Lisle, IL

Do you want to know the key to any successful marketing campaign?

It's not about the marketing...

It's about the campaign. So stop wasting time!

I don't care what type of marketing you are doing. Over time, it all works...

Calendars, magnets, post cards, pens, brochures, newsletters, recipes. All of it...

I joke with my wife that I could hand out big sheets of paper with my face and phone number. If I hand out out enough of them, people will start to call...

So you have to focus on the campaign first:

• How long? Marketing takes time. Realistically, you won't see results for some time. It can take a year or longer. But once it does start working, you won't want to stop...
  
  
• Where? Pick a neighborhood. I like townhome communities. They have a higher turnover ratio than single family homes. Once you choose one, stick with it. Remember, this takes time...

• How many homes should I market to? This is a budget issue. I recommend you start small. You don't want to overextend. This is a marathon. Not a sprint...
  

So pick a neighborhood. Start marketing. It works...

Ken

There is a condo development in Lisle Illinois named Four Lakes...

Set between lakes and hills, this beautiful development holds more than 1000 condos.

Well known for it's ski hill, Four Lakes also boasts swimming pools, tennis courts, and even several beach volleyball courts...

If you need to take a break after skiing or volleyball, there is a pub at the bottom of the hill named "The Lodge"...

Four Lakes is a great place to live.

My question is this...

If the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit is working, why aren't these homes selling?

With prices ranging from $60,000 to just under $200,000, these condos would seem ideal for first time home buyers...

Yet there are 99 homes for sale in Four Lakes. Thirteen are currently under contract. Not a horrible ratio, but considering the tax credit is expiring on November 30th (just about two months away), I would expect more of these homes to be selling...

I hear other agents saying how busy they are because of the tax credit, but I am not so sure...

I honestly haven't seen it. People move when they want to move. Not because of a government incentive...

So what do you think? Is the tax credit really working?

Ken

A Realtor you can trust.

River Bend townhomes, Lisle, Illinois. One of my favorite subdivisions...

My wife and I spent our first 5 years of marriage there. B.K. Before kids...

-our first home. 6170 River Bend Drive

We had a great time in River Bend. New home. New neighbors. Many just like us. Young couples in their first homes, starting their lives together...

A quiet neighborhood, but filled with friendly people...

The models offer a variety of options:

The Bayhill is the smallest model with a kitchen up front...

The Cypress has an open floor plan with two good sized "master" bedrooms upstairs...

The Doral also has an open floor plan, and a nice sized front room. A popular style that comes in two or three bedrooms...

The Augusta. The largest model. So large there are actually three types of Augusta, the I, II, and III. All great options if you are looking for the biggest and best model...

The upgrades vary as well. Some units have granite, stainless, and hardwood throughout. Others offer more basic options...

Whether you buy the lowest priced Bayhill or the largest Augusta model, Riverbend has so much to offer, all in the heart of the western suburbs...

Prices range from the mid to high 200s, so be sure to find the right model for you.

For more information on the River Bend subdivision in Lisle, please call me anytime at 630-697-0536.

Ken

A Realtor you can trust.

An upgraded kitchen in the Augusta II and III model...

A picture of Lake River Bend at dusk...

A snowy day in Riverbend...

I just ordered my 2009 Chicago Bears football schedule magnets.

I think they are pretty cool.

I read various opinions on the value of such marketing. Calendars, magnets, recipe cards, etc...

My attitude about marketing? I can't get enough...

I order from MagnetStreet.com.

500 magnets cost about $200. I will be on refrigerators for at least 6 months. Seems like a great investment.

I am delivering 300 to my primary farm areas, River Bend and Carrolwood. 100 will be sent to friends and family.

100 are unspoken for...

Would you like one?

Ken

A Realtor you can trust.

I hosted an open house at my listing in River Bend on Sunday. The weather was fairly typical for an April day in Illinois. Wet and raw. Highs in the lower 50's...

Despite the inclement weather, the turnout was solid. Nine groups came through...

The comments were fairly consistent. Tons of space. Gorgeous windows. Love the neighborhood and the model...

"But why are there so many for sale?" many visitors asked.

"There must be 30 homes for sale!" said one very impressed yet concerned visitor.

"Actually, there are 15," I answered, knowing the conversation wouldn't stop there.

"Why so many for sale?" asked the gentlemen.

Hmmm. In just over three years as an agent, I have answered this question many, many times, especially in regards to River Bend.

Why are there so many for sale?

River Bend has 150 townhouses in it. 15 are for sale today. That is 10%.

Seems high, but maybe not that surprising...

First off, oversupply is common in today's market.

Secondly, I feel in developments such as River Bend that were built between 5 and 10 years ago, the drop in the market can be even more glaring...

The average buyer of a townhouse generally lives in it about 5 years. After 5 years, the typical buyer is looking for something a little bit different. Perhaps they have outgrown it? Maybe they want a yard?

So when a development reaches maturity (after it has been sold out for 5 years or so), many owners are just starting to get the itch...

In a good market, that supply is quickly gobbled up.

In a tougher market like we are facing today, the results can be quickly dropping prices as well as a glut of inventory.

And that is what we have seen in River Bend and many other neighborhoods like it.

"At the end of the day, the number of homes for sale is not your problem," I remind my would-be buyer. "It is your opportunity..."

Ken

A Realtor you can trust.

-River Bend on a sunny afternoon

-River Bend on a snowy day in January...