HomeFinder.com Launches 2012 Agent Makeover Sweepstakes

CHICAGO, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- HomeFinder.com, a leading real estate search site and provider of digital marketing solutions for real estate agents, today kicks off its 2012 Agent Makeover Sweepstakes. The five winning real estate agents will be chosen at random to receive a comprehensive digital business and personal style makeover, including: an all-expense-paid, two-night trip to Chicago, business coaching, educational training on online marketing, a full style makeover and a professional photo shoot. All licensed real estate agents are eligible to enter the sweepstakes, which will run from May 15, 2012 through August 10, 2012.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120515/CG06873)

HomeFinder.com's goal in launching this inaugural industry program is to help offset some of the difficulties the industry has faced over the past few years. In addition to the recessions' effect on homeowners and sellers, the 500,000 U.S. real estate agents and brokers have clearly felt the severity of the housing collapse. The National Association of Realtors reports a 25% decrease in the number of members from 2007 to 2011.

"By providing digital marketing coaching and style makeovers, HomeFinder.com wants to give the winning agents tools to help rebuild their business and jumpstart this next era for the real estate industry," says Mark Tepper, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at HomeFinder.com.

The five winners of the 2012 Agent Makeover Sweepstakes will be flown to Chicago from September 12-14, 2012, where they will stay overnight in a luxurious hotel off of Chicago's Magnificent Mile and receive expert coaching from key local industry leaders on the best real estate specific social media practices, SEO coaching, and online marketing techniques, including:

• How SEO is drastically changing the real estate landscape
• How social media can make their business soar
• Why Google is a crucial part of online marketing success
• How agents can fully capitalize on this changing landscape

The winners will also undergo a full makeover to include hair and makeup styling and pampering at an esteemed Chicago salon, wardrobe consultation at a leading national department store, and a professional photo session to conclude the style makeover. A networking dinner will be held on the evening of September 13, 2012.

"Our Agent Makeover Sweepstakes will give the winning agents the opportunity to improve their business in a way that is fun and engaging, and to enjoy some rejuvenating time away in our hometown," says Tepper. "When they return back to work, we hope they will take with them the valuable knowledge and tools to take their business to the next level."

Founded over a decade ago, HomeFinder.com's unique position in the industry provides unmatched resources, education, coaching and support to real estate professionals. As the website that excels in digital makeovers for real estate businesses, launching the Agent Makeover Sweepstakes is one of the ways that HomeFinder.com can give real estate agents and brokers the edge they need to help their business succeed.

Contestants may enter the contest twice: once by visiting www.homefinder.com/agentmakeover and once through www.Facebook.com/homefinderdotcom. Winners will be chosen on August 15, 2012 and contacted directly.

About HomeFinder.com

HomeFinder.com is one of the fastest growing real estate websites in the U.S. attracting more than 3M monthly home shoppers with more than 3M property listings. HomeFinder.com provides simple and effective online advertising solutions such as Single Property Websites and enhanced listings to 20,000 agents, brokers and builders.  HomeFinder.com has the combined strength and resources of a nationally branded site and a Network of 350 real estate sites across America, including the chicagotribune.com, azcentral.com and miamiherald.com. HomeFinder.com is owned jointly by three leading media companies, Gannett Co. Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Co. (NYSE: MNI) and Tribune Co., and is an affiliated company of Classified Ventures, LLC, which owns and operates three leading online businesses: Apartments.com, Cars.com and HomeGain.com.

Contact:
Deanna Lawley
312.601.5062
[email protected]
www.homefinder.com

SOURCE HomeFinder.com