5 ways to cut costs
Looking for a few ways to cut costs? Try using some of these suggestions from real estate professionals and financial experts:
- Use technology. In today’s tech-savvy world, you probably don’t have to trek across town to pick up those documents. Instead, have the sender scan them and e-mail them to you in PDF format.
- Stop running back to the office. Another way to cut back on travel costs is to invest in a wireless-enabled laptop that allows you to work while on the road, rather than having to drive back to the office every time you need to send a fax or e-mail an important document to a customer.
- Ask your broker to chip in. Many brokers will share the cost of advertising and marketing, so ask what he or she is willing to do. Some will help pay for the layout, printing and mailing of marketing materials, for example, or for the cost of print advertising.
- Do your own marketing. Some real estate professionals farm out their marketing, while others handle it themselves. If the do-it-yourself approach sounds enticing, invest in a good laser printer, a program like Microsoft Publisher, and some brochure and presentation paper, and become your own self-publisher.
- Maximize e-mail. Unlike direct mail, e-mail marketing is fast and cheap, and allows real estate professionals to quickly get the word out about a new listing or price reduction to a large number of people. Use this to your advantage.
SOURCE: Florida Realtor Magazine, December 2007