http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/list/5.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net Any ideas besides a open housing, & offering free rent.

Wits End ARM Laurel, Maryland]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2541.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2541.page GMT Chris Mellen ]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2573.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2573.page GMT
best of luck>]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2588.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2588.page GMT ]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2589.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2589.page GMT http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2592.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2592.page GMT
During the day, you can direct market to local businesses. Call larger places of employment - hospitals, businesses, etc. who you feel may have potential tenants who fit your tenant mix. Offer to bring by marketing materials and even applications. If you can offer referral fees, do so.

There are a number of online sites that offer free advertising, Craig's list being one (previously mentioned). Are your vacants posted even online on your own website? Make one for free or pay a vendor where you can create your own site inexpensively (Network Solutions).

Most grocery stores allow free index cards to be posted for rentals and other services.

Join the local chamber of commerce and network. You'll make friends and professional contacts to help you fill your units.

Best of Luck and stay aggressive!
]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2621.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2621.page GMT http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2622.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2622.page GMT
For example, we currently have a fall photo contest going on (costs nothing) for our residents to take photos of what they love best about our community and submit them with a simple statement. The winning photo will be used in our print and on line advertising. We have posted them for residents to vote. I now have very unique photos of my property that I would have never thought to photograph.

We also volunteer along with our residents for things such as "Rake a Difference," which is raking yards for the elderly or disabled. It is great for relationship building and getting our name out in the community. Again, this costs nothing.

We aim for three functions like these per month. We need to do something different to retain our residents and this is what we have come up with. All it takes is time and we all have that right? Our residents tell their family, friends, and coworkers about what they do with us and its great word of mouth and again, its free!
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I especially think that hosting community events is a wonderful way to get prospects through the door. You could contact your local chamber or other networking groups and open up your facilities for them to use.
If your market is really soft, you could hire a temp or use one of your employees as a human directional for the day and see how much driveby traffic you can pull.

-Tracey R., Autumn Chase]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2782.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/332/2782.page GMT