How Did You Prepare For The Summer Real Estate Market?

I am trying to put into action several things that I have meant to do for a while - touching my database effectively on a regular basis and farming consistently so that I can carry through with a good energy level into the fall - then I will have to successfully market those listings! We all know what we have to do - we just have to do it. Spring seems to be like the blind squirrel - we can get the nuts then - it is the rest of the year that makes it hard. 

I think our summer will be a strong one this year because of the tough winter months that we experienced George Souto 

Our summer is looking very strong thanks to all the marketing we've been doing.  We are up well over 25% vs. year ago (and haven't even cycled into the part where I broke my foot).  I'm actually a bit scared we won't be able to keep up w/ all demand and frenzy end of August so looking into testing another crew.

Biggest growth factors are coming from realtors and my website.  A lot of that is coming from people moving into new homes.  You really should create your own website (although recognize it takes a while for the traffic and leads to develop...but it always helps me get through the slower seasons - I get a higher % of biz from there during winter months.  And, for realtors, we've been doing some targeted direct mail to them..and then leveraging some of my customers to meet the realtors.  For me, that may be easier as I am meeting the buyer agent during the appt (before they close) but for you, you can follow up w/ some of your best clients and ask them abt their realtors and for intros.

Oh, and I've been doing monthly follow up direct mail to customers that haven't closed yet/aren't ready for 6 months to a year.  These are more fun and education pieces (same ones I send to realtors) and they are a soft sell/not pushy.  Keeps me top of mind and then some are calling when they are ready.  Just had two customers call this week due to them - one from a year ago, one from 2 yrs ago.

Good morning George,

I think our summer real estate market is going to sizzle! Many sellers were not ready to put their homes on the market for a variety of reasons and are just coming on the  market. Buyers have been waiting for the inventory to increase and are finally getting their wish! I've been direct mailing, calling, writing notes and keeping in touch with sellers who are finally making decisions and listing their homes!

Yes George, Consistent marketing knows no seasons. Just keep it up.

Bill Roberts

I don't do anything that I don't do all year long. My late spring and summer business is always good.

George Souto  I will continue to do what I have done all year . I blog and do my Market Reports .

George, like Hannah Williams I'll most likely continue what I've been doing. This is a sad comment on my organizational skills, but I plan to paddle faster!

Well, George Souto , great question.  Nobmatter what the season we need to have plan and be diligent about working the plan.

Hi George.  I went out and bought a lot of sun tan lotion.  Thanks for asking

Hi George Souto ,We are contactng past clients and trying to get referrals.

George I try to get as many listings as possible:)) That is my preparation for the summer Real Estate season:)), Endre

George, you are right - the spring was NUTS!   I have a marketing plan both print and Internet that I continue through the summer.  Staying in contact with many past clients is my best referral source.

I am ready to execute the plan. It will go by quickly and be autumn before we know it. This is a very good post to make us think. 

Good morning George. I do not slow down my blogging or networking efforts at all. I'm going to keep my peddle to the metal. 

George: I start my marketing 6 months in advance for a particular season so much of the upfront work for this summer was done at the end of 2014...now I just follow-through with what I have put in place and tweak as necessary.

I always have clients and customers wanting to buy or sell.  The market activbity dips in July and August  little bit with vacations, but tend to pick up around September for the start of the school season

It is like farming, you have seasons for each area of real estate and do a little of the same things each season. Lots of inventory from all the price ranges, property types and through all the locations you proudly serve. Do that. And spotlight the property listings with more narrative that is rich, images that are big, clear, beautiful all tied together with maps, plats, videos so the buyers have all they need. Without being teased, chasing down the information hit or miss with costly delays.

George, I will keep on this same pace, it's a good one. I do have one concern for Aug 1st. So I'm trying to wrap up as much in July.