In a previous post I started a series on First Weber’s Front Runner Multi-Media Program. The goal of which is to provide you with information on everything you’ll receive when you list your home with First Weber.
Before you continue check out my other article about our website: FirstWeber.com. Now that you’re back, you can continue with this article about our text message program…
Why Create a Text Messaging Program?
Through research it was discovered that the average home buyer is 31 years old. And as you’ve now probably guessed, cell phone use with this demographic is well beyond hugely popular. Of course I can’t say 100% of house hunters in this demographic has a cell phone, but it’s pretty close.
In 2008 Americans sent over 1 trillion text messages; so it was in First Weber’s best interest to provide this option for local house hunters. No other real estate company in Wisconsin Rapids offers this for it’s home sellers.
This is yet another reason why First Weber has been the most successful real estate company in Wisconsin Rapids for the past few years. (I can show you the stats if you’re interested)
What Is It?
The text messaging program will allow a buyer to receive information about a home through their cell phone.
How It Works
All for sale signs will display a PIN number which is unique to that property. (At least signs that have been put up since this program launched) To receive the specific home’s information simply text that PIN to eDATA or 33232 and you’ll instantly receive detailed information.
Cost
To use this system, standard charges may apply. Charges are dependent on your service plan which may include fees from your carrier to send and receive text messages. So it’ll cost what you normally pay for a text message…
Need Help?
To request support at anytime, text HELP to eDATA or 33282 or send an email to realestateinfo [at] firstweber [dot] com or you can drop me a line as well at holberga [at] firstweber [dot] com.
That’s it. Another in the long line of tools used to sell your home. I’ve talked before about why having a number of arrows in the quiver is beneficial to you as a Wisconsin Rapids home seller.
Do you have a question about this or any other aspect of the new Multi-Media Marketing Campaign your home will receive when listed with First Weber? Our/my goal is to treat your home like the rockstar that it is.
Like what you’ve read? Interested in Wisconsin Rapids real estate? Click here to have other articles delivered to your email and join a cool bunch of other Wisconsin Rapids (and beyond) individuals who stay up to date about our market.
Following is the event schedule for the 2009 Cranberry Blossom Festival being held this week in Wisconsin Rapids. The information was gathered from BlossomFest.com.
Wednesday, June 24
Cranberry Guy Coloring Contest
Before and during festival • Sponsored by Vacations Your Way. Hey kids enter the Cranberry Guy Coloring Contest for your chance to win three great prizes! Entry forms available at Vacations Your Way, Heart of Wisconsin and at www.blossomfest.com. Entries will be on display at Vacations Your Way.
Cranberry Blossom Art Show
10 am-3 pm • Central Wisconsin Cultural Center (240 Johnson St., Wis. Rapids). Sponsored by Central Wisconsin Cultural Center. See over 30 original works of art depicting our region’s colorful cranberries and cranberry blossoms. Also view the Berg family Folk Art exhibit. Buy your 2009 Blossom Fest posters here. For info call 715-421-4598.
Wis. State Cranberry Growers’ Assoc. Golf Open
Shotgun Start: 11 am • Lake Arrowhead Golf Course (1195 Apache Ln., Rome).
Thursday, June 25
Lunch by the River
11:30 am-1 pm • Veterans’ Park (E. Grand Ave. & 2nd St., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by Heart of Wisconsin Business Alliance. Join your family and friends for lunch, fun, and more. Food vendors are Jamaican Kitchens, Rocky Rococo, Hotel Mead, Kiwanis, Jim’s BBQ Shack and Great Expectations. For dessert, enjoy Culver’s Custard with Urban’s Cranberry Topping. Special appearance by the Cranberry Guy! Sponsor: Urban Processing, LLC; Entertainment: Dance with Pam.
Blossoming Artists – Art Walk
3:30-7:30 pm • E & W Grand Ave. Downtown Wis. Rapids. Hosted by the Public Art Group of the Arts & Heritage Cluster. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Grand Avenue and through Veterans’ Park while viewing the creative talents of own local artists. We are true to the buy local theme. Join us in the passport challenge by collecting a stamp from each artist for door prizes.
Dinner by the River
4:30 pm-7 pm • Veterans’ Park (E. Grand Ave. & 2nd St., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by Heart of Wisconsin Business Alliance. Join your family and friends for dinner, fun, and more. Food vendors are Rocky Rococo and Great Expectations. For dessert, enjoy Culver’s Custard. Special appearance by the Cranberry Guy! Sponsor: Ocean Spray Cranberries; Entertainment: Blue Sky Band.
Cranberry Blossom Art Show
5-7 pm • Central Wisconsin Cultural Center (240 Johnson St., Wis. Rapids). Sponsored by Central Wisconsin Cultural Center. See over 30 original works of art depicting our region’s colorful cranberries and cranberry blossoms. Also view the Berg family Folk Art exhibit. Buy your 2009 Blossom Fest posters here. For more info 715-421-4598.
The Great Cranberry Drop
6 pm • Downtown Wis. Rapids (between Jackson St. & Grand Ave. bridges). Sponsored by Heart of Wisconsin Business Alliance. Purchase your cranberries now for the Great Cranberry Drop. You could win $500, $150 or $50 cash. Tickets are $5 each, 3 for $10 or 7 for $20 and can be purchased at the Heart of Wisconsin office. Come see the river of red!
Downtown Classic Cinema Under the Stars
7:30-Band, Dusk-Movie • West Grand Ave., Downtown Wis. Rapids Sponsored by Arts Council and Manilla Gorilla. It’s Time to Play the Music, it’s Time to Light the Lights, it’s Time to Get Things Started…..for the 4th season of Downtown Classic Cinema! Families, friends and kids of all ages will enjoy these funny, musical puppets. Join us at 7:30 pm for a free concert by the US Army Field Band Country/Rock ensemble with the movie following at dusk. Bring lawn chairs – free admission!
Friday, June 26
June Dairy & Berry Breakfast
5:30-10:30 am • Lincoln High School (1801 16th St. S., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by the Agri-Business Committee of the Heart of WI & LHS FFA Chapter. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes served with sausage, cranberry juice, an ice cream sundae, coffee and milk. We’ll also serve fresh cheese curds, cranberry syrup and “Sweetened Dried Cranberries”. Adults $6/Children $4. A petting zoo and exhibit booths are also featured.
Cranberry Blossom Tours
Ongoing • Glacial Lake Cranberries (2480 Cty. Rd. D, Wis. Rapids). Tour one of the oldest cranberry marshes in Central Wisconsin with an actual grower. History, videos, cranberry gifts, and tours at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Call 715-887-4161 to verify tour times.
Cranberry Blossom Art Show
10 am-3 pm • Central Wisconsin Cultural Center (240 Johnson St., Wis. Rapids). Sponsored by Central Wisconsin Cultural Center. See over 30 original works of art depicting our region’s colorful cranberries and cranberry blossoms. Also view the Berg family Folk Art exhibit. Buy your 2009 Blossom Fest posters here. For more info 715-421-4598.
Cranberry Chicken Dinner
4-6:30 pm • Wis. Rapids Lions Club (3331 10th St. So., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by Wisconsin Rapids Firefighters Association. Join local firefighters for cranberry-glazed chicken with wild rice and all the trimmings. Tickets available only in advance for $9.95 per person at the Heart of WI, from Wis. Rapids Firefighters, or Lions and Lioness members.
Tunes on the Terrace
5-11 pm • Hotel Mead (451 E. Grand Ave., Wis. Rapids). Enjoy an evening of live country music with Southbound. A unique selection of cranberry food and beverage offerings will be available.
Cranberry Cup Mid-Season Championship
7-10 pm • Golden Sands Speedway (10992 Hwy 54 East, Wis. Rapids). Edge of your seat racing on the high banked 1/3 mile paved oval for the coveted Cranberry Cup. The “Go-Til-It-Blows” contest and Local Growers and Grower Reps battle to see who will “blossom” and be “King of the Bogs”. Family ticket price is $20 and buy one get one free adult admission tickets available at various Cranberry Blossom Festival Events and the Wis. Rapids Area CVB. www.gssraces.com
Saturday, June 27
Arts, Crafts & Cranberries Show
9 am-3 pm • Witter Field (8th St. S. & Apple St., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by Business and Professional Women’s Club. Spend a day shopping among some of the Midwest’s finest art and craft vendors. Woodcraft, framed art, jewelry, candles and pottery are just a sampling of the offerings. Be sure to visit our cranberry section. Assorted food and beverage selections are available. Free admission.
Festival Eats & Treats
9 am-3 pm • Witter Field (8th St. S. & Apple St., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by Business and Professional Women’s Club. You will find something to satisfy every appetite with the assorted food and beverage selections available.
Cranberry Blossom Family Bike Ride
9-11 am • Tour Seven Sports (2030 Chestnut St., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by Tour Seven Sports. Bring your friends and family on this recreational bicycle tour along the scenic Wisconsin River. The tour includes a stop at Witter Field to enjoy the festivities. The ride begins and ends at Tour Seven Sports. 715-424-2242
Blossoming Quilt Show
9 am-3 pm • Witter Field Warming House (8th St. S. & Apple St., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by Material Girls Quilt Club. Buy your raffle tickets to win the Official Cranberry Blossom Quilt! Tickets are one for $1 or six for $5. Also, view a wonderful display of quilts and related items created by local quilters and members of the Material Girls’ Quilt Club.
Cranberry Blossom Tours
Ongoing • Glacial Lake Cranberries (2480 Cty. Rd. D, Wis. Rapids). Tour one of the oldest cranberry marshes in Central Wisconsin with an actual grower. History, videos, cranberry gifts, and tours at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Call 715-887-4161 to verify tour times.
Cranberry Blossom Art Show
10 am-12 pm • Central Wisconsin Cultural Center (240 Johnson St., Wis. Rapids). Sponsored by Central Wisconsin Cultural Center. See over 30 original works of art depicting our region’s colorful cranberries and cranberry blossoms. Also view the Berg family Folk Art exhibit. Buy your 2009 Blossom Fest posters here. For more info 715-421-4598.
Music, Kids Games & Activities
10 am-3 pm • Witter Field (8th St. S. & Apple St., Wis. Rapids). Let the fun, smiles and laughter begin for kids and the young at heart. Enjoy a family-friendly day of children’s games, activities and kids’ silent auction. Many chances to win hundreds of prizes. Only 25¢ per ticket!
Kiddie Parade
11:30 am • Witter Field (8th St. S. & Apple St., Wis. Rapids). Sponsored by Heart of Wisconsin Business AllianceDress up in your favorite pink blossom dress, red cranberry gear, denim grower’s outfit, or any attire suited to a cranberry-themed kids’ parade. Registration begins at 11 am at the Heart of Wisconsin booth.
Ice Cream Social & Cranberry Exhibit
1-4 pm • South Wood County Historical Museum (540 3rd St. So., Wis. Rapids). Stop by for a free scoop of ice cream while enjoying the blossoming museum landscape and tour the historic cranberry and Betty Boop exhibits.
Mini Powwow
1 pm • Dream Catcher Gallery (1750 West Grand Ave., Wis. Rapids). This event is for children dancers, singers and drummers. Enjoy Native American foods, traditional art and step into the past.
“America” A Musical celebration of Freedom
6 pm • East Jr. High Field House (adjacent to Witter Field/311 Lincoln St., Wis. Rapids). Sponsored by Christian Life Fellowship Invites you to “America”: A Musical Celebration of Freedom. This celebration includes lively music and a special recognition of all veterans and military personnel currently serving this great nation. Food will be sold before the evening presentation. All veterans and immediate families of deployed soldiers will receive a free meal.
Rock the River Music Fest
7 pm-1:30 am • 1st & 2nd St. Downtown Wis. Rapids Sponsored by Hollyrocks, The Bar, Jennings & Co, The Eagles Club, The Finish Line, Four Stools, Big Al’s II, Fish Audio and Hellfire LightingFree – All Ages – A Pay it Forward evening sponsored by the downtown bars to thank their community. Fantastic live music by the Lizards, Element 13 and Surrender Dorothy. Thirst quenching cranberry drinks and delicious foods available from Great Expectations and Jamaican Kitchens. Great raffles for those visiting all sponsoring bars.
Sunday, June 28
Grand Rapids Firefighters’ Celebration
8 am-9 pm • Grand Rapids Lions Club (2411 36th St. S., Wis. Rapids). Hosted by Grand Rapids Fire Department. Join us in the many events of this great celebration; Pancake Breakfast 8-11 am, Live music by Polka Country Drifters from 1-4:30 pm and Boogie & the Yo-Yos from 5-9 pm, children’s rides and activities, raffle drawings, food, drink, bingo and so much more.
Kids’ Fishing Contest
9 am-noon • South of the Elks Club (240 2nd St. So., Wis. Rapids). Sponsored by Wisconsin Rapids Professional Police Association. Kids 14 and under are welcome to fish with Wisconsin Rapids Police. Prizes awarded for the biggest, most, and smallest fish caught. Door prizes awarded to first 50 participants! Refreshments and hot dogs provided by the Daily Tribune. Register that day.
“America” A Musical celebration of Freedom
10 am • East Jr. High Field House (adjacent to Witter Field/311 Lincoln St., Wis. Rapids). Sponsored by Christian Life Fellowship. Christian Life Fellowship invites you to “America”: A Musical Celebration of Freedom. This celebration includes lively music and a special recognition of all veterans and military personnel currently serving this great nation. Food will be sold after the morning presentation. All veterans and immediate families of deployed soldiers will receive a free meal.
Cranberry Blossom Fest Parade
12:30 pm • Downtown Wis. Rapids. Participants and spectators will gather downtown for a parade along Grand Avenue from 11th St. to 2nd Ave. Call 423-1830 for information.
Winemaker’s Dinner featuring Cranberries
6 pm • Hotel Mead (451 E. Grand Ave., Wis. Rapids). A five-course dinner with food and wine featuring cranberries. Famed Chef Randall Smith will make an appearance, along with food and paired wines from around the world. Reservations only, call 422-7045.
Have you met yet? Probably not…
But first, why should you care who will buy your home? As long as a buyer offers a price you can live with…what does it matter?
In the past not much because their was only so much a Wisconsin Rapids home buyer could do when purchasing their first or next home.
In the old days, you know 2004 
, a home buyer would usually:
- check the Daily Tribune and Buyers’ Guide
- look through the local MLS on the internet
- find some homes that looked promising
- contact an agent
- walk through 15 homes before purchasing
Through the entire process the real estate agent was in control. How? The buyer was always given bits and pieces of information. Newspaper and Buyers’ Guide? A picture and a few lines of text, always ending with “call so and so at 423-call-now.” MLS? A few more pictures, but your listing would still contain a limited number of words. Then buyers did the only thing they could – they called an agent (You remember 2004, email still wasn’t huge, and besides an agent always wanted to get a person on the phone – remember we used to be called a “Real Estate Salesperson).
And once you made contact, the agent shuffled you around from house to house showing you homes they picked out… And 15 homes later, plus more time than you could imagine, you purchased a home. But those days are long gone.
Enter 2009 and Generation Y
Lets now meet the next owner of your home.
The average age of a home buyer is 31 years old. (Odds are, you’re around 41 and and your typical agent is in his/her 50’s) These new buyers are technology driven. The internet has empowered this new generation. This has caused these new home buyer’s to become confident and self-reliant in their decision making.
If they have questions, they “Google it.” If they want to buy something, they go online (giants EBay and Amazon to name only two). If they rent movies, they have a membership with Netflix. If it’s time to buy a new car, they go to Auto Trader to find the best deal. Are we (I’m generation Y) concerned about 1100+ auto dealerships closing? No. We’ll find the car we like online, drive to the dealership, drive it around a little, haggle and then buy it. We already knew we were going to buy it before we got there. Why? We compared multiple cars together online–mileage, amenities etc. and found the one that suited us best. Does it matter if we had to drive to Appleton to get it? Nope.
This ability to find information easily and quickly has caused buyers to need real estate agents less. There’s very little your agent can control outside of marketing it aggressively and making sure your home is where this new buyer hangs out, the internet. (When it comes to selling a home, I believe my main job is as a marketer. The real estate stuff is easy, I earn my money by marketing your home 5x better than older agents.)
Does that mean your MLS listing is enough to reach this new buyer? That’s the internet… Right?
Yes, the buyer will probably see your home. But will they REALLY see it? You know, enough to make contact to walk through your home? Does a few pictures and a 500 character description do your home justice?
Lets picture a trip to the grocery store. You only need milk, bread and some cereal for breakfast. So you head to the back of the store for milk–oh yeah, eggs too–next the cereal aisle–Kellogs is on sale so you buy two–next on to the bakery–but wait–roasts are on sale, that’ll be good in the crock pot tomorrow–ugh, you don’t want to have to make dinner tonight–good Tombstone pizzas are on sale–almost to the bakery department–made it, finally–might as well buy a couple loaves of bread. Time to check out–your total comes to 28.83. You wanted three things–bread, cereal and milk. But you ended up with those plus meat, pizza, and eggs.
The MLS is the same way. Too many choices. When your home is alongside hundreds of other homes what are the odds that a buyer will choose your home? If an agent promises internet marketing, and that marketing sets your home alongside every other home, how is he/she marketing YOUR home?
This is why I create a single property website for your home. When I’m marketing your home I funnel all advertising to your home’s website. You know, because you want your home sold…
If you’re ready to sell your home, get in touch. Call (715-572-8372) or email (holberga [at] firstweber [dot] com).
PHONE: (715) 572-8372
My name is Adam Holberg and I’m a Realtor with First Weber of Wisconsin Rapids. This website is designed to inform and help bring conversation to a topic I love, real estate.