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What would you charge to sell someone's property with copywriting and online marketing?

by James Druman
3 replies
This is something I've had people ask me to do for the past 10 years and never taken anyone up on it. This time, though, the property is substantial, demand in the area is growing in leaps and bounds, and there's a business attached to the place (it's mostly commercial) that would make for a great "story."



I'm thinking of going for it this time and building a page with a good pitch and advertising it.


What kind of commission would be reasonable for putting in this kind of work into selling real estate for someone online? Owners are into a percentage deal but we have been tiptoeing around the numbers. They're already putting images and graphics together and ready to move, though, so it's go time (though I know it'll take time for the property to sell).



Need to cut a deal and decide if we're serious or not.
#charge #copywriting #marketing #online #property #sell
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    Advice will depend on location - and what the laws and practices are where the property is. In the US, many states would not permit you being paid a percentage. You could be paid a set fee for 'advertising' but not a commissions unless you had a real estate license. No idea what the laws are in your location.



    Theoretically, you could base a commission on what 'estate' agents charge in that location. Usually if someone asks such a question they are trying to avoid paying the standard commissions - at least that's how it is here. Be cautious of forum advice on something like this because the laws are region specific.
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    • Profile picture of the author James Druman
      Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

      Advice will depend on location - and what the laws and practices are where the property is. In the US, many states would not permit you being paid a percentage. You could be paid a set fee for 'advertising' but not a commissions unless you had a real estate license. No idea what the laws are in your location.

      Theoretically, you could base a commission on what 'estate' agents charge in that location. Usually if someone asks such a question they are trying to avoid paying the standard commissions - at least that's how it is here. Be cautious of forum advice on something like this because the laws are region specific.
      Fair enough - I'm in a 3rd world country. But probably still a good idea to pop in with a local lawyer and find out what the laws are.

      Dealing with locals can be a real headache in a place like this, though - one of the main reasons they'd rather avoid real estate agents is because it can be hard to trust them as a foreigner and having a "DIY" attitude is what kept them afloat over a decade out here.

      I have about as much time as them in the region, so I don't really see something like this as a red flag per se, knowing what it feels to live and conduct business with a target on your head just because people assume you're a dumb, rich westerner. Things are done a tad different in expat land.

      Definitely best to cover all my bases though, so good looking out!

      Also a reason to work with an online marketer rather than a local agent is the best buyers will probably be people from Western countries who want a "lifestyle business" in the tropics, so to speak. Most local agents wouldn't be all that qualified to sell like that (and the foreign buyers trust them about as much as the sellers do).

      I know a few guys who've dealt in real estate around here for 10-30 years, so probably best bet on the legal side is ask them who I should talk to. What most of them don't have experience with, though, is copywriting and online marketing. That's why I wanted a commission opinion from other copywriters, so I can strike a deal on a number before putting in the time to research how to make it legal (in a place like this there is usually some way or another to make it work, even if it means jumping through loopholes).

      Anyhow, I know some old school copywriters used to work out deals like this because I've seen a lot of examples in the literature. Not sure how common it is anymore though. In the West I'm sure it's gotten harder and harder.
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  • Profile picture of the author fasteasysuccess
    It does depend on laws of area at, however have done it and did what was called a "referral fee" since legally couldn't do commissions since not a licensed agent.



    Just like bird dogging where find a buyer or seller for someone else and get a referral fee, but on the direct response copy side, i would look at a nice percentage of property and that would be what you ask for as your referral fee or basically royalty if your copy brings a buyer.
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