Dear Valued Subscriber
Welcome to the SA Hometraders’ Newsletter for March. With the current property market experiencing such tight conditions, SA Hometraders understands the need to develop innovative marketing tools that stretch
above and beyond the norm.
Our newsletter provides:
- valuable information on current activity;
- updates on our exciting new features;
- insight and advice on various technical issues that you might experience on the site.
We offer cutting edge online marketing services, so click here if you’re interested in finding out more.
If you have any queries or would simply like information, please feel free to email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za. We wish you all a productive month ahead.
Yours in Online Marketing
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Click here to find out more about our Marketing Services....
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| Subscriber Update |
Fresh blood |
SA Hometraders is pleased to welcome two new members to the team: Jason Smit will contribute his exceptional graphic design and marketing expertise and Alana McVey will be responsible for invigorating the content on the site. Having been thrown in the deep end, it’s safe to say that both members are now out of armbands and learning to paddle..
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| Legal Update |
C & A Friedlander has kindly offered to provide interesting and informative legal updates for our newsletter. This month, the update is centred on Important Information for Buyers and Sellers.
“For transfers make provision for extras such as post and petties, Rates Clearance Certificate or a Levy Clearance Certificate (R1000). For bonds make provision for extras such as post and petties, Deeds Office fees and Bank
Initiation fees (R2000 – R5700)...” If you would like to access the full article, please click here. |
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Holiday rentals |
There is now an option to extend the description fields for those properties listed as holiday rentals. It would be worthwhile for prospective clients to know more about the accommodation available. If you are interested in making use of this option, please
click here to see an example.
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How to drive traffic to your website |
In order to take full advantage of your website, you constantly need to drive traffic towards it. There are a number of simple ways to do this, such as advertising your web address, including it on your stationary, highlighting it on your show boards and promoting it on your motor vehicles. Another effective marketing tool is to include your web address in your emails and send frequent updates and news articles to your database of past and potential clients. We also suggest updating your website as often as possible. Of course, if all else fails, you could always employ a recent university graduate and put them to work with a sandwich board. |
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| New Website Features |
SMS notifications |
There is a new feature on the site that allows potential buyers to send an SMS request to an agent when viewing a listed property that they are interested in. SMSes are charged at 50c each and can be bought in bundles of 300. This is an innovative and convenient marketing tool and we strongly suggest that you make use of the option. |
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Start your own listing network |
There is an excellent opportunity for agencies to create listing networks amongst themselves. Essentially, this would involve sharing listings and drawing reports on property for sale or property that has already been sold. Every time that a property is added, updated or sold, each member of the network is sent a notification This helps reduce the general administration of multi-listings and allows agencies to share information and stay informed on an ongoing basis. The service is offered at absolutely no cost, so if you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to contact us. |
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Reports on people who enquire about your properties |
The details of the person making the enquiry on any of your listings are automatically added to the agency’s contacts database. This means that you simultaneously gain potential new business and build up your future client database. |
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| Technical Issues |
New Age Communication |
Skype contact details can now be added to your agent or office profile. This is an excellent tool in terms of communicating effectively with clients at a fraction of the cost. You can add your skype address to your agent’s profile using the back-office, but if you would like to the update the office details then you need to contact us and we will be happy to do it for you.
Tip: If you aren’t sure how to go about downloading Skype, all you need to do is visit www.skype.com and follow the simple download prompts. You will need to invest in a pair of headphones with a microphone if you are interested in using the voice over option. |
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Rentals Summary Listings |
Agents who have a website hosted by SA Hometraders are now able to add their contact details to rentals summary listings. Thanks go to Citihomes for
bringing this to our attention.
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Rental Property |
The “Let By Us” Sticker on rental property now reads: “Sorry Rented Out”. Thanks to Rose Eedes and
Joan Homes for that.
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| Marketing Services Now Available |
Formed 7 years ago, SA Hometraders now has over 600 subscribers, 23000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a diverse selection of farms and commercial developments. At SA Hometraders, we realise that real estate agencies are increasingly choosing to invest in alternative forms of advertising. Our goal is to meet that demand with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features.
There is also a heightened awareness of the importance of having a database of contacts that is up-to-date. This database should consist of a list of contacts, including past and potential buyers with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, this list would be developed and expanded on an ongoing basis. |
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SA Hometraders has created a range of innovative products to ensure maximum reach:
- List Management
- Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
- Electronic Signatures
- Newsflashes
- Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Please feel free to call us on 086 110 2379 or email sales@sahometraders should you require our services or any other information.
Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option. |
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