Real Estate Advertising Tips

You just received your real estate license, and you can't wait to get started building up your client base. You sit and dream about who you will sell your first house to and how much commission you will get. You have already made up some spiffy business cards, and your very proud momma has passed out 20 of them. Your envious sister did have a valid point: How will you find your customers?

• Use an old-fashioned "For Sale" sign. Even though it does seem antiquated, it can still get the job done. Someone driving in the neighborhood will see the sign and know that the house is for sale. Most importantly, you don't have to spend a whole lot of money advertising. You can create a sign or signs on your own for just the cost of the supplies.


• Use real estate listing websites. These services allow real estate agents to list their for-sale properties. Buyers looking for property will be able to locate the exact location of each home on the website's map service. These sites usually include listing information and multiple pictures of the home and its surrounding area.


• Use classified ads. Fortunately, there are several free online classified websites as well as free circulars and newsletters. Some will even allow you to post pictures at no extra charge.


• Use social networking websites. All you need is a social networking account and PRESTO! -- you are in a business of promoting the properties you have for sale. Create a business page and spread the word among your friends and colleagues. Include pictures, listing information and links to map results of each property's location.