Why advertising matters

No matter the size of your business, good and thoughtful promotion will always help you grow awareness about your brand, get in front of more serious prospective clients, and ultimately boost your revenue. Advertising has been shown to be worth the investment, and we’re taking a deeper dive into why it really matters and what you can do to spread the word about your business.

• It creates brand awareness.

• It provides credibility.

• It helps you reach potential clients.

• It drives lead generation.

• It produces more continuous business.

• It improves your digital presence.

• It encourages customer engagement.

• It keeps your consumers up to date.

• It leads to repeat business.

The bottom line? Advertising really works. It’s a key component to building your brand, growing your earnings, and maintaining a successful real estate business. Our marketing solutions can help you get lots more eyes on your business with targeted online advertising.

Let us help you meet your marketing goals by advertising your listings in Real Estate Weekly.

By Erik J. Martin CTW Features

There are a lot of moving parts involved with selling a home. And you may have to learn to be flexible and fluid, rolling with the changes and unexpected scenarios that inevitably arise when trying to close a deal with the buyer.

But one immovable aspect you should be able to count on as a sturdy anchor among the often turbulent waters of the home selling process is your real estate agent/Realtor. Which is why it’s crucial to choose this professional carefully and vet them properly.

“A good real estate agent or Realtor can help you get the most out of your sale, from properly pricing the home to helping you navigate the legal paperwork,” says Carter Crowley, co-owner and licensed Realtor for CB Home Solutions in Milwaukee.

“Asking the right questions of this agent can help you determine if he or she is a right fit for you.”

Additionally, the agent you select will be responsible for getting your deal closed, which is why it should be someone you can trust.

“Before forming a partnership with this profes- sional, it’s essential to get to know them and their abilities by inquiring,” says Alex Capozzolo, co-founder of Brotherly Love Real Estate in Philadelphia. Here are some of the most critical questions to ask your agent candidate: n What are your qualifications and experience? “This is important to ensure that your agent is knowledgeable about the local real estate market and has the necessary experience to help you sell your home efficiently,” adds Crowley. n What are your marketing plans for selling my house? “Marketing your home is one of the most crucial selling points in the process,” says Cam Dowski, founder of WeBuyHousesChicago. The agent should have a comprehensive strategy and plan for marketing your property, which should include the use of digital, print, and traditional marketing tactics along with a plan for open houses and other events to showcase your home. n How do you determine a specific listing price? “Learn how they will come up with a particular listing price for your home. Understand how they can justify this price for your house, too,” Dowski recommends. n How many similar homes have you sold, and how quickly do you typically sell homes? “A reliable agent should be able to provide proof and stats of their performance to ensure they are capable enough to sell your home,” says Capozzolo. n What is the commission? “Knowing the commission rate your agent charges is vital for understanding the total cost of the sale. Also, ask if the commission rate is negotiable and whether there are any additional fees or costs associated with their services,” explains Crowley. continues. n How do you handle negotiations with buyers? n What happens if there is a disagreement? “The agent should be able to set professional boundaries and clear priorities.

“Negotiating with buyers is a crucial part of the home selling process. It’s important to pick an agent who is skilled at negotiating and able to get you the best price for your home, so ask about their negotiation strategy,” suggests Min Hwan Ahn, a real estate attorney in New York City.

Setting transparent communication is essential going forward,” Capozzolo n Do you have references from past clients you can share? “Asking for references is a good way to get a sense of the agent’s reputation and how well they have served their clients in the past,” Ahn notes. “They can also give you an idea of the level of service you can expect from the agent.”

Unacceptable or red flag answers include any that are evasive, vague, or indicate a lack of experience or qualifications.

“For instance, if the agent is unable to explain how they will set the asking price or their commission structure, it could be a sign they are not the right fit for you,” Crowley cautions.

“Or, if the agent is not able to provide a comprehensive and detailed marketing plan, it could be an indication they are not experienced or qualified enough to handle the sale of your home.”