If you tell Martin Bouma, GRI ABR, Ann Arbor Board of REALTORS®, he’s got a big head, he’ll probably thank you. That’s because his mug is on a moving truck that travels across Ann Arbor.

Bouma has been using this larger-than-life advertising strategy for more than 15 years, and it has garnered him leads, exposure and a high rate of return on his investment.

After clients close a transaction with Bouma, they can use the moving truck for free. However, clients have to fill out the necessary paperwork and provide a copy of their license and insurance before Bouma hands out the keys.

They also have to stay within a 150-mile radius of the office, and keep track of mileage and any mechanical problems during the trip.

While the clients get the benefit of a free moving truck, Bouma gets the benefit of great exposure.

“ One lead came from a seller of a $700,000 listing,” said Bouma’s listing specialist Kristal Sadler. “The client saw Martin’s truck three times in the same week. Combined with some of our mass mailings, he called and listed without even interviewing other agents. The great part is we also had the buyer for the home!”

Even leads that aren’t directly related to the truck are probably helped by it. The truck is often mentioned in performance evaluations that Bouma gives to clients.

Although the cost of buying a truck, outfitting it with a decal and insuring it is quite an investment, Bouma believes it more than pays for itself. “I would recommend this service to an agent that wants to expand his business and is willing to make a substantial investment,” Bouma said.

For REALTORS® who like the idea of mobile advertising but don’t want to spend the money on a large moving truck, other options like car wrapping or removable decals are available. Many are very professional looking and fit a variety of budgets and styles.