Hi Mark-
As an agent myself, I actually ask my clients to find and bring me homes that they find interesting in the Newspaper or in print ad copy. On behalf of my clients, I want them to get the best home for them. No matter where we find it.

Also, as an investor, I do look everywhere. Internet, blogs, print, etc.

I guess I'm a little confused as to what you are trying to ask.

Could you qualify for me whether you're looking for cost analysis on print ad copy, (is it worth it to actually run print ad copy) or if people still look in the newspaper for their new homes.

Without this clarification, I can tell you that people who are not internet saavy do still look in the paper for their new home.

Hope that helps!

Although I'm a Realtor, not a current home buyer, I'm also a real estate investor. And, as an investor, yes, I do look in newspapers. In fact, Gino's answer is excellent. I look everywhere. And I know other investors look everywhere.

I can think of a few reasons to advertise in the newspaper. Beyond branding, which several folks suggested, FSBOs (especially those who don't pay to get listed in the MLS) use papers. And that means buyers looking for FSBOs are looking through the newspapers. Now, although your ad will clearly not be a FSBO ad, you're getting some additional "eyeballs" that may have decided to ignore looking on your website or on Realtor.com.

It also depends on the newspaper. I know many investors who don't bother with the big papers (in the DC area, that's The Washington Post), but do advertise in the local community papers. The Post costs a lot and the experience of other investors--and mine--has been that it doesn't produce many results. But when someone's looking to buy in a particular town or community, they do seem to read the local papers. It's very efficient, targeted marketing.

Different strategies work in different markets. Even if you got dozens of responses from homebuyers on one side or the other of the question, I'd suggest experimenting. Try it and track your responses. And monitor the variables--the newspaper(s) you're in, the day of the week, the type of property you're advertising, and so on.

Hope that helps.

Good to hear that Gino I think it is irresponsible for gaents to say newspapers are not good. Do they bot realize that not everyone uses a computer , especially the older folks out there.

Your best best is online.... Realtor.com populates from MLS (multiple listing service) data generated by agents and brokerage firms. It may lag a few days behind as to its currency status but you can search easily, set up alerts when new properties matching your criteria come on the market, etc. A real estate agent can do the same for you also. Good luck

I am currently house shopping. And to answer your question, I look EVERYWHERE! The internet, newspapers, driving down the street, word-of-mouth.... I will leave no stone unturned.

Newspaper ADs are really for agents to build name recognition, not for selling houses. Most people go online and search for properties before going to open houses or calling agents to see the homes.

Sylvia

With the power of the internet I think newsprint is really most effective to brand yourself as the local real estate expert. Many local homeowners still read local papers to see what homes are going for in their area and consider the possiblity of upgrading within their communities. With advertising repitition is king. If you have the budget to advertise regularly it can help homeowners in the area identify you as the person to call when they are ready to buy or sell. Good luck with your decision.