Using Sex to Sell Real Estate (and Other Drama)
Here’s a interesting story. A real estate agent in Orlando creates a video full of scantily clad female models, and asks “can sex sell real estate?”.
So, the first question is; “does sex actually help you sell in real estate?”
Now we get to the fun part - full of the same type of drama that makes us cringe, but still watch, The Office. Here’s a short summary:
This agent is a private contractor, responsible for all of his own marketing. His team leader is eventually shown the video, is shocked and disappointed and escalates it to the broker. One other-than-friendly voice mail later, and the agent in question is being asked to remove the video from YouTube or resign.
The second question is; “how much control of an agents marketing does a broker have?”
So, questions of taste and quality aside, how would you answer those two questions?
[If you'd like to see the video for yourself, here is a link. I hesitate to put it on FoREM without getting Joel's input...]
ED. UPDATE - I’ve embedded the video below because I think it helps frame the discussion. Warning - it is probably NSFW and if you’re easily offended, don’t push Play. I’ve also updated the FOREM poll to reflect this debate - please take a moment and vote. ~Joel
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57 Comment(s)
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- From Disruptive RE Broker » Blog Archive » Sex and real estate - MA, RI, CT, NY Flat Fee MLS Listing Service | Nov 28, 2007
- From The Great Debate - Sex and Real estate | Nov 29, 2007
- From Scandalous: Using sex to sell real estate properties | Jan 26, 2008
- From Pensacola Real Estate News » Is Pensacola Real Estate Really Sexy? | Jan 28, 2008
- From Sex and the City, or County, or Zip Code « The Notorious R.O.B. | Feb 1, 2008
shaun mclane | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Erik, thanks for the mention! I’m VERY interested to see what your readers will think of this situation. One of the biggest concerns of the broker was the association of this with the company, but I never mentioned the company in the video. This video should be taken lightly - it’s a twist on an advertising concept that’s been around forever.
Jim Duncan | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
I think that the broker has every right to disassociate themselves from agents who advertise in ways they don’t agree with.
While Realtors are independent contractors, the company and the company’s reputation are the brokers.
Like it or not, Realtors are associated with their companies. If someone googles me, eventually they’re going to find the company with which I am associated. Likewise, if someone googles (or uses ask.com) they will find your company - and for better or worse, some (many) may not be as impressed with the video.
Michael Daly | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
similar things are already happening here in New York. Sex sells. The video could have been a little less blatant. Shaun, what were the results? md
shaun mclane | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
@Michael I agree that it could have been less blatant, but it was meant to be over-the-top.
If you’re playing along at home, here’s an update.
Broker called, and long story short, I was told, “Remove the Video, or Leave the company.”
Video is still up, so I guess you know what my decision was. There’s so much more to this story, but I’m not really able to share it - it’s not nice to talk about people.
So, was it fair that I was given this ultimatum? I had to remove most of the pages from my website, and add a disclaimer stating that I’m unable to provide RE services at this time.
JeffX | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Herein lies the problem with conventional real estate..and why the broker centric real estate model is little more than a flimsy shell, ready to fall and give way to agent centric models.
Broker centric = BORING
Agent centric = Creative
In the end, it’s about who you’re marketing to…one must make a choice, trying to market to ‘everyman/woman’ is an expensive exercise in frustration and failure.
Choosing a demographic and walloping them upside the head with remarkable, gooey/sticky marketing is a winner.
It’s all about the eyeballs, and Shaun had mine glued to the screen for 3 minutes
The only thing I would change about the video would be to alternate pix between the bikini clad ladies and a house, or something real estate related.
Ex:
Bikini lady–fade to–backyard w/pool. Bikini lady–fade to–Bathtub/shower. Bikini lady–fade to–Bedroom. U get where I’m going
Beyond all debate, it works. Shaun may not sell any real estate to Grandma or the ultra conservatives, but I’ll guess that Shaun doesn’t really want to sell real estate to these folks anyway.
Congrats Shaun on having the cajones for doing something out of the box and remarkable.
Gian Gonz | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Right of the bat, this guy loses any woman as a client - they don’t care about that stuff. In married couples, women decide for their man (or they have a major saying) so going with the superficial broker who doesn’t have much more to show than tits and ass is not going to cut it…
Jessica Swesey | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Interesting experiment and thread here. Isn’t there some statistic that says 80% of home-buying decisions are made by women (both single and married)? If that’s true, then sex might not sell in this case, unless the buyers are lesbian or bisexual. Then again, most women’s magazines also feature scantily clad women on the covers.
Did the video generate any leads for you?
shaun mclane | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
@Glan, You would think that would be the case, but if I may, below are a few of the comments I’ve received from woman regarding the video.
-that’s hot (3 different emails saying only this)
-just checked out the video….I have to agree, sex does sell!
-Will you make one of sexy men?? Then I will buy a house from you. lol
-Well that’s really cool. It’s amazing to me how it really does work. Sex really does sell.
-(in response to being fired) I guess he just doesn’t realize how creative that video really is! He’s going to be sorry
shaun mclane | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
@Jessica Well, I have about 30 emails from guys saying, “I’ll take 5.” I’ll let you know how those turn out.
Joshua Ferris | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Shaun,
I appreciate your intentions but the execution was all wrong. The video as a whole speaks as a concept study of Does Sex Sell? — which we all know the answer to is yes. But the real estate tie in seems like an afterthought of the video. Real estate can be sold through the use of ’sex’ but the way you use it and how appropriately you use it makes all the difference in the world. Jeff touches on what I think is the right way to do sexy in real estate which is to do scenes of actual living with subtle sexiness like the pool scene or walking to the kitchen in evening wear. Sex doesn’t have to be overt to sell or make a point. Learn from the mistakes of this video and I think you’ll do well with your edgier marketing.
P.S. - Look into how Corcoran Group used sex to sell real estate in NYC.
Matt @ PlugMyListing.com | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Even in context, the video isn’t all that funny. My initial reaction was something like, “Hmm. Some frat boy accidentally got a job as a Real Estate agent after college and is so bored he tried to combine the only two things he cares about into one: selling homes and getting laid.”
It doesn’t make any substantial point regarding sex in the Real Estate industry.
It’s all in the delivery.
TitleRep | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
We all know that sex sells to some degree. This was way over the top, but that was Shaun’s intention. Not sure it was worth quitting a job over, but I’m sure there’s plenty more to that story.
Here in Oregon, a law goes into effect March of 2008 that basically says any advertising done by an agent HAS to include the brokers registered business name. Plus, the agents name cannot be in larger font than that of the broker.
The principal broker is deemed responsible for ALL advertising that uses the licensed business name or that of the broker.
Even though the video didn’t show the company name or logo, it can indirectly be linked back to the company through the agent and therefore I think the broker had every right to ask for its removal.
Carol Hopely Russo | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
Let’s give it the appropriate title “Do women that expose their bodies sell” I didn’t see any male bodies exposed—Get real! Another arena for exploitation of womem! Funny, I guess the only buyers out there are men!
shaun mclane | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
@carol would that have made it more acceptable? I was actually in the middle of making one with men when this flood gates opened on this one. Maybe I’ll finish it.
Jillayne Schlicke | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
Hey, I’m bisexual and don’t have a problem at all with this video. This is very non-threatening to a woman who is comfortable/secure with herself, her spouse, and her body. Women are use to looking at pictures of our gender half-naked everywhere.
Here are some observations:
1) If a broker takes a stand against using pictures of sexy women to sell real estate, then what about the female real estate agents who show up in my classroom half naked? I had a student yesterday who was wearing a red, low-cut, lace camisole that looked like it came right out of the Victoria’s Secret catalogue. I almost asked, “hey there, did you forget to put on your blouse this morning?” Or the female real estate agents who walk around with tight sweaters on along with tight, short skirts? Will this broker take a stand in his own office with a puritan dress code for BOTH GENDERS?
2) Some of the pictures looked like they came from other websites, or likely belong to other photographers. Did the agent get permission to use these photos to sell his services if these photos are not in the public domain?
3)A couple of months ago, Match.com had a set of video banner ads out there where the young, hottie guy was sitting there facing the camera and he would slowly proceed to undress. First, he would take off his flannel shirt, and then I kept WATCHING because I wanted him to take off his shirt!!! Then I’d hit rewind and watch it again. Brilliant.
4)If I were the broker, I would be absolutely delighted that my agent was creative and courageous enough to take a bold risk and target market the male segment of real estate buyers and sellers instead of trying to please everyone. Now look at all of the people talking about his work. Very clever. Kudos to the agent.
Ruthman Real Estate | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
There will always be “boobs” in real estate…
It is getting attention (good or bad).
I am neither offended or impressed.
shaun mclane | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
I’m on my way out, but to address this again - The photos were from the Flickr Creative Commons License pool, and are legal to use/share. I am a professional photographer, so I’m very careful about the photos I use.
Jillayne - awesome comment. Thank you!!!
higherelevation | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
OMG people…..what the h*ll does one have to do with the other? Why are both sujects being used in the same sentence?
When are people in our profession going to stop over-stepping moral boundaries and help turn around our already “negative stigma” we all face as real estate professionals?
Don Fabrizio-Garcia | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
The biggest problem appears to be copyright infringement. As Jillayne mentioned above, it seems the images were lifted from other sources.
As others have mentioned, the video looks to be more of a case study rather than a marketing piece. There’s no call to action. It makes it appear to be more entertainment than anything else.
Since brokers are responsible for all agents’ marketing, they certainly had a right to object. Especially if rights were not obtained to use those images. In many states, without the broker’s name and address, the piece would be in violation of licensing law.
Sean Giorgianni | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
I checked out your web page. You ask us to, “bare with you” while you change brokers. That’s some Freudian slip there, Shaun! Nice job, nonetheless.
Margaret Summers | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
That ad will only sell a home if those are the neighbors.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
Tamara Dorris | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
Pullllllleeze! Besides being blatently ridiculous, can someone say “SEXIST?” Since when does “sex sells” mean only scantly covered (and barely at that)females apply? Where’s the shirtless,(pantless?) buff brawn body-builder that would make ME want to buy a house? For whatever reason, two girls kissing doesn’t entice me to cash out my IRA and invest in a rental property. Besides that, this simply reiterates the fact that as many female top producers and brokers we have, this is still the big boys club, ad nauseum.
Eve Alexander | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
Ok, I am a seasoned female broker. While I would not want you promoting my company in that manner, I do admire your ahhh, errr, “creativity”…
You go boy…Go get a brokers license and do your own thing…I am sure you will drum up business just because you will be talked about.
Bill Clinton | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
Long ago as a rookie I asked a female agent her secrete to getting more listings than anyone else in the office. She said “t!ts, Bill, t!ts, I have them and I flaunt them”.
Mike | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
I thought the video rather tacky and unprofessional to say the least, to have to resort to the oldest and lowest form of advertising. Would never use you as an agent based on that video. I am sure you are rolling in all your short-term glory, however, because of the publicity this receives.
Traci | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
I think it is hysterical. I did laugh outright twice. I’m a woman who is very aware of sexist treatment and won’t have it in the workplace (or my home), but it is already in advertising and just getting stronger.
If he wants to advertise houses like this - Why not. He is running the risk of offending women, if they are offended, so it is his risk to take. His decision.
But, I have to say, if I was his broker, I wouldn’t want to be represented this way, and as for the comment about the way some female agents dress, that’s another thing I wouldn’t allow in my representatives.
And, really, as a customer would I put her in the car with my husband? In her victoria secret underwear?
I don’t think so.
chris | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
Sex does sell.Billions of dollars are spend daily by most corporations in advertising using sex.
Why not in real estate,financial services,investments.
Wealth has been and is an aphrodisiac in all places on the planet.
Now many people will get offended, but lets face it people always would get offended from something.The place is full of professional protesters.IGNORE THEM.
Now this particular clip is more fit for a snap on tools/automotive calender, than real estate, but this is a personal taste choice. The proof would be in the sales that generates.
I have seen ads for rest homes using the term sexy senior citizen, with two elders embracing each other (very cute and heart warming never the less the sex undertone is there).There is an office in SO CAL named Busy Blonds and is doing very well (we all know what society thinks about blonds).
For my money why not.
Linda Hutchinson | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
This does not show the business of real estate as being a business of professionals. For the record, if I am correct, the person who put this together has a motto of “Every Kid Deserves a Yard” and I guess that yard and neighborhood includes soft porn. Pretty sad.
Kristen | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
As a woman, I was completely turned off by that video. I would never buy a home from anyone posting anything so unprofessional and sexist. You may be attracting a bunch of horny men who think it’s funny, but I’m certain you’re driving away at least as many women, maybe more. I would applaud your creativity, but there’s got to be a way you can use it without flaunting the female body!
California Broker | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
Indeed the Broker was correct to not allow this level of marketing. Her/HIs responsability is to the ENTIRE firm– not to pander to the libido of a few clients.Yes, women need to be conscious of thier body style/language. I’m a very attractive voluptous woman and i take special care in no clinging, suggestive clothes. My staff is provided with a clothing alliance so they can be dressed well. They reflect who I am
California Broker | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
As several other people suggested, women do make the major decision in buying.If she’s not with you- no sale. Believe me you can go to the bank with that statement.
As real estate professionals, I feel we need to be conscious in our marketing in how we present ourselves. Often the public’s view of us is less than flattering, so we don’t need to marginalize our reputaion further.
shaun mclane | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
@Linda, you are correct - Ekday is an acronym for every kid deserves a yard, though “kid” is not literal, it’s more about the kid in all of us.
Starting to feel like a broken record, but I’ll say it again. This video was not meant to be a true marketing piece. We have a dozen other videos we’ve made, and none of them are this style, but sometimes you need to be a little crazy.
As far as the video “not show(ing) the business of real estate as being a business of professionals,” I would argue that the public already doesn’t see us that way.
So many realtors seem to be built from a mold -a very tired, uncreative, unskilled, 5-years-behind-the-times mold. Our market is stale, and things need to change. Does that mean we need to add bikinis to our marketing? No. but do I think we need to have conversations like the ones driven by my video? Absolutely.
Blogs are fairly new to real estate, as are videos, and the other new forms of marketing. Rules have not really been established, and we run the risk of almost-certain censorship. Many that have commented seem to be fine with that, but I’m not. There is much more to this video than meets the eye. It is over-the-top for a reason.
Should I be judged by a youtube video? If you’re answer is yes, great - you’re not the person I want to deal with - on any level. Could the comments supporting censorship in this post be turning off potential clients? Absolutely. So, maybe you’ve taken the stance that my video is immature, sexist, or just plain dumb - and maybe someone that wants to buy a house in your area stumbled upon (product placement?) your comments, and now thinks you’re too narrow minded, and would never do business with you.
Who knows what clients are looking for? I’ve received a ton of feedback that has nothing to do with the video, but supports my decision to leave over being censored. Those are the forward-thinking individuals I want to deal with. Why do we think that there is a set standard for marketing, blogging, advertising, or anything else we do in real estate? We do what we do to survive, and if your decision is to mail “Just Listed” postcards every time some other agent gets a listing, great - have fun spending your dime on that. I choose to do things differently, and until I am so broke that I can’t afford to survive, I will continue to be different. I have been on 100% commission for 8 years, and I’m doing just fine. I will be opening my own office in a few weeks, and thanks to my little (fill in the blank) video, over 200,000 people are aware of it, and I didn’t spend a dime.
Marketing isn’t always WYSIWYG - don’t worry, if you’re from the mold I spoke of, this will make sense in a few more years.
For those of you backing me up (even a little) - I sincerely thank you. I think you’re standing for something much larger than a video, and hopefully there’s enough of us to reshape the future of our dying industry.
B. Walker | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
Gian, don’t put all woman into the category of being close minded and jealous, and would all be turned off by a video like that. I feel sorry for you if you are one of those men who have a shallow marraige/relationship where the woman makes all the decisions, and the man goes along with what she says limply. Real women are not made insecure by that video, real women like strong men, real women appreciate the whole concept behind the video, AND, real women are not jealous, do not lead thier men by thier noses, but do treat thier relationships like a true equal partnership that they should be! Makes for a much happier relationship! I have shown this video to my girl friends and my husband and they all loved it! I wouldn’t have the guts to do it, but, I loved it! And, I’m still trying to figure out what the problem is with “flaunting” a womans body? Maybe the ones of us that know we have it, aren’t affended when we see the beauty in it?? Time to get over it girls!
And, one more thing. Us woman use our sexuality to our advantage whether it be suttle, or blatant, (and than try to lie about it)but when a guy comes out with a video promoting it, the girls come out screaming foul, and sexist Amazing.
Robert Moreno | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
That is absolutely disgusting, revolting tasteless….WHATEVER IT IS I AM BUYING!!!
But on a serious note ….whatever works for you. It will draw a certain clientele and if that is what you desire then so be it.
Have to admit I watched the whole thing through…but how do you get to the woman who is usually the driver in buying a home.
nuff said….
Adam | Nov 30, 2007 | Reply
People have to relax a bit here, how many of you went on the website after watching that video?? Heck you see these types of women in commercials these days. This type of “shock value” marketing probably got this real estate more exposure than money can buy!! This technique would work in florida because sex does help sell compared to say selling a property in North Dakota??
Marketing techniques are bioregional and should be guaged to the type of buyer in that specific area, we all know orlando is a bit of a “flashy” place where sex does probably help sell. As a broker/owner myself I can see why their principal would not want to take the liability for the video however the countrywide exposure the realty company is recieving is PRICELESS AND FREE!!!
Sol | Nov 30, 2007 | Reply
If marketing is about eyeballs then 37 comments here proves sex works.
It’s not often we get 37 comments in two days.
shaun mclane | Nov 30, 2007 | Reply
And isn’t that precisely the point of marketing? Find something that works?
Diane Cohn | Nov 30, 2007 | Reply
I’ll have to agree with Jessica on this one, and take her thought one step further… since women do seem to have the final say in most housing decisions nationwide, I think this video would have been far more effective if it had featured hot male models doting over their nice but not-too-glamorous wives and children in front of a range of homes… starters to multi-million-dollar mega-mansions, you know, just to cover all the bases. And if you could click on a particular home during the video to get more information about it, all the better.
Kristen | Nov 30, 2007 | Reply
B. Walker, the problem with flaunting a woman’s body is that, as others have said, it detracts from the already-flimsy professional image of the Realtor. Some women have enough confidence in their knowledge and skills that they don’t feel the need to resort to tight-fitting clothing to attract male clients, even if they have a nice body.
Beth Sowell | Dec 1, 2007 | Reply
First of all, it wasn’t so much a video as it was a picture slideshow, secondly, you might catch attention with something like that, but you aren’t going to sell anything. The main reason for that is that people didn’t even notice what you were trying to sell anyway.
It is inappropriate for the real estate market, and offensive to most of the women you’ll be marketing to. If the company asked you to remove the video, you should have done so. I can think of a hundred things to take a stand for, and this probably wasn’t one of them.
Good luck!
Beth Sowell | Dec 1, 2007 | Reply
Amen!!!
ARDELL | Dec 1, 2007 | Reply
I think every agent should blog. I also think every agent should live with the consequences of blogging. Just as consumers may choose not to hire you based on who you reveal yourself to be via blogging, so can a broker see the real you.
Personally I’d be more apt to fire an agent who had the wrong attitude toward consumers than for experimenting and playing in YouTube. But that’s me. You blog to reveal the deeper you, and you live with the consequences of having done so.
If it’s any consolation Shaun, I may get kudos and props in the Blogsphere. But clearly there are few brokerages that would allow me to blog as I do.
When TechCrunch raised the question regarding why are so many bloggers running their own show, they attributed it to not needing a Big Broker due to the self-branding. Actually it is more because a blogger needs more freedom than the average Broker would permit.
That said, I think the Broker was correct in firing you. Not for the video, but for the insubordination of refusing to take it down. It served no consumer purpose. I uphold any agent’s right to do what is best for their clients and think out of the box and go over the top for the benefit of their clients. But this particular issue was pure ego driven, and the Broker was correct in needing to be the one to win on this one.
Greg Tracy | Dec 1, 2007 | Reply
Whether or not the female makes the decisions is not the important issue- what matters is this- if my wife doesn’t like a salesperson, we aren’t working with them- even if she doesn’t tell me in those words.
People want to work with people they feel comfortable with, and someone who’s trying to find business simply by showing a bunch of T&A isn’t someone I’d want to do business with anyway (unless I’m looking for T&A).
I’d rather work with someone who I feel is exceptional in their area of expertise.
And I agree, brokers have the right, and responsibility, to protect their brand. If an agent doesn’t want to be a part of that brand- they should go somewhere else.
shaun mclane | Dec 1, 2007 | Reply
Here we go again.
@Beth I think you got the point, and missed it all at the same time. This “slideshow” was not for selling homes. It was a marketing tool to get people to go to ekdayrealty.com - and for that, it was a tremendous success. By the way, I have a builder that has called me and asked that I be the exclusive agent for him when we reopen. Thirty listings upon office opening - not too shabby, huh? He said he wouldn’t have known I existed had I not made the video and gained this exposure.
@Ardell I’m a huge fan, and have been for a long time. I respect your opinion - a lot! Please understand, this wasn’t really about insubordination. There is one key factor that I’m not able to share, but it really changes the situation. Wish I could say more. Thanks for the feedback.
@Greg I’m a little surprised by your comment. We’ve spoken a bit through Posh’d (I still thing blueroof is the best design RE site on the net!). Let me see if I understand your comment. Because I posted a T&A video, it means I am not “exceptional in (my) area of expertise?” Well, I am. If you’d like any information on the Orlando real estate market, I welcome your call - 407-729-9695.
Also, a large part of selling real estate, is the actual selling part of it, which equates in large part to marketing. This (admittedly) over-the-top video has increased the traffic to my site by over 1000%. Does that make me exceptional in THAT area of expertise?
Sol | Dec 1, 2007 | Reply
I find it a bit ironic how the American consumer can be sold sexuality on a daily/nightly basis when broadcasted on ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX, yet when a small business owner uses sex in the promotion of products and services somehow it becomes taboo.
I heard at one time medical doctors were stoned to death for marketing life saving operations. That was the price of innovation.
I’d be more concerned with the agent’s personal business ethics than how s/he drives in business. Chances are those finding this level of promotion distaseful won’t finish the video to take down contact information.
ARDELL | Dec 2, 2007 | Reply
I’m sure there’s more to the story, Shaun. I totally understand that you can’t reveal all of the facts. I just hope others realize that as well. Some day over a drink maybe…
Jay Thompson | Dec 2, 2007 | Reply
“Chances are those finding this level of promotion distaseful won’t finish the video to take down contact information.”
Or they will stick through it to write down the info to make sure they never use that agent.
But you can’t please everyone.
And selling a specific house, or real estate in general, wasn’t really the point…
Chris Dowell | Dec 3, 2007 | Reply
This marketing will work for its target market. To the rest it will be offensive. Good luck! I’ve stayed in business for over 18 years because I know who my target market is. Women who want not just a roof over their head but a home. Guys care less. You can take the 5% of the market that will respond to this marketing and I’ll take the other 95%.
Mike | Dec 3, 2007 | Reply
You have to have the broker/agent system. Otherwise you would have to institute a more formal apprentice system.
Agents are on their own too much as it is in the beginning. There should be higher barriers to real estate to weed a few more of the problem makers
Madison Albright | Dec 3, 2007 | Reply
No couth in this subject, sex sells and fact is fact.
OrlandoBuilder | Jan 10, 2008 | Reply
As a 45 year old male Realtor and Builder in your market (Orlando) I specialize in blended family homes - inlaws, newlyweds with kids, etc. and 95% of the buying process/decision making is the wife. Any overtly sexual ad or saleswoman with too much cleavage or tight skirt would detract from the image I have created. Orlando is still fairly conservative. I think your creativity and thinking outside the box is commendable and you are getting attention but I will be surprised to see the attention translate into real estate closings.
Wishing you continued success.
Dennis | Jan 18, 2008 | Reply
Wow!! I have some male clients that might like this…………but not to females.
Tim O'Keefe | Jan 29, 2008 | Reply
I think he got what he wanted -publicity. He probably is thinking Who cares if he got fired as he can hang his license anywhere.
That kind of stuff does not fly with a conservative and female owned broker so he got fired. Not a surprise for him I am sure.
But he got a ton of publicity and the only concern is the women he ticked off as they make most of the buying decisions. (Like OrlandoBuilder says)
Bucking the Real Estate Trend - Maggie Valley and Waynesville NC real estate | Feb 5, 2008 | Reply
Sex will ALWAYS grab (pardon the pun) attention, and it will always be influential. Sexual innuendos, overtones, and pheromones are everywhere (including the imagination of many). Knowing when and where to make the most of sexuality, or when to downplay it, is more important in my opinion than trying to deny the influence and effects of sexuality.
Kansas City Real Estate : Michael Pierce | Mar 8, 2008 | Reply
Sex may draw attention but as for selling something that is such a large financial decision to people…I just cant believe that to be the case (but who knows).
topel | Mar 26, 2008 | Reply
quote: So, the first question is; “does sex actually help you sell in real estate?”
The second question is; “how much control of an agents’ marketing does a broker have?”
Okay… I’ll try to make this a one for two answer.
While it’s true that SEX SELLS! (ala Janice Dickinson), we have to remind ourselves that sex is cheaper than the average house on the market today. Though the promotion may grab some buyers’ attention, ask yourself, “what am I really selling here?”. The essence of the business disappears with the presence of scantily clad women in bikinis.
Take note that most buyers are conservative middle-aged people with FAMILIES, for cryin’ out loud. So calling all brokers and agents out there… be modest!
webmiller | Mar 27, 2008 | Reply
Sex does sell but who will ultimately be legally liable for advertising - the agent, the broker and the franchise? There was at least one photo that resembled a celebrity and that could be construed as appropriation. (Bette Midler vs. Ford Motor Company and Young & Rubicam) Also if the agent used copyrighted material that could also be troublesome for anyone the agent represents including the home owner.