I was wondering if any one had actually created a brochure on themselves, to hand out to prospects and included in mail-outs and listing presentations. If you have one, has it been a benefit to you? Helped to generate business?

Also, what type of info do you include, other than the obvious (contact info, bio, designations). Is it cheesy to include pictures of the family (dog and kids)? Thanks y'all for your insights.

An excellent idea. You should have one for buyers and another for sellers.

The seller version should have a basic summary of your marketing plan, especially including things you do and commitments you make that other Realtors do not.

The buyer version can stress the principles of agency and why it's in the potential client's best interest to let YOU represent them and to NEVER call the number on the sign or in the ad.

I do NOT favor kids and dogs on these materials. You are trying to become their Realtor, not their friend. Let's face it, they really don't care about your kids or pets, do they? No. They DO care what you can do for them and how you can protect their interests and make their life easier and more profitable.

Having said that, I am a computer geek reality-based atheist and my target market is tech-savvy yuppies and dinks. If you're a big social butterfly den/soccer mom, Church/Synagogue type, the folksy kids and dogs approach might be OK to mix in. I've seen effective marketing materials with both approaches.

Bottom line, targeted personal brochures are a great extra tool, but use them to supplement your dynamic personal approach, not substitute for it.

Oh, and the brochures should be professionally printed, 2-sided, in color on glossy stock with your photograph taken professionally (NOT at Walmart, go to a pro with proper equipment, lighting, backdrops, and software).

Do not generate this in house on an ink jet or color laser. It's supposed to impress, it should look like you SPENT BUCKS on it. You can design and proof it yourself, but have it printed professionally.

I had one made by elance.com that tells about me, my team, services,etc. I buy brochures from Gooder http://www.gooder.com/default.html .

I bought HP tri-fold brochure paper, in the box is a web site that has a template for a real estate brochure. It is very inexpensive but looks really good. If you want to test it out before you put alot of money in it. Give this a try.

Word of advice: Be sure to complete the whole brochure before you logoff. It may not save your work. I understand they have fixed this problem.

can someone post their brochure for an example? i want to collect some ideas. this sounds good.