Originally Posted By: Chris Norman This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
You guys are great,
Does anybody have any ideas besides the phone book on how to reach buyers with our services. I understand that a realtor is a necessary evil but why do they have so much power? It seems so often that they refer according to pricing rather than quality of service.
Sure it’s nice to be referred by a realtor as a good inspector but they are worried about things like “deal killers” etc. We, I believe, are only worried about one thing and that would be a clear, accurate and impartial assessment of the property.
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Chris,
Marketing direct to the client is a tough nut to crack. Buying/selling a house is very stressful so most people defer to their agent for anything related to the process.
The only direct marketing that I have found to work was sending post cards out for builder warranty inspections. There are no agents in the mix so the homeowner has to pick the inspector on their own.
Most of the inspections that I have done where I was hired/contacted directly by the client without an agent have come from three sources:
findaninspector.us (average about 3 per month)
my website (average about 1 every 6 weeks)
signs on my truck (I have gotten 3 inspections just by being in the right place at the right time with my truck)
Every area is different so things that don't work for me may work for you. I did a direct mailing back in Sept. I sent postcards out to 1500 addresses of houses that were for sale. I got 1 phone call.
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Chris,
My pleasure. One of the keys to any marketing strategy is patience and persistence. I guess that's two keys. Be patient, nothing happens over night. Be persistent without being pushy. On average, you need to get your name in front of someone 21 times before they will remember it.
Anybody?! Is there an idea for marketing directly to the buyer? Newspaper ads in the real estate section? I’m stumped.