Media Release - 30^th August, 2012

Technology drives success for Raine & Horne Newtown

Tech-savvy property office, Raine & Horne Newtown, has secured the coveted REA Online Advertising Award at the Raine & Horne National Awards, held at the iconic Grand Hyatt in Melbourne last week.

The award recognises the ever-changing real estate marketing environment and is a reward for the Raine & Horne office that demonstrates innovative web marketing and online advertising.

“Our goal has been to maximise the amount of buyer enquiry to our properties by casting the widest virtual net possible,” says Gerard Hill, co-principal of Raine & Horne Newtown.

According to Mr Hill, traditional forms of real estate advertising, such as signboards and newspaper advertisements, still have a role to play, however the importance of the internet can’t be denied.

“Signboards and print marketing are important, but their role has changed. Their purpose now is to encourage people to seek more information from an internet platform like a website or e-brochure.

“For example, people instantly want to know more about a property when they see a signboard in front of a house. To help these buyers, we have established QR codes on all of our signboards and print marketing.

“By scanning the QR code with their smart phone, they are instantly taken to the property’s webpage on rh.com.au, where they can browse through an extensive collection of photographs, floor plans and copy.

“It is a quick and convenient way for a potential purchaser to browse real estate.”

In addition, Mr Hill said that Raine & Horne Newtown is harnessing the power of social media with its own Facebook page and Twitter account.

“We are encouraging our vendors to ‘like’ their property on Facebook, which can help it go viral and potentially find a buyer,” says Mr Hill.

Leading into Spring, Mr Hill is predicting e-marketing strategies will strike a chord with first home buyers and work well for those properties listed below $600,000.

“We are getting incredible enquiry from first home buyers at the moment and most of it is sourced from our web marketing.”

A case in point, Raine & Horne Newtown ran a four week auction campaign for 7/63 Douglas Street, Stanmore, with expectations around the mid $500,000s.

“In just three weeks, the e-marketing on the property had generated over 230 email enquiries, 591 e-brochures and 3,898 page views,” says Mr Hill.

“We had over 110 people inspect the apartment in just three open homes. It is going to auction this weekend and we are expecting strong demand from competing buyers.”

Following on from the National Awards, Mr Hill also congratulated Michael Harris, who placed sixth in the Top Salesperson (Dollar Value) and fifth in the Top Salesperson (Number of Sales) categories.

“Michael is streaks ahead of our competitors in Newtown and has consistently sold around 7-8 properties a month in 2012.”

“This is quite an achievement given the market is only just starting to gain some momentum and most of Michael’s business comes from referrals,” says Mr Hill.

For those considering a property sale this Spring, contact Raine & Horne Newtown on (02) 8596 3555 or follow them on Twitter: @innerwestrealty

For further media information contact:

Gerard Hill, co-principal Raine & Horne Newtown on 0414 327 888

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator on 02 9258 5400

Award winning Raine & Horne Newtown set for strong Spring courtesy of online marketing strategies