Saturday’s Herald gets expanded real estate ad section

Daily Herald readers might have noticed something new in their Saturday papers: an expanded and upgraded real estate advertising section.

The section, which made its debut in early June, offers a mix of informational articles about the nuts and bolts of real estate financing and transactions, Q-and-A profiles of Snohomish County real estate agents, an improved listing of open houses that includes a locator map, and advertising that’s considerably more colorful and visually appealing than traditional text-heavy newspaper classified ads, Herald advertising director Ron Lee said.

Lynn Jefferson of The Herald’s art department designed the section, the content of which is produced entirely by the advertising department.

Lee described real estate as one of three “foundational pillars” of classified advertising. The other two are automotive ads, which get their own section in Friday’s edition, and employment ads, which are featured in the Sunday paper.

Sales for the real estate section and its digital counterpart are handled by Herald real estate account executive Patrick Johnson, whose professional background is well-suited to the job — he’s worked both at newspapers and as a licensed real estate agent.

“Patrick’s been a plus,” Lee said. “He’s got a newspaper background and a real estate background. So he understands both sides really well. He can walk the walk and talk the talk.”

Lee says reaction has been positive, and the numbers prove it. Herald real estate advertising sales for the last three months are up 20 percent over 2011, he said.

“Everybody has been excited about it,” Johnson said. “I’ve talked to a Realtor who said he’s bringing the section to open houses to hand out to people.”

The section also brings together advertising for both existing and new homes for sale, which has pleased local builders, Lee said.

After several difficult years during the Great Recession, “we’re seeing a definite (improvement) in the real estate market,” Lee said. “New home builders especially have seen an increase in business.”

Each week, Here at the Herald provides an inside peek at the newspaper. Is there something you would like to know? Email executive editor Neal Pattison at npattison@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Everett
Cat killed, 9 people displaced after duplex fire in Everett

None of the people were injured in the fire reported around 1:15 a.m. in the 11500 block of Meridian Avenue S.

Brian Henrichs, left, and Emily Howe, right, begin sifting out the bugs from their bug trap along Port Susan on Monday, May 22, 2023 in Stanwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘A delta for the future’: Scientists try to save salmon at Stilly’s mouth

The Stillaguamish River’s south fork once supported 20,000 salmon. In 2019, fewer than 500 fish returned to spawn.

Mountlake Terrace Library, part of the Sno-Isle Libraries, in Mountlake Terrace, Washington on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Sno-Isle workers cite safety, unfilled positions in union push

Workers also pointed to inconsistent policies and a lack of a say in decision-making. Leadership says they’ve been listening.

A view over the Port of Everett Marina looking toward the southern Whidbey Island fault zone in March 2021. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County agencies to simulate major disaster

The scenario will practice the response to an earthquake or tsunami. Dozens of agencies will work with pilots.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mountlake Terrace in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Mountlake Terrace eyes one-time projects for $2.4M in federal funds

Staff recommended $750,000 for a new roof and HVAC at the library, $250,000 toward the a nonprofit facility in Lynnwood and more.

Funko mascots Freddy Funko roll past on a conveyor belt in the Pop! Factory of the company's new flagship store on Aug. 18, 2017.  (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Lawsuit: Funko misled investors about Arizona move

A shareholder claims Funko’s decision to relocate its distribution center from Everett to Arizona was “disastrous.”

Senator Maria Cantwell (center) hosted a roundtable to discuss the fentanyl crisis Monday, June 5, 2023 in Everett, Washington. Cantwell was joined community leaders and those who have been personally impacted by the issue. (Photo provided by the office of Maria Cantwell)
Everett leaders cite jaw-dropping stats on fentanyl crisis

Sen. Maria Cantwell gathered those affected by the opioid crisis Monday to push for a unified response to soaring overdoses.

Dave "Bronco" Erickson stands next to the pink-and-purple 1991 Subaru Justy hatchback “Pork Chop Express” car that he is seeking to re-home for $500. The car has been on Whidbey Island for years, mainly as yard art. (Andrea Brown / The Herald)
For sale: Whidbey’s fabled ‘Pork Chop Express’ gets great smileage

Asking price is $500 for the 1991 Subaru Justy, a three-cylinder econobox with 65K miles and a transmission as rare as hen’s teeth.

The Snohomish River turns along the edge of the Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve at Thomas’ Eddy on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
To build a healthier Snohomish River, more log jams

About $2.8M in grants will help engineer log jams, tear down levees and promote salmon restoration at Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve.

Most Read