Newspaper Ads Do Not Sell Houses

Will you post my house in the Dallas Morning News?

NO!

Mr. and Mrs. Seller, people don't read the newspaper like they used to. Many people have switched from the actual news paper to the online version of the paper. Yes, with the online version of the paper, your ad will appear in the online portion of the classifieds section, however, that's not where you want to be, as there is a new and separate online section for listings that are automatically fed from the MLS.

First, when an ad is placed in the paper, you're getting about 3-4 short lines to grab someone's attention. If I get absolutely no calls, does that mean that no one saw the ad? So, problem number one is that I can't track how many people the ad was put in front of like I can with my internet ads.

Second, do you really think serious buyers are looking in the paper with today's technology? The people who are looking in the paper are typically lower income and they're looking for rentals. They might call on your ad just to see if you would consider renting it, but they are not a qualified buyer inquiring on your house.

I say serious buyers aren't looking in the paper because there is a National statistic that shows about 80% of buyers are looking online when searching for a house. However, Texas has done their own research, and they show that over 94% of buyers are looking online for houses... that means only 6% of buyers are looking in the paper and at open houses and other "old school" methods of house hunting.

Mr. and Mrs. Seller, would you rather me spend my marketing money and efforts on capturing 94% of the Buying population, or would you like me to spend my time marketing your house to only 6% of buyers?

Third, people want information and they want it now. A short 3-4 line in a paper does not offer pictures or tours, or any details about the house. The typical interactive buyer is not interested in any information where they can't see a little more details before inquiring further about it.

Did newspaper ads work a few years ago, yes, of course they did. Do they work in today's market? No, they do not. Will I post an ad in the paper just to appease you? No, I will not. I can use that $100 on something more productive.

Remember, I work all of North Dallas County and Collin County including Richardson, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Carrollton, Garland, Rowlett, McKinney, etc... my car will take us anywhere you need to go!!

ARE YOU PACKED YET?!