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Archive for the ‘Marketing’ Category

Dan Cooper launches new homes and lifestyle magazine

Friday, May 6th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

Lakeshore Living Magazine cover

Some of you will have received my new magazine Lakeshore Living, a publication about fine homes and fine living. Our area is one of the most desirable locations in the country and Lakeshore Living explores some of the secrets that make this a great community.

The magazine allows us to feature exciting homes, spectacular interiors and some of the most talented professionals in our midst. I have been selling real estate in the Oakville and Burlington areas for more than 20 years and I am constantly amazed and energized by the creative people I have the pleasure of meeting. Their passion is inspiring and so I wanted to launch this magazine as a means of telling their stories, to introduce you to some of the influential and talented people who work and live in our community.

Our area has some of the most beautiful homes in the country and I’m excited by the prospect of giving you a peak into these gorgeous properties. While 30,000 of the printed magazine were delivered by Canada Post through south Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington, you can now view it online on my website www.dancooper.com.

Using the latest technology, this click-through online publication is one more example of how I am maximizing traditional and electronic marketing vehicles to sell homes. In addition to taking prime locations in carefully selected publications, I have maximized use of the web by posting our listings on dozens of websites and creating www.dancoopertv.com and the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on www.dailywebtv.com. Posting Lakeshore Living online is just another example of the innovative and proactive approach by The Dan Cooper Team.

In our inaugural issue we feature beautiful new exquisite multi-unit and condominium developments by Matas Homes, award-winning luxury developments in south-west Oakville by HUSH and a stunning interior design feature by Regina Sturrock Design, one of the area’s best known designers. There are also five pages of luxury home listings.

And last, but not least, a feature on Ron MacLean of Hockey Night in Canada as we spent a day with him as he visited some of his favourite shops in Oakville.

I encourage you to visit my website to check out this new publication, I think you will like what you see.

And while you are on my site, take a look at some of the great homes we have listed. Spring has finally arrived and if you have thoughts of moving, there is no time like the present to browse some of the tremendous investment opportunities that are available today.

Sales have been soft in the past few weeks, mostly due to the dreary weather, according to the Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board. In their May release President Jack McCrudden said, “The unusually rainy spring has slowed the usual increase in listing, but the higher prices and good weather should bring more sellers into the market next month. Meanwhile, buyers attracted by historically low interest rates remain enthusiastic about homeownership, so spring could see in upswing in sales.”

If you are planning to sell or buy, turn to The Dan Cooper Team. We’re ready to help you with all your real estate needs.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Burlington, Burlington Real Estate, HUSH Homes, Lakeshore Living Magazine, Luxury Homes, Magazine Publications, Marketing, Matas Homes, Milton, Oakville, Oakville Real Estate, Regina Sturrock Design | No Comments »

Seeking new and better ways to market real estate

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

QR Listings - Dan Cooper

The QR or Quick Response code is the hottest marketing tool today. You see them cropping up in ads and articles all over the place. They are the latest craze for people with a camera on their smart phone, giving them instant access to digital information or web addresses stored in the code.

In real estate, it allows us to send the visitor to our listings, or even to a particular listing. You will begin seeing me utilizing these QR Codes more and more in the near future – especially on some of my direct marketing pieces. The majority of realtors send out flyers and postcards with their latest listings, but my method now exposes all my listings to a brand new audience through QR codes.

How does it work? The QR code is a 2D barcode that has an identifier associated with it and intelligence built into it. The code has a link that provides an interactive tool that instantly drives customers to a website, an online catalogue, a video, promotion, an invitation or to any branded message you can imagine.

Simply pointing your mobile phone at the QR code and scanning it with the QR application instantly connects you online without typing in URLs or promotional codes. It’s a way to move people quickly and easily from the printed world to the digital world. It’s about engaging customers in social media interaction.

The technology was developed in Japan in the early 1990s for commercial application, but eventually became part of the consumer landscape and is used on everything from billboards to ads and brochures. The concept exploded in tech-crazy Japan, but was slow to gain a foothold in North America. It appears to be hitting a faster stride these days and I’m proud to be among the first realtors to actually start tapping into this extraordinary marketing tool to capture that tech-savvy audience who are using their smartphones for more than just making phone calls.

This new technology appeals to the younger demographic of homebuyers who appreciate time saving innovation and so you will undoubtedly see QR codes playing an increasingly larger role in communicating with consumers. The mark of a good real estate agent is the lengths to which he or she will go to market your home.

In today’s marketplace, it is not enough to merely place a few ads in the real estate section of the local newspaper. Advertising, of course, is important – and that is why I go big whenever I use traditional media. I consistently take out one- and two-page spreads in these sections. I also carefully select the most effective magazines – and again take the best strategic positioning within those publications to provide the maximum exposure for my clients.

But perhaps most important, I have been a leader in utilizing the internet by developing a unique online marketing program. My DanCooperTV.com website was ahead of its time when I launched it a few years ago and it remains a dynamic element of my marketing strategy today. The video-based format brings properties to life, providing a much more striking impact than static images.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, the opportunity to display a property through a live tour of the home accompanied by a voice-over description of the home’s unique features is a powerful tool. The seller is able to advertise their property in a whole new light and the buyer is able to take a comprehensive tour at their leisure and convenience. Professionally produced, this site offers an incredible venue like no other.

Utilizing the QR code technology is just one more example how The Dan Cooper Team is leading the way – an approach to marketing that has resulted in our being the Number 1 Team in Canada for Royal LePage for seven of the past 10 years. Give it a try. Download the QR code app and click on the code on this page. It’s the fastest way to see my listings on your smartphone.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call the Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Marketing, QR Codes | No Comments »

The Top 6 Reasons To List Your Home For Sale Before The Spring Rush

Monday, January 24th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

Dan Cooper For Sale Sign

There is a common misconception that the best time for anyone to sell their home is in the spring. We’ve put together the following information: to show you how you can maximize your return by acting sooner, rather than later.

Reason #1: Less competition. The winter months are traditionally slower times for new listings. April through June usually sees an increase of up to 70% in the number of new homes hitting the market! This means more choice for buyers and more competition for you. The more properties prospective purchasers have to choose from, the less likely they are to submit full price offers. Lower inventory also means a greater likelihood of competing offers, resulting in a higher sales price, and a higher net return on your sale.

Reason #2: Only serious buyers look at this time of year. Winter months have a tendency to weed out the lookers from the serious buyers. People who are ready and willing to move don’t care if there is snow on the ground or that it gets dark early. They have made a decision to move and they want to move now.

Reason #3: Interest rates are predicted to rise in 2011, quarter by quarter over the year. Buyers are anxious to get settled before any possible rate increases occur. Increases in rates decrease the amount of mortgage a family can afford, cutting them out of certain price ranges. Buyers will be looking to maximize their purchasing power early in the year.

Reason #4: Relocation is at its highest at this time of year. Companies are anxious to get new employees settled for the beginning of the year. Statistically, corporate relocations rise by up to 15% from November to March.

Reason #5: Current market stability. Right now, the market is perceived as stable, leading to greater consumer confidence. This is in contrast to many months through late 2009 and early 2010 when the media created a false sense of instability which had caused many buyers and sellers to withdraw from the market.

Reason #6: The perfect gift to yourself – a new home. Start your year off the best possible way – in a new home for yourself and your family. By the time everyone else decides to list their home for sale, you will be moved in to a new comfortable space.

To find out if the time might be right for you to sell, or to see how you can benefit from today’s market conditions, call The Dan Cooper Team.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Burlington Real Estate, Interest Rates, Marketing, Mortgage, Oakville Real Estate, Planning, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Selling | No Comments »

The latest housing sales figures point to a stable market

Friday, December 10th, 2010 by Dan Cooper

Dan Cooper - Housing Cost

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) recently lowered its forecast for the volume of home sales, primarily because the third quarter of this year was weaker than expected. However, the association is saying that sales activity has gained traction and that the improving momentum suggests the resale housing market is stabilizing. It’s just not as strong as they thought it would be.

“Lackluster economic and job growth, muted consumer confidence and the resumption of interest rate increases are expected in 2011,” CREA states, adding that against this economic backdrop national home sales are forecast to be down by 9 percent. While the sales volume is expected to soften, average prices continue to rise.

We continue to see this in Oakville and Burlington. According to the latest figures from The Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board, the number of sales in Oakville last month was down slightly from November 2009, but the average house price was up by 1 percent. The average house price last year was $590,970 compared to $598,675 last month.

Prices for the year to date show a larger jump – 7 percent compared to the same 11-month period last year. The average selling price for the 11 months last year was $526,909 compared to $561,650 this year. In Burlington, the average price for homes sold last month was $388,088.

According to Gregory Klump, CREA’s chief economist, “Housing demand and supply is stabilizing. That’s good news for home buyers, who will feel less hurried to make an offer than they did when transitory factors ignited housing demand in early 2010. It’s also good news for home sellers, who will feel more confident about price stability now that the housing market has become balanced.”

Klump goes on to say that interest rates are widely expected to remain low for some time due to recent downward revisions by the Bank of Canada to its outlook for economic growth and inflation. Consumer sentiment, he says, will likely remain under pressure until economic prospects improve meaningfully.

“In the meantime, many households will focus on paying down their debts before the Bank of Canada resumes hiking interest rates next year. Economic uncertainty is likely to keep potential home buyers in a cautious mood, so the continuation of low and stable interest rates is unlikely to cause housing demand or prices to swell,” Klump concludes.
While Klump speaks to a national picture, you must remember that Oakville tends to be in a bit of bubble that often bucks the national trend. As one of the most desirable communities in Canada in which to live, real estate appreciation tends to be stronger here than in many centres across Canada.

The key to selling your home is to choose an experienced realtor who will market your home effectively. Innovative advertising, knowledge about the marketplace, commitment and exemplary service differentiate the Dan Cooper Real Estate Team. The result is that we are achieving accomplishments that illustrate the Dan Cooper difference. We are the Number 1 Team in Canada for Royal LePage, which is a testament to our ability to sell homes fast in the Oakville and Burlington areas. In fact, we have been the Number 1 team for seven of the past 10 years.

Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call the Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Burlington Real Estate, Finances, Interest Rates, Marketing, Mortgage, Oakville Real Estate, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Statistics | No Comments »

A group of masterminds at work for you

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 by Dan Cooper

Profiles of Distinction - Real Estate Mastermind Group

Pictured, standing from left: Tom Mitchell, Mike Clarke, Dan Cooper, Paul Zammit. Seated, from left: Diane Mitchell, Sam McDadi.

I was recently highlighted in a GTA publication called Profiles of Distinction in which a group I belong to was written up. The Real Estate Mastermind Group was the focus of the story, which outlined how, as a group, we are able to serve our customers better.

This collective of heavy hitters within the real estate industry are hand-picked from separate communities within the GTA because of their incredible records. Simply put, they are the best of the best. They are not chosen by the real estate brokerage they represent, but rather for their stellar and steady performance over time. Our parent companies may compete on a national level, but locally we are building strong relationships to better serve you.

The story in Profiles of Distinction describes us this way: “A team of all-stars, the Group brings together top-producing agents from across the GTA to offer clients unsurpassed resources, unlimited range and exceptional service. Drawing on each other’s substantial expertise and varied backgrounds, the team promises a well-rounded approach and richness of ideas.”

Gathering monthly and sharing industry insights, we learn from each other and, ultimately, fashion those lessons into exemplary service for you. Every member has something to share – from marketing strategy and website utilization to the internal management and customer care. Guests speakers are regularly invited to keep us informed about important new trends and emerging strategies that help to maintain our position at the forefront of the real estate world.

We talk about trendsetting ideas, cutting-edge technology, and what we need to do to set ourselves apart from the competition in a very large way. With more than 100 years of combined experience and over $500 million annual volume in homes sold, our team is definitely a band apart. Our mission, as a group, is to create what we call ‘the ultimate real estate agent.’ Collectively our resources stretch across Canada and into other countries, so moving out of town does not have to be a daunting task.

When you hire one of us, you are getting the strength and wisdom of all of us. And so, in the end, it is you who reaps the rewards with your home selling more quickly, more efficiently and for more money because you have a mastermind at work.

As the Profiles story states: “Whether looking to buy or sell locally or to leave the province altogether, the Real Estate Mastermind Group furnishes clients with the best tools and most up-to-date strategies imaginable. Melding collective strength and unparalleled acumen, their clients can depend on fast, efficient and rewarding sales.”
The knowledge I gain from the Mastermind Group, I bring back to my own team to make us the most effective group of professionals in the Oakville and Burlington areas. And we have been rewarded for those efforts by being named the #1 Team in Canada for Royal LePage for 2009. This is our seventh top placing in just the past 10 years, and it is a testament to a lot of hard work and a high degree of success for our clients over the past 12 months.

Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call the Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Marketing, Planning, Profiles of Distinction, Real Estate, Real Estate Mastermind Group, Selling | No Comments »