Reprinted from:
By David Parker, REPORT on REAL ESTATE

Imaginative Realtor Makes House Calls

"Marketing has always been an interest of mine, and considering the number of residential real estate professionals in Calgary and the number of homes on the market, I'm intrigued with any new tool realtors use to make sure they get the sale.

Rick Brash of RE/MAX House ... is now the only licensed Realtor in Alberta using the award winning (Real Estate System called)... "House Calls".

He suggest; "buyers don't like realtors; that's a reality of life. When a customer is looking for a home, they don't want a sales pitch, all they want is information".

So, through a software provider in Eastern Canada, he has set up a system where a buyer can call a toll-free number, punch in an ID number, and have a pleasant voice (his wife and assistant, Carol) give information on a specific property. At anytime press "0" and speak directly to Brash.

He expects to be able to use a locally-based software program soon, but House Calls is already helping Brash build relationships with potential clients, which is what marketing is all about.
It's a costly program. He pays the toll for the calls and for every new listing there is script writing and recording with the use of a different software package.

That's in addition to taking photographs of the home, uploading them onto his website (www.Rickbrash.com) getting it onto MLS listing, advertising and banging in a sign on the front lawn.

The signs encourage people to make a House Call to learn more details including price.

His website is also one of the best real estate websites I've seen. It's easy to get around and has a ton of sidebars to click on.

I questioned him on a statement that it's possible to buy a house with no money down. He told me several banks in Eastern Canada offer zero down payment to buyers, but in Calgary only Scotia Bank will finance 95 per cent of the cost and allow a cash back on the other five per cent.

CHMC, the federal insurance agency, is prohibited from being involved, but GE Capital, a private insurer, has stepped up to the plate.

Many would-be buyers wanting to trade up who are income strong and credit strong, but cash weak, can buy the residence they want.

Another interesting feature of Brash marketing is buyers can register their needs and his program automatically searches for matches, every day. Information on the properties is then delivered. Is saves people a lot of time searching.

The other link on his website that caught my eye was what Brash refers to as foreclosures and distress must-sell homes.

Most of these are the result of repossessions, lost jobs, divorces, or transfers. A list is pulled every morning and interested parties on his database are automatically contacted as soon as the properties get on the market.

I tried making a House Call at Brash's expense. I dialed 1-800-805-9558 and punched in ID code 6113 to hear about a fabulous home on Premier Way in Elbow Park.

I heard a 30-second commercial of what Rick Brash offers, but then hear a pleasant tour of this "ultimate entertaining home" listed for $899,000.

The owner has spent $500,000 on renovations, which include a rebuilt kitchen, bathroom walls hand-painted by an Italian artist, Italian tiled floors and a music/media room wired for remote control from anywhere in the house.

Having just returned from a quick and enjoyable trip to the Okanagan Wine Festival, I was interested to find out about the 3,000 bottle wine cellar with six-by-six timbers that pushes out under the lawn and can accommodate a sizable wine tasting function.

I was tempted to listen to a few of his other premier properties, but that wouldn't be fair because I'm happy where I am - for now, anyway."

-David Parker, The Calgary Herald - Saturday Homes

Call Rick Brash today and see how the House Calls System can sell YOUR home fast, with no frustration and for top dollar! 249-8444 anytime!