The holidays are an ideal time to market your real estate business to new and already established clients. Clients expect you to reach out, and the overall vibe of the season puts most people in the mood for enhanced connection. Following are some holiday marketing tips for agents that are sure to set you up for success when springtime rolls around:
HOST A HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE IN VACANT HOME LISTINGS
Many buyers are delaying a purchase until after the frenzy of the winter holiday season. However, staging a “holiday” open house for your vacant listings does several things. Number one, it gets buyers in for a preview prior to the spring sell season. Two, it showcases the house as the perfect fit for families that are looking for a “home.” Accomplish this warm, fuzzy feeling by creating a festive holiday environment. Provide holiday cookies, finger foods and non-alcoholic beverages like hot chocolate. If possible, light the fireplace. Play holiday music softly in the background, and don’t forget to add some aroma therapy with plug-in air fresheners in holiday scents. A home decorated for the holidays gives many buyers a warm feeling and helps them picture themselves living there. As with all open houses, include a raffle offering for up to $25 (maximum tax deduction per item) in prizes or gift cards. This way you can collect names and contact information for future leads.
SEND HOLIDAY CARDS OR GIFTS TO FORMER CLIENTS AND POTENTIAL LEADS
Holidays are the perfect time to reach out to former and current clients and potential leads. Make sure you include a handwritten note on anything you send out. Cards to former clients should remind them you’re available for referrals and all their real estate needs. A perfect gift item would be an offer for a home warranty plan when they buy or sell through you.
PLAN A “GOODWILL” EVENT
The winter holidays are widely recognized as the Season of Giving. In that light, plan an event to collect items for a community angel tree, or a toy and food drive for a local shelter. Contact a local community newspaper and ask that they publish a story about your event to raise community awareness. During the event, make sure you have a designated photographer to take images and video of the event, which you can share later through all your digital mediums. Advertise these community service events in your blog, newsletter, website, online forums, and social media platforms.
REMIND YOUR CLIENT BASE OF TAX INCENTIVES
Another timely holiday marketing tip focuses on taxes. The last quarter of the year is a great time to maximize tax incentives. Capital gains exclusion or deferment, business or investment property depreciation, and deductions on new mortgage interest expenses are just a few year-end tax benefits. This is also the perfect time to take advantage of any advantageous tax laws that may be expiring. Partner up with your favorite tax expert so you can tag-team your marketing efforts. This way you can also provide a handy source for sound tax information.
Remember: the holidays provide a great opportunity to plant seeds that will bear good fruit when the spring sell season rolls around…..which is just around the corner. And make sure you read “How to Get your Buyers the Best Deal” to maximize your expertise for the holidays and for the upcoming sell season.