or select from those provided. Custom sizes, quantities, and mailing services are available. Full-color postcards start at $95 for 500. Postcard Press, Rancho Dominguez, Calif., 800/957-5787; www.postcardpress.com.
4. Mailers with a personal touch. Add some personality to your postcards, brochures, and door hangers. Choose from thousands of graphics or create your own designs using provided templates. You can schedule automatic mailings and access a national database of more than 100 million residential addresses. Jumbo postcards start at 44 cents each for a minimum order of 20; standard postage included. Quantum Direct Inc., Austin, Texas, 800/637-7373; www.quantummail.com.
5. Laptops, digital cameras, and more. NAR members receive discounts of up to 10 percent on direct purchases of Hewlett-Packard PCs, laptop computers, digital cameras, printers, handhelds, and more. Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, Calif., 800/888-8177 and mention code NAR1; www.hp.com/go/realestate2.
6. Monthly follow-up system. Constant contact pays off in more business. Past clients and prospects are sure to remember your name when they receive oversized, colorful postcards in their mailbox each month. Store and update your mailing list online. Cards start at 25 cents each for 12 monthly mailings of 50 to 150 cards; discounts for larger orders. Stay in Touch Inc., Forest, Va., 800/241-9991, www.stayintouchsystem.com.
7. Automatic lead generation. The eNeighborhoods InstaLead Marketing System pulls prospects from the company’s proprietary database and sends you seven new leads that match your geographic and demographic preferences every week. The system also includes CMA reports, neighborhood reports, and more. Startup cost is $199, plus $99.95 per month. eNeighborhoods Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., 877/363-4442; www.eneighborhoods.com.
8. Themed postcard campaigns. Clever themes, such as pets, gardening, or cartoons, help clients recognize and remember you all year long. Order free samples online. Customize cards with your photo, return address, and logo. 42 cents per regular-sized card, 59 cents per jumbo card; includes postage and mailing. Lentz Design, Chicago, 800/997-2830; www.lentzdesign.com.
9. One-stop marketing. Spread the word about your services, with everything from colorful postcards and glossy business cards to open house brochures and calendar magnets. Postcards start at $22 for 100. To receive a 15 percent NAR discount, mention code nhsNAR7 when ordering. NewHomeSale LLC, Franklin, Mass., 888/354-6634; www.nhsprint.com.
10. Memorable magnets. Attract prospects’ attention with magnets in the form of houses, branded calendars, and even memo boards—all featuring your name and contact info. Prices range from 28 cents per 1,000 for a simple design to 96 cents per 1,000 for magnetic memo boards. All are easily customized online. MagnetDog.com, Columbia, S.C., 800/966-1364; www.magnetdog.com.
Prices are the manufacturers’ suggested retail prices and are subject to change. This list isn’t comprehensive; NAR doesn’t evaluate or endorse these products and isn’t responsible for changes in company info.
REALTOR Benefits(SM) partners offer special pricing or services to NAR members. Find out more at REALTOR.org/realtorbenefits.
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