The holiday season is rapidly approaching and everyone’s mind is on planning, preparing or just enjoying the season.
So, our question:
During the busy holiday season, what creative things have you done to generate business while people’s attention is focused on other things?
“I usually call my present and past customers just to wish them happy holidays and thank them for their business and friendship. I always remind them to think of me if they have friends who are interested in buying or selling. I also call people to wish them Happy Holidays and thank them for their business and friendship! Make personal visits and send cards and calendars to customers.”
- Josie Deal, Coldwell Banker Jasinsky & Associates
“Twelve years ago, in my first year as a totally green rookie with Re/Max on Park Ave. I went door-to-door Dec. 23 on a freezing cold afternoon/night and handed out brass Christmas bells to about 150 houses. I was scared and had no clue how to drum up business or talk to total strangers. I put a big smile on, gave out the bells and got a listing. People were amazed at my determination...so was I! The real estate angels were with me.”
- Karen Swinson, Re/Max on Park Ave.
“I think the most effective thing I do during the holidays is to make sure that I am available to help clients at a moment’s notice. With many Realtors taking time off during the holidays, I try to be available to assist my clients [and even the clients of the co-op Realtor if asked] to ensure their transaction closes on time and with no issues. This concerted effort is applied to both buyers and sellers who may need to close by year’s end, and for my investor clients who need to sell property for tax purposes. During the gift-giving season, there is nothing more precious to buyers or sellers than giving them your time.”
- Phyllis Staines, Re/Max Coastal Real Estate
“I use the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to revisit with past customers and to get face-to-face with homeowners in my farm area. Walking the neighborhoods passing out season’s greetings calendars on a Saturday afternoon is a great way to get a handle on who may be moving in or out of a neighborhood. Past customers are a terrific source of referrals. Having my calendar on their refrigerator helps keep my name in play.”
- Tom O’Connell, Watson Realty in Amelia Island
“The holidays are a great time to make phone calls and do some one-on-one time and be personal. Take the time to show your clients that you truly care about their well-being and you want to be their Realtor/lender for life. Be sure to always ask for referrals if appropriate! Happy holidays.”
- David Wakefield, CTX Mortgage Company
“With the current Florida Lotto being at $60 million, I bought a ‘handful’ of $1 quick picks and stapled my card to each one. In my ‘travels’ around town, I hand them to people and say, ‘Here’s $60 million. If you win... buy a house from me.’ It sure makes them happy. Then, they tuck that ticket and my card in a safe place.”
- Paul Gruenther, Watson Realty, Jacksonville Beach.
“My own experience is that December is a busy real estate and inspecting time. It is the last chance to for many investor or tax savvy buyers and sellers to influence their tax bill. Also, the families with kids who need to make a move see the school break as an opportune time. Keep reminding the population that now is the best time to buy or sell is the best way to get business action now.”
- Wally Conway, HomePro Inspections
“Wells Fargo has a program called Pick of the Pros. It’s a football card where the Realtor/ builder picks the football teams he thinks will win each week. We drop off the cards at the real estate offices each Monday and pick them up on Friday. Whoever gets the most right wins a weekly prize and is put into a national drawing for a Chevy Trailblazer. We also have free appraisals in December for all customers that apply. This is a great selling point for Realtors. It’s a $350 savings for the customer.”
- Josie Taylor, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
“Giving them hope for the holidays and for the New Year to come, with a Norman Rockwell calendar, they receive my smile and well wishes all year. Happy Holidays to everyone.”
- Diane Ward,
Century 21 A1A Realty
“I don’t know that I have anything creative to contribute. I just network in a holiday spirit. Also, since it is the end of the year, and ICI Corporate is interested in getting built inventory off of the books, they offer discounts. Nothing gets people more motivated than saving some money!”
- Christine Rich, ICI Homes