A fairly understandable picture is drawn to mind if someone mentions flyers. We think of bright-colored paper, and we think of where we usually find one. In my experience, that means either the mailbox where the newspaper is supposed to be, or the debris trail they make as they roll down main streets. Then again there is always the irritation of coming out of the grocery store and having to take them out from under the windshield wipers. The times they don't come to mind though are when they're actually offering something universal and helpful, which tends to be the case with real estate flyers.

Of course, how do we know they're real estate flyers when are gut reaction is to tear them up and toss them out? Though, why don't we read them, even just for the off chance of something being what we're after.

What's specific about the subject of real estate is the curious nature of a realtor needing to advertise. As we know, it is a buyer's market out there, not a seller's. Chances are realtors would be overspilling withe clients on both end: those buying cheap, and those trying not to sell cheap.

However, it would be a foolish assumption to make. Those flyers aren't just advertising bait. They actually contain a much deeper sentiment people don't often get.

On those flyers people tend to find the basics. As with every company introduction, you always get the name of the person in charge, maybe the name of the person who handed it to you, and then phone numbers and email addresses galore.

Once we have it in our possession there's only one thing we're supposed to do. And that's to call and email off the hook to get a hold of them, all so we can empty out both pockets directly into their deposit files. Sound familiar?

In the case of real estate though, the trend is actually a completely different story–a much more satisfying story.

With the given financial crisis at hand, no one has been immune, including the real estate industry. One method of counter-balancing these slumps is to offer a reward-minded program, such as flyers. Only the flyers are a contingency, meaning the reward isn't stated outright, but rather is an added bonus for those who contact: a surprise gift.

The first move you'll want to make is finding out what the real estate group is all about. If it turns out they're a group with a bad reputation, you don't even want to go through with receiving the incentive. No reward will offset the dreariness of a bad business connection.

As long as everything with the business seems in order and you're not having any reservations, go after them! Instead of going out of your way to get a hold of them though, just phone them. An easy call on a lunch break will do the trick. A quick introduction and mention of how exactly you knew to get a hold of them will lead to exactly what you were chancing on. Just be prepared for those envious looks, because you just used those real estate flyers they had taken for granted.

Tori is a real estate expert who specializes in direct mail for real estate.