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All Forum Posts by: Chris Farrugia

Chris Farrugia has started 17 posts and replied 63 times.

Post: Alternatives to Craigslist for free ads?

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

Both, yes.  I should have mentioned that.  Funny, but I have never had someone call me from either.

Post: Looking to get my Real Estate Brokers License

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

I really don't think it matters.  You're going to be doing A LOT of reading so I like the online ones that also give you the book as part of the fees.  I think Bob Hogue sells the book as an add-on and I definitely recommend it.

Post: Alternatives to Craigslist for free ads?

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

Hi friends,

I do a lot of sponsored ads on Facebook and have been putting ads on Craigslist since they're free and I'm actually getting some calls off of them.  It's a great activity to do during open houses too!

My question is though--Craigslist allows me to post for free but what other places are great for free or low cost ads?

Post: Looking to get my Real Estate Brokers License

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

Take the class online. Google it. There are so many different educators.

Post: Where are you getting listings? I'll share first...

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

Hi everyone,

Just like the topic says, I want to know where you're picking up your listings. Calling on expired listings has proven to be a complete waste of time because here in Naples, FL, by 8am the person has received literally 10 calls and not receptive at all.  Also, we all know referrals from sphere of influence is great so I'm hoping we can help each other get some advice to further ourselves.

My last listing came because we have a huge referral company attached to our own. That way, the people don't have to pay MLS fees, national fees, etc. and can keep their licenses so they can get referral income. I emailed every one of them to tell them I'd give them 1/3rd of the commission (only 8% more than usual) for business and got a lot of response. One was from a woman that asked me to list her house right away.

Prior to that, I emailed everyone at a local company that I only slightly knew. These were people that would recognize my face if they saw me but likely couldn't call me by name. I emailed each to see how their jobs were going and to let them know that I'm doing incredibly well in real estate. A guy called me right away and asked me to come talk to him and his wife about listing their house so I got that listing. It wasn't sphere of influence but just slightly better than a cold call.

So how about you guys? What's working for you?

Post: iPhone 7 plus wide angle lens???

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

@Anthony Kelley, I don't consider the $700-$1000 cameras to be good enough either.  The lens the photographer uses (12mm-22mm) is $1,700 alone and that's how he captures these small bathrooms, walk-in closets, etc. and makes them look amazing. He bounces flash off of walls to make the rooms bright. He takes bracketed images so that you can see the room well lit PLUS the view out of the window.  You cannot do that with an iPhone.

Post: iPhone 7 plus wide angle lens???

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

I really don't want to sound harsh but photos are what sell property. Realtors aren't photographers and an iPhone isn't a camera. This is one area where I really wouldn't cut costs if I were you.  Now, if you have the time to buy a great camera, lens, flashes, tripod, etc. and take a legitimate photography course, it could be beneficial.  However, I'd still rather use my time doing lead generation than taking pictures. I'll leave that to the pros.  

Post: Best phone lookup service ?

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

Spokeo is dirt cheap and works great for me. If you PM me your address (or a friend, etc.), I'll send you back what it has for you to see how reliable it is.  Just make sure it's someone you know so you can truly see if the data is accurate.

Post: Is anyone using a craigslist scraper to contact potential leads?

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34
Originally posted by @Bobby R.:

I used an IFTTT recipe that scraped CL according to my criterion. The results come by email where you could forward to an assistant, VA, etc

 I'm pretty sure "Criterion" is a transformer.

Post: How to sell a home that needs renovation but has a new roof?

Chris FarrugiaPosted
  • Involved In Real Estate
  • Naples, FL
  • Posts 68
  • Votes 34

I'm in a unique position where I'm selling an older home for roughly $450,000 and has a ton to offer.  It has a brand new roof which is $25k alone!  The problem I'm facing though is that the other homes in the neighborhood have renovated kitchens (probably less expensive than the roof) and are older too.  People see the house I have listed and say, "Oh, the kitchen isn't renovated."  I explain that the roof alone is more than the kitchen renovation so they can come in and put their own kitchen in to their own tastes.  Still, I can't get an offer.  I wish I could say the owners have it overpriced but it is priced great for the neighborhood.

Anybody have any ideas for me to get this one sold?  What could I do differently?