How To Make A Real Estate Sales Flyer

The real estate flyer (also called "fact sheet") is one of the most important advertising tools in the business. Here's how to create one that gets the buyer's attention.

Step 1:
Take A Picture
The first step is to get the best picture possible of the front of your house. Move any cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the home. If there are dark shadows, shoot at a different time of day. And make sure to frame out the street and other houses if possible. It's currently popular to add 1-4 interior shots under the exterior shot, or at the bottom.
Step 2:
Pick A Layout
Numerous websites and software programs offer free "flyer generators" that will take your information and spit out a flyer. That said, you may want the flexibility of doing it yourself, which is easy enough to do in a word-processing program. Either way, be sure to stick with one easy-to-read font, and to keep it simple.
Step 3:
Choose A Headline
The "headline" is the top line of text on the flyer and should be in large print. The classic headline is simply the address of the property. Other choices include mentioning the neighborhood or a special feature. But try to avoid corny come-ons.
Step 4:
List The Basics
Real estate flyers must include the address, list price, and the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and ancillary rooms. List this information first, just under the photos. Don't forget to include your phone number (or that of your agent), and website if you have one.
Step 5:
Sell It
Think about everything that makes your home special. Does it have special features, like a pool, a patio, or a chef's kitchen? Does it have lovely architectural details, beamed ceilings, antique molding? Are the rooms large and airy? Think of every potential benefit of your home and list it under the basics.
Step 6:
Talk The Talk
There are two schools of thought about how to get this information onto your flyer. Some agents recommend straightforward, easy to read bullet points. Others recommend using the marketing technique of writing full sentences starting with action verbs like "enjoy," "live" "relax". Use whichever technique you're most comfortable with. And know your buzzwords. According to the bestselling authors of FREAKONOMICS, the words "Fantastic, charming, and spacious" are associated with lower sales prices. Avoid them- and definitely avoid exclamation points. Incidentally, the words that signal higher prices are "state of the art," "gourmet," "maple," "granite".
Step 7:
Check It Out
Scrutinize the flyer for accuracy and spelling, and make sure you've got the contact information right. Print your master, and you're ready to make copies.
Step 8:
Color Or Black And White?
Color copies are often 10 times more expensive than black and white. It's best to make some of both- black and white for casual distribution, and color for open houses or appointment viewings. And consider printing on a light-colored, quality paper to make your flyer stand out.
Step 9:
Get It Out There
Your flyer will only work if you get it to buyers. Put a box or weather-resistant plastic sleeve on your for sale sign, and keep it stocked with flyers. Have them on hand for any buyer who sees your home, and put them up in the mailroom or local coffeshop.The nice thing about flyers is that they're not too expensive, so if your first attempt doesn't float your boat, try again with a new angle.