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Using Gas Incentives to Attract Home Buyers?

By
Industry Observer with Grace Broadcast Sales

High Gas Prices

From the July 4th NY Times via Radio Sales Today, this article on how retailers are using gas incentives (discounts, gas cards, etc.) to attract shoppers who've cut back on the frequency of their shopping trips due to the high price of gas.

Might there be an application for real estate?  How about, for example, MLS-sponsored van or small bus tours of select weekend open houses, as an alternative to individuals driving their vehicles?  One might even invite participation from a restaurant or deli and include a meal in the package, making it an event.

Or perhaps an agency and gas station could partner to provide and promote discount gas punchcards for buyers/prospects who collect a new punch at each of several open houses they visit.

What types of promotions have you or your agency done in recent months to attract more buyers?

Richard Dolbeare
Inactive - Wailuku, HI
Living the Hawaii Lifestyle

Hi Rod.  Perhaps the best promotion is to assist homeowners in the sale of their current home and purchase of one closer to work.  Having made that switch myself I know that the savings are real and they are awesome.

Jul 07, 2011 06:22 AM
Rod Schwartz
Grace Broadcast Sales - Pullman, WA
Branding for Results

Richard,

I experienced a similar savings in '92, when I moved from a town 13 miles from my place of work to a home exactly one mile away.  Reducing my monthly commute by some 400 miles was significant.

RS

Jul 07, 2011 06:32 AM
Ted Tyrrell
RE/MAXCamosun (Chatterton) - Victoria, BC
Selling Homes in Beautiful Victoria

Rod, good food for thought. Our office has really done nothing to attract buyers to properties. Maybe a little brainstorming is in order...

Jul 07, 2011 09:49 AM
Rod Schwartz
Grace Broadcast Sales - Pullman, WA
Branding for Results

Ted,

All agencies in a market are swimming in the same pond, in terms of inventory, pricing, access to financing, etc. Some variables are beyond their ability to control or even influence; others are well within their capability.  In today's market, anything an agent or agency can do to increase access to qualified buyers is worth considering.  The pie is what it is; if in the short term one can increase his share of the existing pie, when the market expands so will his share. Brainstorming is a good place to begin!

Thanks for taking time to comment!

-Rod

Jul 07, 2011 11:36 AM