Top 10 Bandit Sign Mistakes Made By Real Estate Investors

I know I’ve been talking a lot lately about Bandit Signs and how to use them. Well, I really see the need in getting this information out there with spring being here, the new investors I see out there and the mistakes being made by them

I’ve done a couple of videos on Bandit Signs which I’m sure you’ve seen by now where i gave helpful tips. If you haven’t visit Youtube, I’m user name 1EPHB and you can see them there. In this post I’m covering the Top 10 Bandit Sign Mistakes investors are making and how to correct them.

Lets get started:

BREAKING THE LAW – I can’t stress this enough! Know your locations laws. If they are outlawed then look to other means for getting your message out. We as real estate investors already have a negative image we’re fighting so don’t make it worse by breaking the law. ****Solution**** Use 4×6 postcards with your message on them and post them on message boards at your church, grocery store, laundromat, community center or any place where they have a message board.

WRONG SIZE – When using bandit signs you want to make sure your signs are able to be noticed by those who pass them by. I’ve seen signs that were 12×18; these may be cheaper but they are also harder to see by potential clients who are passing by in their cars. ****Solution**** Spend a few dollars more and get the signs 18×24. The cost will be more than the smaller signs but order 50 and not 100. The larger signs are easier to see plus you have the added advantage of more space for your message.

SAYING TOO MUCH – Investors often have too much to say on their signs. Depending on who you’re marketing to, sellers or buyers, you must not have a long message or they may pass your sign trying to read all of it and not get your number off of it. ****Solution**** Make your message short and to the point. Use 1 liners, you don’t have to use a complete sentence.

THE WRONG MESSAGE – In many cases I see the old tried and true “We Buy Houses” message on the majority of the Bandit Signs out there. Ask yourself, does that really work? Most people in any decent size city with real estate investors has seen this message SO much that it’s not effective any more. When it comes to messages for buyers most investors will use the “For Sale By Owner” signs. This is another one that doesn’t garner much attention anymore. ****Solution****

(A Couple Messages for Sellers)
Sell Me Your House Today
Need To Sell I’m Buying
(A Couple Messages For Buyers)
Help! Buy My House
Tired Homeowner Sale
SIGN PLACEMENT – I see signs placed wrong all the time. I understand many times you may be placing them out late at night, in a rush or in an area with other signs so you’re trying to get the best placement possible so that your sign is noticed. ****Solution**** Place your signs in areas where people have to stop and look at them like traffic lights, stop signs, freeway exists, gas stations (if possible). Place your signs in an area where you don’t have to compete for views, if there are 3 or 4 other signs there find another place to put your sign. Place them in position so that they can be easily viewed and read by those who will pass them by. Never and I do mean Never put your sign in the middle of the block where people don’t have to stop, if you do, then you just wasted your time and your sign.

NO NUMBER – Believe it or not I’ve actually seen Bandit Signs with a message and no contact info. ****Solution**** Always, Always, Always, Always make sure you have your contact number on your signs. If possible make your number as large as possible so that it fills up a whole line. As an added twist put your number first, on the top of your signs. If you have a website, a short easy to remember website add it to your sign if it works and looks good.

OVERKILL – investors, especially beginners will fall victim to this. This is when you see a particular Bandit Sign at every corner you come to. You see it so much it’s annoying. ****Solution**** When using Bandit Signs to attract sellers target a specific area and put out 5 to 10 signs. Avoid the urge of wanting to blanket as much of the city as possible. By targeting specific areas at a time you can better track your leads and learn that area, plus you can avoid getting calls for areas you don’t want to deal with.

COLORS – I’ve seen signs in black & white, blue & yellow, red & green, and purple & white. Some colors just wont cut it, some might. ****Solution**** When deciding on your colors for your signs use those that you know will work. yellow & black, red & white, blue & white and try the new hot colors hot pink and black.

FALSE MESSAGE – I’ve seen signs that say “I’ll buy your house in 2 days” and other stuff like that. ****Solution**** Don’t say things on your sign that you can’t fulfill. If you do and you don’t perform the word will get around and your leads will dry up.

NO MARKETING – How many so-called real estate investors do you know that say they invest but yet they don’t do any marketing. ****Solution**** As long as Bandit Signs are not against the law in your area you are fighting an uphill battle by not using them. They can be your key to getting leads and massively increasing your real estate investing business.

A Few Reminders When Considering a Commercial Property

Commercial rental properties can be really lucrative. But we are all aware that managing commercial real estate is not that easy. To say the least, it is critical in so many ways. Even though you may be well-informed and experienced when it comes to dealing with commercial properties, it is still highly probable that you may miss and neglect some of its important aspects. Below are the lists of some important things to bear in mind when trying to transact with commercial real estate properties.

The first thing to remember is to familiarize and check the real estate firm you are dealing with. It is important for you to clear things up regarding their offers. There are firms who are telling their clients some unclear phrases that are difficult to understand. These things need clarifications and you want to be sure with these aspects. You also want to make sure that you and the firm share common goals and plans for a smooth relationship.

Try to keep with you a checklist when you are thinking of acquiring multiple properties because this allows you to compare different features as well as see the advantages of each property. Once you have a checklist with you, you will be well-organized and this can help you decide better. This checklist also helps you to inspect more properties in a short amount of time without missing something. Therefore, for you to have the right decision in choosing a commercial property, a checklist is a must.

The checklist is essential because there are so many concerns associated with commercial properties and one of these issues is waste disposal. Getting rid of the waste is one big issue in having a commercial real estate property. Improper waste management in a commercial property is not environment friendly. As a possible owner, try to envision having plans with this aspect to avoid headaches down the road. You may need to hire a specialist to provide a solution to this dilemma. This may cost a bit of money though. Thus, take this into consideration.

Another concern is the appraisal. Unlike residential estate transaction, acquiring a commercial office generally requires an order appraisal by the bank. There are times when an appraisal conducted by a third party is prohibited by some banks. Make sure to familiarize yourself with this concern by checking with banks.

In choosing a commercial property, you may also need to consider the access to amenities and utilities. This is extremely important with your potential tenants. Try to check the electricity, water, gas, and the internet access. All these services are crucial to your rental business.

Commercial Real Estate Agents – How to Find More Top Clients Today

When you work as a commercial real estate agent, the number of clients that you serve is really important to your market share. Even in tough economic circumstances or market conditions, the number of clients in your database is foundational to bringing in the new listings and the enquiry.

We all know that the property market is quite challenging at the moment with the lenders putting pressure on property owners and property investors. This in itself will however create property churn and listing opportunity for the local agents; you just have to know the right people.

To be successful in a market like this, it all comes down to your daily focus and database activity. You simply have to talk to more clients and more prospects. You need to be known as the agent of choice and the agent of experience in your local area. The clients that act in a market like this need a good agent with comprehensive market coverage and an understanding of the property type. This does say that each property listing needs to be comprehensively promoted and marketed. Successful real estate agents are in demand today more than ever before; most clients to not want to make their property listing and experiment with an untested or inexperienced agent.

To find more clients in this market, here are some ideas to help you:

Talk to all the local business leaders in the area. Some of them will need to relocate their business operations from time to time. Expansion or contraction is common in a market like this. Establish yourself as the agent that they will call when the need arises.

When you look around the suburbs, streets, and business precincts, you will find properties that are attractive and well occupied. These properties should become targets for your future business opportunity. Get to know all the tenants, and the owners of these properties. Talk to the tenants and get details of the lease occupancy in each case. As the end of lease date draws nearer, there is a distinct opportunity for you to help them with relocation or better premises. Alternatively the owner of the property may need help in lease negotiation or in finding a new tenant.

Franchise brands and businesses need well located premises to operate from. As we all know, the franchise brands today are diverse and cover property types of retail, office, and industrial. Locate the property decision makers from each franchise group. Understand their priorities in selecting new property locations. Keep in close contact with these groups and provide them with a list of property locations on a monthly basis.

Every property that is listed on your books is an opportunity to connect with other people. On that basis you should create flyers and brochures for all of your good listings, and take those things personally to the local business community. The personal contact here is more important than anything else. You need to ‘put a name to the face’ when it comes to marketing yourself and your property skills. If you undertake this process well, you can build a significant database for ongoing contact with the right people.
Regardless of what you think the property market is doing, there is always opportunity out there. You simply have to understand the factors of the market and the challenges that property owners and business proprietors are working with. If you market your commercial real estate services around these things, it will be easier for you to grow your market share today.

5 Ways to Boost Curb Appeal and Maximise House Value

Trying to sell a house in a buyer’s market is a challenge. Curb appeal is a key element of any home. If you want your home, to be the most attractive home on the block or you are thinking about putting it on the market there are easy ways to boost curb appeal that will maximize the value of a house. The trick is to be creative. These quick changes will help improve your home and maximize your property value.

Get a new door.

The front door is the first thing people notice and is the most telling detail of your house. Turn the front door into an exclamation point that makes a statement. A new door will give your home’s entryway an instant lift. When upgrading the front door matching the light fixtures and hardware will achieve a complementary look. Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures and front door accents create a welcoming entryway.

Think shutters and windows.

One way to add value is to add character. Nothing says character like windows and shutters. Do not forget the windows. Make sure to check the condition of the houses windows ensuring they are in working order and clean. You can also dress up your windows by adding architectural details. Adding moldings and decorative brackets will make the exterior of your home pop.

Cleaning the windows inside and out will massively improve your curb appeal as well as the view. Shutters draw attention to a house and using contrasting colors draws attention. If your windows are old, replacement windows may be the way to go. However, the installation of new windows is a significant remodeling project it can mean increased energy efficiency and security for your home and an increase in the market value.

Landscape and spruce up the grounds.

A vital element is the landscaping. A defined yard with flowerbeds and edging can increase your home’s curb appeal dramatically. Trimming shrubs and bushes to ensure that windows and doors are not covered makes the property look more attractive and neat. Add flower power. Increase your curb appeal by creating colorful planting beds.

The garden should complement the style of the house. Add vibrant color by planting vines, ornamental grasses and perennials in garden areas. Creating the right look and flow throughout the yard can create an edge over other homes on the market and boost your home’s value.

Wash porches and decking.

Revitalize porches and decks by thoroughly cleaning and washing. If the front porch is in need of repairs consider a new or remodeled porch. A renovated or new porch will give any home a brand new facelift. A new coat of paint, restoring the flooring or repairing the concrete can make an enormous difference in the curb appeal.

Paint the exterior.

Traditional colors are popular right now and the classics never go out of style. Look for crisp, clean colors that accent your home’s style. Nothing gives a house more curb appeal than a fresh coat of paint. Painting is one of the most cost effective ways to create curb appeal. Painting the trim in a contrasting color further enhances the wow factor. A fresh coat of paint creates an instant wow factor.

For many individuals, their house is an emotional as well as financial investment. When you are, trying to boost curb appeal walk around your property. Think about what you like about the appearance and what stands out as unattractive. Even if, the flaws are minor they could create negative curb appeal. By adding curb appeal, you can increase the value of your home. Making it a more pleasant place to live in or boost its value if you decide to sell or refinance.

Is Home Staging a Good Investment?

Are you trying to sell your home? Not going so well huh? Well have you ever thought about investing in home staging? You can set your house up as if someone is living there to give buyers the visuals of what it might be like if you are living there.

Not only will you be able to sell faster but you could potentially impress everyone around you. Your home will be the best looking one in the neighborhood before you sell it. With a few couches and corner softening end tables, you could have a great looking living area for your potential buyers to visualize how amazing that house could be. The potential is endless and you will certainly be satisfied when your house sells quickly.

Putting a few dishes and curtains with a vase full of flowers on a kitchen table is going to warm up the room and make it seem more inviting for the viewers. They are going to love the way it looks in there and imagine what it would be like if they actually lived in the house. Maybe they’ll even ask if they can buy the items that are in the house from you.

A warm bedroom with a big fluffy bed and a nightstand with a peaceful candle can create the illusion that your room is their room. They will feel so cozy in the space and be able to know what is going to fit in the room besides the beautiful styling techniques you have provided for them. You are bound to sell it quickly.

There are many other reasons that staging will help you. You will learn about styling your own home. Maybe you will be able to pick up a few tips that you have created in your staged home and apply it to your new one. This will allow you to live better for yourself too.

You can even up the sale price if you stage your home. Stage homes have an average of a 7% increase in price than homes that are not staged do. It is such a great listing tool too. You can place ads and say that it is furnished or staged and you are going to get a lot more potential buyers interested. Staged homes get sold within one month of listing 93% of the time. This is because buyers feel like the property is well maintained. It is an illusion that helps you win. Staged homes also appeal to a broader range of buyers. It sparks creativity for more types of people and they are able to visualize what it would be like if they lived there.

Staged homes often get better appraisal values too. You can put photos online of your staged homes and people will be more interested that way. It gives you the professional image you need to get the job done right. Your home will look better and since people mostly shop online before they contact a realtor, the homes must be in top condition because of all the competition there is out there.