Lawrence Kansas Real Estate

I agree Rob.  Newspaper advertising is dead.  Now advertising online in the newspaper makes more sense.  I advertise my listings in AJC.com.

Rob great points, I have advertised in the news paper with no success. Also Harmon Homes without calls the Internetis where things happen

don't totally dismiss other forms of advertising. determine who your potential buyer is, then develop a plan around that.  I advertise to seniors and print advertising is very effective with them.

You are so right.  I think people need to catch up with the marketing advantage of the web.  Before when you had to look in the newspaper or "the Book" for listings there was only one picture.  Now with MLS allowing 10 photos it amazes me that some people don't take the time to photograph the home to its advantage.  I've seen pictures on MLS with dirty dishes in the sink, overflowing trashcans, open toilet seats and toys all over.  Here's my Motto:  List it, Stage it, Show it. 

Thank you for pointing out the need for a different price structure.  Definitely something to consider.

You're definitely correct, Lisa.  When I get my SRES designation and conduct senior marketing I will need to have some "print" media.  But even with the seniors, more and more are becoming email proficient and if you can email a link that all they have to do is click on it to see a home or search for other homes, it won't be long before newspaper will be a thing of the past.

Bob...you're not alone when you mention no success with newspaper advertising.  At least you get the occasional buyer through an ad.

Jennifer...good point about online newspaper advertising.  Hopefully in your neck of the woods that works but here the paper only puts online a small portion of the paper such as classifieds.  The open house ads are not on the online version of the paper so other websites have been created such as www.douglascountyopenhouses.com which is the one my son runs.

Silvia...I guess the price structure and the newspaper/online blog had two themes.  I should have placed them in two separate blogs.  I guess I'm getting lazy.  Thanks for commenting!

Maureen, staging is important as you say, but I would prefer a photo with the dishes in the sink to no photo at all.  I just don't get why some Realtors don't have photos with the house.  If the house is that bad show it as being that bad.  Then make sure the sellers see how people react to the "bad" aspects of their home.  There is some home design show that does that (get Realtors and open house viewers reactions on hidden camera).  Just so you don't take this wrong, I would prefer a clean sink photo rather than one with dishes. :)

I certainly have to agree with your thoughts and observations regarding today's home-buyers.  Most of my leads do in fact come from internet advertising.  Your argument on pricing is also very relevant considering the current market trends of not only buyers, but agents as well, who are searching the MLS or other sites for property and often times will input the amounts that you noted.  Thanks for an excellent post!

Thanks John for your thoughts and stopping by.

Rob