Software for Brochures & Flyers

Dj · 02-19-2007, 11:50 AM

What kind of software programs to you all use to great nice looking flyers and brochures for listings? I think I need to buy something.

Ryan Ward · 02-19-2007, 12:08 PM

I use MS Publisher 2003. I am sure there are better applications, but, since my tech skills are maybe at the novice level (on a good day) I find it very easy to use. The biggest problem with the files are that they are very large so I confert them to .pdf when I finis them so I can email them if necessary.

Calgary Agent · 02-19-2007, 12:40 PM

I also use Publisher (v2003). The learning curve isn't steep, and it's simple to make changes to your basic templates once they're set up (i.e. changing photos / colours / descriptions for listing brochures etc).

Ryan Ward · 02-19-2007, 12:46 PM

If you aren't the creative type, you can go to office online and download some decent templates for free then customize them.

Dj · 02-19-2007, 12:48 PM

thanks guys, that sounds like a winner. Now for another question, we need to buy a better printer, one that does some pretty good quality photos for these flyers. any suggestions? would really like to have scan and fax too due to limited space. what do you guys use?

Ryan Ward · 02-19-2007, 01:05 PM

I work almost exclusively from my home. I have a fully integrated office with everything that my office has. For my printer, I use an Oki c3200 color laser for 2 reasons.

The toner is petroleum based. This makes the flyers shine even on regular paper.
It prints on cardstock without any trouble.

The new model id the c3400, basically the same as what I have. There is also a 5000 series that is a little faster for color, but, not much though.

I get my refills at a place called cartidge world. 50% off retail and twice the capacity. I would not print pictures for my mantle on this printer, but, for flyers and brochures the speed and volume works great for me.

You could probably find one for $300 online.

Dj · 02-19-2007, 01:40 PM

thanks, does it have fax and scan too?

kensmith · 02-19-2007, 01:48 PM

I think Publisher can do everything that an agent could need to do. For the money it's one of the best investments an agent can make.

Ryan Ward · 02-19-2007, 01:51 PM

Strictly a laser printer. Whatever you get, make sure you can run cardstock though it. Because it allows me to, I use cardstock for my information boxes. Sellers love it, not only do they get color, they get a piece of paper that buyers will see if they get home with a stack of flyers to look through - the cardstock stands out. Because of the toner, it almost looks like gloss paper even on regular cardstock.

coastal · 02-19-2007, 02:58 PM

I use adobe Photoshop and adobe Indesign. Without a degree in computer art I would say stay away from them. It took me 6 years to get to where I am and I still only know 1/16th of what these two programs are capable of.

As for printers you definitely want to go with a Laser jet of some sort. Ink jets will cost you significantly more over time.

Usually a machine that faxes, scans and prints will do none of them well until you get into the very high end models for thousands of dollars.

I've got an older Oki that I bought used on Ebay for $1200 that I used to use for flyers and brochures.

Quite honestly I have found it less expensive to send my work out to have it printed. I was paying more in Ink and card stock than I do now to have a place in Florida do it for me. 1000 post cards for about $200 shipped. If you look at the cost of ink and paper they will be about the same price and much lower quality.

For MLS printouts I have a HP color laserjet 1600 in my home office. It's fast and the print quality is great. I go through about $250 a month in ink.

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