Archive for April, 2009
A Few Words About the French “taxe D’habitation” and “taxe Fonciere”
April 17th, 2009
Matthieu Cany asked:
France is known for its complex tax and administration systems. But it is not as complicated as it seems. If you own a property in France or intend to buy one, don’t give up because of these administrative steps. All you need is some clues to help you understand how it works.
The first tax I will explain here is the “taxe d’habitation” (understand: French Residence Tax). It is imposed every year on the occupier of a property, in which he/she lived on the 1st January. This means that if you rent your French property out, you won’t pay for this tax but the tenant will have to. Or if you move in in June, for example, the former tenant has to pay for the tax (because he was in the house on the 1st January), unless a private agreement between you both has been made. However, you must keep in mind that provided the property is your second home, even though you don’t live in it on the 1st January, you will have to pay for the French Residence Tax. This is because the tax authority includes properties that are “capable of occupation” and not physically occupied. An interesting thing is that holiday lettings are exempt, but all permanent or semi-permanent stays are liable for the tax. The property being furnished or unfurnished makes no difference. The TV licence (“redevance audiovisuelle”, in French) comes along with the annual Taxe d’habitation. It amounts to €116 a year, for a household, no matter how many television sets you have.
The calculation of the tax is rather complex but in a word it is based on the notional rent a property might achieve (taken into account the condition, size and location of it), without any relation to the actual rent that is paid. The amount of the tax is higher in town than in the countryside. As the formula applied to this notional rent varies with the income the authorities need to raise, the amount of tax will therefore depend on the decisions of the different towns. If you want to check the notional rental value of your French property, you need to ask the local Centre des Impôts Fonciers (Service de Cadastre).
Your property may be exempt from the tax if it is a chambre d’hote or a classified gite. Visit the local mairie to know more about this. The other case of exemption is if you have tried without success to let your property. However, you will have to demonstrate evidence that you have been trying to let it. Lastly, people completely exempt of the tax are those over 60 years, widowed, disabled or infirm (incapable of gainful employment).
The second tax you may have to pay for in France is the “taxe fonciere”, or French Wealth Tax. It is also an annual tax, but imposed on the owner of a property (not on the occupier). Whether it is occupied or rented out makes no difference. In case you sell your French property during the year, you have to pay for the whole year, but don’t worry, you can agree with the new owner to share the costs. It is a common thing, provided you mention it in the sale and purchase agreement.
The basis on which it is determined is the same as that of the Taxe d’habitation. Another tax often comes with the Taxe fonciere: the rubbish collection tax (“taxe d’enlevement des ordures menageres”). Some local councils make a separate charge for it, while in some other towns it is funded from the general budget. Here again, the taxe fonciere is higher in towns than in the countryside. Usually you receive the tax demand (Avis d’imposition taxe foncière) during the third quarter of the year and a payment deadline is specified. All types of property are subject to this tax, that is to say residential, commercial, professional and industrial properties. Even land is subject to the tax, but are exempt: agricultural buildings, new woodland planting and properties built before 1989 where major energy conservation measures are undertaken. Two-year-full exemption to the Taxe fonciere is granted to new buildings, additions to existing buildings and rural conversions. There again, some people are exempt from paying for this tax. They are: people aged more than 75, disabled and those who receive the “minimum vieillesse” (which is a pension for elderly people with low income). Lastly, people aged between 60 and 75 benefit from a €100 (or more) reduction. Keep in mind that these exemptions are granted only if the property is your principal residence. Like for the Taxe d’habitation, you can be granted a relief from paying the tax if you are have been trying without success to sell your property.
Now that you know the most important things (and more!) about the French tax system for properties, you can stress less take the step to buying your dream French property!
France is known for its complex tax and administration systems. But it is not as complicated as it seems. If you own a property in France or intend to buy one, don’t give up because of these administrative steps. All you need is some clues to help you understand how it works.
The first tax I will explain here is the “taxe d’habitation” (understand: French Residence Tax). It is imposed every year on the occupier of a property, in which he/she lived on the 1st January. This means that if you rent your French property out, you won’t pay for this tax but the tenant will have to. Or if you move in in June, for example, the former tenant has to pay for the tax (because he was in the house on the 1st January), unless a private agreement between you both has been made. However, you must keep in mind that provided the property is your second home, even though you don’t live in it on the 1st January, you will have to pay for the French Residence Tax. This is because the tax authority includes properties that are “capable of occupation” and not physically occupied. An interesting thing is that holiday lettings are exempt, but all permanent or semi-permanent stays are liable for the tax. The property being furnished or unfurnished makes no difference. The TV licence (“redevance audiovisuelle”, in French) comes along with the annual Taxe d’habitation. It amounts to €116 a year, for a household, no matter how many television sets you have.
The calculation of the tax is rather complex but in a word it is based on the notional rent a property might achieve (taken into account the condition, size and location of it), without any relation to the actual rent that is paid. The amount of the tax is higher in town than in the countryside. As the formula applied to this notional rent varies with the income the authorities need to raise, the amount of tax will therefore depend on the decisions of the different towns. If you want to check the notional rental value of your French property, you need to ask the local Centre des Impôts Fonciers (Service de Cadastre).
Your property may be exempt from the tax if it is a chambre d’hote or a classified gite. Visit the local mairie to know more about this. The other case of exemption is if you have tried without success to let your property. However, you will have to demonstrate evidence that you have been trying to let it. Lastly, people completely exempt of the tax are those over 60 years, widowed, disabled or infirm (incapable of gainful employment).
The second tax you may have to pay for in France is the “taxe fonciere”, or French Wealth Tax. It is also an annual tax, but imposed on the owner of a property (not on the occupier). Whether it is occupied or rented out makes no difference. In case you sell your French property during the year, you have to pay for the whole year, but don’t worry, you can agree with the new owner to share the costs. It is a common thing, provided you mention it in the sale and purchase agreement.
The basis on which it is determined is the same as that of the Taxe d’habitation. Another tax often comes with the Taxe fonciere: the rubbish collection tax (“taxe d’enlevement des ordures menageres”). Some local councils make a separate charge for it, while in some other towns it is funded from the general budget. Here again, the taxe fonciere is higher in towns than in the countryside. Usually you receive the tax demand (Avis d’imposition taxe foncière) during the third quarter of the year and a payment deadline is specified. All types of property are subject to this tax, that is to say residential, commercial, professional and industrial properties. Even land is subject to the tax, but are exempt: agricultural buildings, new woodland planting and properties built before 1989 where major energy conservation measures are undertaken. Two-year-full exemption to the Taxe fonciere is granted to new buildings, additions to existing buildings and rural conversions. There again, some people are exempt from paying for this tax. They are: people aged more than 75, disabled and those who receive the “minimum vieillesse” (which is a pension for elderly people with low income). Lastly, people aged between 60 and 75 benefit from a €100 (or more) reduction. Keep in mind that these exemptions are granted only if the property is your principal residence. Like for the Taxe d’habitation, you can be granted a relief from paying the tax if you are have been trying without success to sell your property.
Now that you know the most important things (and more!) about the French tax system for properties, you can stress less take the step to buying your dream French property!
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Using your 401k for Real Estate Investing
April 17th, 2009
Tabitha Naylor asked:
When people think about their 401k, they consider a lump sum of money that has been put away for retirement. In fact, most people completely forget about their 401k until income tax time. Creative real estate investors, however, have figured out that their 401k’s and real estate investing have a mutually beneficial relationship.
So with that being said, you are probably wondering how a savvy investor can use one for the other.
The easiest way that 401k and real estate investing can work together is through the ability to take out a loan against a 401k. The primary objective with real estate investing is to use little or none of your own personal money to fund the investment. Since you are allowed to borrow against your 401k, you can use this to finance part of your investment. When the deal closes, you will receive the amount you borrowed and then some. You can then easily pay back the loan without affecting your 401k. So, basically, it’s like a short term loan you make against yourself. You have access to the funds needed for investing, it doesn’t technically come directly out of your pocket, and when you finally cash in your profits, you simply pay yourself back.
There are some things to note about this method of investing, however. First, you should know that there is a cap on the amount you can borrow against your 401k. This amount is usually $50,000. However, it can be less, depending on the amount of money you actually have in your 401k. Another thing to note is that the real estate you purchase through this method is not eligible for the mortgage-interest tax deduction. There are no tax benefits when you use 401k to finance a portion of any real estate related transaction.
Another option for is to put the money into an IRA, or individual retirement account. Sometimes this is not allowed, but it if is, you will have more flexibility on what you can do with the money. You might receive a penalty for moving your money from your 401K. However, the penalty is usually worth considering given the benefits you would receive through real estate investing. Just keep in mind, the main objective is to only borrower the money for a certain period of time. As you wrap up each deal, its imperative that you repay yourself, and only hold onto the remainder of the profit.
If you are weary of the risks involved, there is a safer way to invest in real estate by using your 401k. Some plans offer the option to invest in real estate investment trusts. These trusts consist of companies that buy and sell real estate, which is a much less risky way of investing in real estate. It also requires less work on the part of the investor since the trust companies are the ones actually doing the real estate investing.
Most people are unaware of the many possibilities that exist by using their 401k’s to invest in real estate. It is a creative way for investors to make a profit in real estate without actually using their own money. The best part about it is that there are both safe and risky ways of investing with this money to yield a profit. The decision you make is one entirely of personal preference.
When people think about their 401k, they consider a lump sum of money that has been put away for retirement. In fact, most people completely forget about their 401k until income tax time. Creative real estate investors, however, have figured out that their 401k’s and real estate investing have a mutually beneficial relationship.
So with that being said, you are probably wondering how a savvy investor can use one for the other.
The easiest way that 401k and real estate investing can work together is through the ability to take out a loan against a 401k. The primary objective with real estate investing is to use little or none of your own personal money to fund the investment. Since you are allowed to borrow against your 401k, you can use this to finance part of your investment. When the deal closes, you will receive the amount you borrowed and then some. You can then easily pay back the loan without affecting your 401k. So, basically, it’s like a short term loan you make against yourself. You have access to the funds needed for investing, it doesn’t technically come directly out of your pocket, and when you finally cash in your profits, you simply pay yourself back.
There are some things to note about this method of investing, however. First, you should know that there is a cap on the amount you can borrow against your 401k. This amount is usually $50,000. However, it can be less, depending on the amount of money you actually have in your 401k. Another thing to note is that the real estate you purchase through this method is not eligible for the mortgage-interest tax deduction. There are no tax benefits when you use 401k to finance a portion of any real estate related transaction.
Another option for is to put the money into an IRA, or individual retirement account. Sometimes this is not allowed, but it if is, you will have more flexibility on what you can do with the money. You might receive a penalty for moving your money from your 401K. However, the penalty is usually worth considering given the benefits you would receive through real estate investing. Just keep in mind, the main objective is to only borrower the money for a certain period of time. As you wrap up each deal, its imperative that you repay yourself, and only hold onto the remainder of the profit.
If you are weary of the risks involved, there is a safer way to invest in real estate by using your 401k. Some plans offer the option to invest in real estate investment trusts. These trusts consist of companies that buy and sell real estate, which is a much less risky way of investing in real estate. It also requires less work on the part of the investor since the trust companies are the ones actually doing the real estate investing.
Most people are unaware of the many possibilities that exist by using their 401k’s to invest in real estate. It is a creative way for investors to make a profit in real estate without actually using their own money. The best part about it is that there are both safe and risky ways of investing with this money to yield a profit. The decision you make is one entirely of personal preference.
A Successful Real Estate Referral Marketing Strategy
April 11th, 2009
Masni Rizal Mansor asked:
Referral marketing is one of the best ways to let others know about your real estate services. Perhaps the best thing about referral marketing is that you don’t have to pay any money it. There is not much work involved with referral marketing and even the majority of that work is done by clients.
People naturally want to spread the word when they have received a good service. This word of mouth is known as referral marketing. When your clients have a positive experience with you, they naturally want to tell others about it. The more people who are informed about your excellent services, the more clients you will have. The more clients you have the more money you will make. What’s good about referral marketing is that you get money for making money.
The large part of your real estate business’s referral marketing strategy will come from the way you operate your business. The other part is developing an awareness of your referral marketing tactics. Your clients have to know that you want them to refer you to others. Otherwise, you can’t rely on them to do so. If you have already been informing your clients that you would like them to refer you to others, then you can relax, this part of your work has been completed. On the other hand, if you made the assumption that your clients will naturally refer others to your business then you have some work to do.
Assuming you haven’t informed any clients of your referral marketing strategy, you now need to determine that this will be a part of your business practices. Each customer that you deal with from now on should know, in some form or another, that you would like for him to refer you to another client. You might consider offering some kind of discount for each referral. Many real estate businesses offer such incentives.
Apart of creating awareness of your referral marketing strategy, you need to resolve to always operate in a manner that will give clients a reason to refer others to you. If a client does not have a positive experience with you, chances are that the client will tell someone of his bad experience. This will counter your referral marketing efforts. All it takes is ‘one bad apple’. Be aware of your actions at all times.
If there are several facets to your business make sure that each client knows of these services as well. There may be times when a client only receives one of the services that you provide. This same client might know someone who is in need of another service that you provide but does know to refer the person to you. When this happens, your referral marketing has failed. Your referral marketing strategy must include informing clients of all the services you provide. By doing this you are ensuring that referral marketing works best for you.
Developing a referral marketing strategy is not difficult to do. The two major aspects of referral marketing include letting clients know to refer you to others and giving them a reason to refer you. Once you have done both of these things, your referral marketing efforts will begin to bring in new clients for your services.
Referral marketing is one of the best ways to let others know about your real estate services. Perhaps the best thing about referral marketing is that you don’t have to pay any money it. There is not much work involved with referral marketing and even the majority of that work is done by clients.
People naturally want to spread the word when they have received a good service. This word of mouth is known as referral marketing. When your clients have a positive experience with you, they naturally want to tell others about it. The more people who are informed about your excellent services, the more clients you will have. The more clients you have the more money you will make. What’s good about referral marketing is that you get money for making money.
The large part of your real estate business’s referral marketing strategy will come from the way you operate your business. The other part is developing an awareness of your referral marketing tactics. Your clients have to know that you want them to refer you to others. Otherwise, you can’t rely on them to do so. If you have already been informing your clients that you would like them to refer you to others, then you can relax, this part of your work has been completed. On the other hand, if you made the assumption that your clients will naturally refer others to your business then you have some work to do.
Assuming you haven’t informed any clients of your referral marketing strategy, you now need to determine that this will be a part of your business practices. Each customer that you deal with from now on should know, in some form or another, that you would like for him to refer you to another client. You might consider offering some kind of discount for each referral. Many real estate businesses offer such incentives.
Apart of creating awareness of your referral marketing strategy, you need to resolve to always operate in a manner that will give clients a reason to refer others to you. If a client does not have a positive experience with you, chances are that the client will tell someone of his bad experience. This will counter your referral marketing efforts. All it takes is ‘one bad apple’. Be aware of your actions at all times.
If there are several facets to your business make sure that each client knows of these services as well. There may be times when a client only receives one of the services that you provide. This same client might know someone who is in need of another service that you provide but does know to refer the person to you. When this happens, your referral marketing has failed. Your referral marketing strategy must include informing clients of all the services you provide. By doing this you are ensuring that referral marketing works best for you.
Developing a referral marketing strategy is not difficult to do. The two major aspects of referral marketing include letting clients know to refer you to others and giving them a reason to refer you. Once you have done both of these things, your referral marketing efforts will begin to bring in new clients for your services.
Portland Real Estate: Exploring Forest Heights
April 8th, 2009
Ben Anton asked:
The Pacific Northwest — specifically Portland, Oregon — is renowned for pairing the convenience and luxury of urban life with the unmatched beauty of nearby parks and wilderness. Portland seems to be bursting with city parks, and Portland residents take great advantage of having a number of green areas right in their own backyards. The Forest Heights neighborhood of Portland is perhaps the best example of this combination; homeowners are treated to spacious and beautiful lots in the heart of a breathtaking natural setting. And the welcoming surroundings aren’t the only reason to consider relocating to Forest Heights. Top notch schools, clean streets and parks, and a bustling market center are just a few reasons why Forest Heights may be the perfect neighborhood for you.
It may be an old real estate axiom, but it still rings true; location, location, location. Nestled in the gorgeous, rolling West Hills of Portland, Forest Heights gives homeowners acres of pristine residential and forest areas to explore and enjoy. The neighborhood is conveniently located to the darling Northwest 23rd Street district, minutes from Downtown and a quick commute to the outlying Beaverton and Hillsboro areas. The natural beauty of the West Hills accents the diverse array of architectural types available to Forest Height homeowners. Unlike many cookie-cutter residential communities, Forest Height architects and designers make sure the mix of house styles is not only varied but aesthetically complimentary to the rest of the neighborhood. Classic Northwest-, Colonial- and Mediterranean-influenced houses mix to create as attractive a planned community as can be found in the Portland/Metro area.
Location may be important but it certainly isn’t everything. Luckily for homeowners, Forest Heights provides many opportunities for active residents to get involved in their community. Indeed, many Forest Height residents are responsible for helping maintain the charm and individuality of their own neighborhood. Apart from the beautiful parks, trails and old-fashioned streets, Forest Heights residents are also invited to participate in and attend special events as a way to build a greater sense of community and safety in the neighborhood.
Of course, a neighborhood is only as charming as its local merchants, and Forest Heights happens to have one of the most pleasant and convenient merchant centers in the area. The Forest Heights Village Center started in 2005 and boasts a broad spectrum of shops and services. Looking for a relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon? Treat yourself to a few hours of massage and beautification at DentSpa before checking out the fine hand-crafted needlepoint designs of In Stitches. Running errands between business meetings? Get those copies done at Postal Annex while shooting down some espresso from the nearby Starbucks. Or perhaps you’re looking for a fun or romantic night out with a loved one? Fill up at Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza and then try to squeeze in a little dessert at Sweet Ambrosia Bakery. Each business in the Village Center is on a five-year lease, meaning you won’t lose your favorite hairstylist or barista soon after settling in to your new neighborhood. And the Forest Heights Village Center also offers several special events throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations and summer music concerts. The Village Center offers such a dizzying array of shops and events, it’s amazing Forest Heights residents ever make it back to their homes.
For those home owners in the process of or planning to raise a family, Forest Park Elementary School allows children to get a solid education in the comfort of their own community. Forest Heights is also conveniently located to a number of Portland’s best public schools, and the Forest Heights bus service makes sure students get to their classes safe and on time.
Portland is quickly becoming one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere relocation destinations, and with communities such as Forest Heights it is easy to see why. The jaw-dropping landscape, convenient location, community involvement, education options and merchant center provide residents with virtually everything they might need. Small-town simplicity is combined with urban eccentricities into one fun, safe and attractive community. If you’re looking into relocating to the Pacific Northwest, make sure to consider Forest Heights; it may be the best Portland’s West Hills have to offer.
~Ben Anton, 2008
The Pacific Northwest — specifically Portland, Oregon — is renowned for pairing the convenience and luxury of urban life with the unmatched beauty of nearby parks and wilderness. Portland seems to be bursting with city parks, and Portland residents take great advantage of having a number of green areas right in their own backyards. The Forest Heights neighborhood of Portland is perhaps the best example of this combination; homeowners are treated to spacious and beautiful lots in the heart of a breathtaking natural setting. And the welcoming surroundings aren’t the only reason to consider relocating to Forest Heights. Top notch schools, clean streets and parks, and a bustling market center are just a few reasons why Forest Heights may be the perfect neighborhood for you.
It may be an old real estate axiom, but it still rings true; location, location, location. Nestled in the gorgeous, rolling West Hills of Portland, Forest Heights gives homeowners acres of pristine residential and forest areas to explore and enjoy. The neighborhood is conveniently located to the darling Northwest 23rd Street district, minutes from Downtown and a quick commute to the outlying Beaverton and Hillsboro areas. The natural beauty of the West Hills accents the diverse array of architectural types available to Forest Height homeowners. Unlike many cookie-cutter residential communities, Forest Height architects and designers make sure the mix of house styles is not only varied but aesthetically complimentary to the rest of the neighborhood. Classic Northwest-, Colonial- and Mediterranean-influenced houses mix to create as attractive a planned community as can be found in the Portland/Metro area.
Location may be important but it certainly isn’t everything. Luckily for homeowners, Forest Heights provides many opportunities for active residents to get involved in their community. Indeed, many Forest Height residents are responsible for helping maintain the charm and individuality of their own neighborhood. Apart from the beautiful parks, trails and old-fashioned streets, Forest Heights residents are also invited to participate in and attend special events as a way to build a greater sense of community and safety in the neighborhood.
Of course, a neighborhood is only as charming as its local merchants, and Forest Heights happens to have one of the most pleasant and convenient merchant centers in the area. The Forest Heights Village Center started in 2005 and boasts a broad spectrum of shops and services. Looking for a relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon? Treat yourself to a few hours of massage and beautification at DentSpa before checking out the fine hand-crafted needlepoint designs of In Stitches. Running errands between business meetings? Get those copies done at Postal Annex while shooting down some espresso from the nearby Starbucks. Or perhaps you’re looking for a fun or romantic night out with a loved one? Fill up at Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza and then try to squeeze in a little dessert at Sweet Ambrosia Bakery. Each business in the Village Center is on a five-year lease, meaning you won’t lose your favorite hairstylist or barista soon after settling in to your new neighborhood. And the Forest Heights Village Center also offers several special events throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations and summer music concerts. The Village Center offers such a dizzying array of shops and events, it’s amazing Forest Heights residents ever make it back to their homes.
For those home owners in the process of or planning to raise a family, Forest Park Elementary School allows children to get a solid education in the comfort of their own community. Forest Heights is also conveniently located to a number of Portland’s best public schools, and the Forest Heights bus service makes sure students get to their classes safe and on time.
Portland is quickly becoming one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere relocation destinations, and with communities such as Forest Heights it is easy to see why. The jaw-dropping landscape, convenient location, community involvement, education options and merchant center provide residents with virtually everything they might need. Small-town simplicity is combined with urban eccentricities into one fun, safe and attractive community. If you’re looking into relocating to the Pacific Northwest, make sure to consider Forest Heights; it may be the best Portland’s West Hills have to offer.
~Ben Anton, 2008
10 Reasons Why Your Real Estate Marketing Should Go Postal
April 5th, 2009
Gary Boomershine asked:
When your real estate marketing mission is to find great deals in your desired markets before your competition knows they exist, direct mail can’t be beat.
What Is Direct Mail Real Estate Marketing?
In a nutshell, direct marketing is a process to drive sales, build name (or brand) recognition and develop profitable relationships with prospective clients. The defining characteristic of direct marketing isn’t the mode of reaching prospects or even in how they respond, as these options tend to change with popular communications trends.
Seize Control of Your Real Estate Marketing Campaigns
In real estate, direct marketing is all about building and maintaining an active, vibrant list of potential clients. And there is no better way to do this than via direct mail. It should be the cornerstone of any real estate marketing plan.
Real estate professionals who consistently deploy direct mail real estate marketing campaigns in their desired market niches enjoy stealth market *********** and better recognition than those who rely solely on other direct marketing methods.
If you’re already using other real estate marketing media, direct mail is a perfect complement to these efforts. If you have a Web site for example, you can use direct mail to drive the traffic you want to your site, not just whatever random visitors the search engines and pay-per-click (PPC) Internet ads manage to attract.
Tap the Direct Mail Advantage
Direct mail offers at least 10 outstanding benefits to real estate investors and professionals who are focused on building real estate wealth. Among the advantages are:
Targeted Lead Generation: Get the leads you want based on the market niche or geographic area you choose. Stealth Market Penetration: Tap emerging hot real estate markets while your competition is busy chasing the technology dragon or running to the hardware store for more signage. Personalized Mailings: While everyone knows a personal greeting gets the best response, no marketing medium does this better than direct mail real estate postcards and letters. Cost Efficiency: When you sit down and crunch the numbers, the costs of advertising, whether it’s in newspapers, on the Internet or on some form of signage, can quickly soar out of control. Infinite Scalability: With direct mail, you set the limits and can count the return on your real estate ROI (return on investment). You can send as many – - or as few mailings as you wish in whatever markets you desire. Dependability: Snail mail gets the job done regardless of the weather, it never expects a raise or requires management like employees do. Building Credibility: When you send put a quality mailing in a local area, you’re building a name for yourself and your business in a way that other real estate marketing methods can’t touch. Campaign Flexibility: You can start and stop and otherwise modify your real estate campaign mailings on a whim. Better Deals: The more leads you have, the more selective you can be about the deals you select to build your business. Limited Competition: Other media, such as newspapers and the Internet can’t keep your business secrets. With direct mail real estate marketing, your competitors have no way to know what your sending and how often.
Watch Your Bottom Line
Don’t waste your precious marketing dollars chasing a bankrupt needle in a haystack! With direct mail real estate marketing, it’s easy to make educated decisions about deals because you decide exactly what types of properties and homeowners you want to target based on the criteria you define.
When direct mail, your marketing campaigns are properly planned and consistently executed, direct mail real estate marketing is proven effective, efficient, and it offers users the flexibility to easily quantify and replicate results on demand.
When your real estate marketing mission is to find great deals in your desired markets before your competition knows they exist, direct mail can’t be beat.
What Is Direct Mail Real Estate Marketing?
In a nutshell, direct marketing is a process to drive sales, build name (or brand) recognition and develop profitable relationships with prospective clients. The defining characteristic of direct marketing isn’t the mode of reaching prospects or even in how they respond, as these options tend to change with popular communications trends.
Seize Control of Your Real Estate Marketing Campaigns
In real estate, direct marketing is all about building and maintaining an active, vibrant list of potential clients. And there is no better way to do this than via direct mail. It should be the cornerstone of any real estate marketing plan.
Real estate professionals who consistently deploy direct mail real estate marketing campaigns in their desired market niches enjoy stealth market *********** and better recognition than those who rely solely on other direct marketing methods.
If you’re already using other real estate marketing media, direct mail is a perfect complement to these efforts. If you have a Web site for example, you can use direct mail to drive the traffic you want to your site, not just whatever random visitors the search engines and pay-per-click (PPC) Internet ads manage to attract.
Tap the Direct Mail Advantage
Direct mail offers at least 10 outstanding benefits to real estate investors and professionals who are focused on building real estate wealth. Among the advantages are:
Targeted Lead Generation: Get the leads you want based on the market niche or geographic area you choose. Stealth Market Penetration: Tap emerging hot real estate markets while your competition is busy chasing the technology dragon or running to the hardware store for more signage. Personalized Mailings: While everyone knows a personal greeting gets the best response, no marketing medium does this better than direct mail real estate postcards and letters. Cost Efficiency: When you sit down and crunch the numbers, the costs of advertising, whether it’s in newspapers, on the Internet or on some form of signage, can quickly soar out of control. Infinite Scalability: With direct mail, you set the limits and can count the return on your real estate ROI (return on investment). You can send as many – - or as few mailings as you wish in whatever markets you desire. Dependability: Snail mail gets the job done regardless of the weather, it never expects a raise or requires management like employees do. Building Credibility: When you send put a quality mailing in a local area, you’re building a name for yourself and your business in a way that other real estate marketing methods can’t touch. Campaign Flexibility: You can start and stop and otherwise modify your real estate campaign mailings on a whim. Better Deals: The more leads you have, the more selective you can be about the deals you select to build your business. Limited Competition: Other media, such as newspapers and the Internet can’t keep your business secrets. With direct mail real estate marketing, your competitors have no way to know what your sending and how often.
Watch Your Bottom Line
Don’t waste your precious marketing dollars chasing a bankrupt needle in a haystack! With direct mail real estate marketing, it’s easy to make educated decisions about deals because you decide exactly what types of properties and homeowners you want to target based on the criteria you define.
When direct mail, your marketing campaigns are properly planned and consistently executed, direct mail real estate marketing is proven effective, efficient, and it offers users the flexibility to easily quantify and replicate results on demand.