Problem - I'm married to the mother-in-law.

I originally thought it clever but then mentioned to my wife and she said if she got a notice like that we would be moving out of town and closer to her mother. I laughed, than became a bit frightened at the thought of moving closer to her mother.... :)

Matt

Everyone does deserve to live in a community with some degree of security. I walk a thin line in "ambulance chasing". Especially when a project(not in place) suddenly gains a sense of urgency.

After reading through these, I think whether it is ethical or not depends on the approach and timing. "Ambulance chasers" are on the scene in a very short time and in person, which means they are dealing with people potentially still in shock or in a fragile state of mind. Plus, since they are in person, it could be much more aggressive.

But reading Stephani's post, I personally don't see that as unethical. A postcard is not going to force someone to do something they will regret, and it came later than the actual event, which allows everybody to calm down and regain their senses. All it did was allow her to identify the specific pain point and offer a solution. I think that is good marketing and good service all around.

A few years ago there was a senior’s community in a neighboring town that had multiple homicides just across the street. About a week later I sent out postcards to all of their residents and got 3 leases. This was not a result of listening to scanners but a local news story. In my defense, most seniors communities are majority female, this community was cottage style where as mine is an access controlled interior building so yes I wanted leases but I also wanted to help anyone I can feel at least some sense of security. The one thing I won't do is market to communities in my county who experience crime as I'm on the local police/apt. board and feel that it would be unfair because I'm privy to information that is not public. See I do have my limits :)

The only problem I see with marketing in this way is that if you are running an affordable property; you may not be able to as it does not target the demographic you are looking for, whether it be age, income, or other special needs.