Is this ad 'embarrassing'? Real estate agent's flyer steals locals' attention

In the competitive world of real estate, standing out from the crowd is essential.

Yet, how far is too far when it comes to marketing tactics?

This has been the question on the minds of many locals after a real estate agent's unconventional advertising strategy sparked a fiery debate.


Raphael Houston, an agent with Ray White, took a bold approach to lure in potential clients in Coburg, Melbourne.

Houston ditched the traditional head shots and slogans for a police-style 'wanted' flyer.

The flyer featured Houston as the 'criminal' in question.

The flyers, complete with a fake mugshot and a headline, have been plastered across the suburb.


compressed-Raphael Houston 2.jpeg
Locals caught wind of Raphael Houston's unusual marketing tactic. Image Credit: Reddit


On the reverse side of the flyer, Houston lists his 'crimes', which included 'achieving record-breaking advice' and 'providing expert advice'.

His listed 'known accomplices' were his colleagues, and the reward offered is 'guaranteed satisfaction for all your real estate needs'.

These posters caused quite a stir among locals in the area.

The flyer quickly made its way to social media, where locals did not hold their opinions back.


Some found Houston's ad as 'cringe genius'.

However, others were less impressed and called his adverts' weird and embarrassing'.

One particular detail that pushed the envelope was the fake Ray White neck tattoo.

Some locals saw this move as a step too far.

Despite the mixed reviews, several locals saw the method to Houston's madness.

'I cringed so hard I pulled a muscle. But yeah, I read the whole thing. So maybe it works,' a local commented.


compressed-Raphael Houston.jpeg
Raphael Houston's credentials were available on the back part of the poster. Image Credit: Reddit


Houston, a Coburg resident, was no stranger to the fierce competition among real estate agents in the area.

In an effort to stand out, he collaborated with Ray White's marketing team to come up with the 'wanted' poster idea.

Houston shared that he was aware that any form of self-promotion would elicit a variety of responses.


However, he also received plenty of positive feedback, as many found humour in his approach.

The agent shrugged off the adverse reactions as he was accustomed to receiving both praise and criticism.

He believed that it's better to be noticed, even if it meant dealing with a few 'mean text messages and emails'.

This was not Houston's first foray into unconventional marketing.

He has been known for his creative flyers.

Unfazed by the controversy, he's already planning his next campaign.

Houston's philosophy was clear: as long as his marketing was not harming anyone, it was all in the name of business.
Key Takeaways

  • A Melbourne real estate agent sparked debate with his 'wanted' flyer marketing campaign.
  • Raphael Houston's police-style posters received both positive and negative reactions from locals and on social media.
  • The flyers featured Houston as a 'criminal' wanted for being a top real estate seller in Coburg.
  • Despite mixed reviews, Houston was undeterred and had planned to continue creating unusual and creative marketing materials.
What do you make of this bold marketing ploy? Have you encountered any unusual advertising tactics in your area? Share your thoughts and opinions about these head-turning adverts in the comments below!
 

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It wouldn't worry me. All I would be interested in would be his success rate as a real estate agent.
He's not breaking any laws and his creative thinking certainly got people talking and would bring him to mind when people were looking for an agent.
I'll bet my bottom dollar he gets more listing's than some other agent sitting in his cosy office waiting for listings to fall into his lap.
I've had to deal with some pretty dud realestste agents over the years in buying and selling real estate in our business.People who are proactive and think outside the box are the ones who get the best results.
 
Quite clever, but I think he should have used an historic style with a sepia toned image rather than the modern mugshot
Wanted
Dead or Alive
That way, people would know it was promotional brochure
With current lawless issues in Melbourne I think it might be dangerous to use that phrase as some may take it literally.
 

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