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How to Buy a Solid Client Lead for Less than $35

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Industry Observer with Retired

How to Buy a Solid Client Lead for Less than $35

Hi Everyone, I am sorry I have not been around much the last number of weeks. Been busy and just wanted to take a little break and work on some new things in my business. 

So how do I buy a solid client lead for less than $35 initial cost? While the price is accurate, what I didn't tell you is that it may also include more than one lead. Like a ready to buy referral.

I have geographic farms that I have worked for years and I make it a point to know just about anyone that lives there now and anyone who has lived there over the past 20 or so years. I know all the homes and pay attention when modifications, additions or improvements are made. So when a new Buyer buys, I also know that most agents are not going to stay in touch with them. So I buy them a great house warming gift and welcome them to the neighborhood.

I have access to some gorgeous bath towels and two of the favorite things for new homeowners are new towels and bedding to make the place fell luxurious. I buy 2 sets of towels, hand towels and wash clothes, package them up in a big gift box and wrap as pure luxury. I emphasis in my " Welcome to the Neighborhood" card that I can be reached by phone or even better by my e-mail should they ever need anything. That is when I get a thank you note by e-mail and get their e-mail address. You may have guessed that I am already starting to build my relationship with the new Buyers. I tell them that I know the neighborhood and all the most fun things to do and especially all the many vendors they might need to do things around their new home. I welcome them to just get in contact with me and that I will send them whatever they want or need. 

I add them to my card list for all the holidays and business mailings of new listings and updates on sold properties in the neighborhood. When I am in the neighborhood, I actually get a chance to meet some of them. But over time, meeting them is ultimate goal.

What do you suppose happens? Eventually they either want to sell, or they know who does and often I get referrals because I have stayed in touch with them. I call it building relationships by being the one that gives first.  

Best $35 I ever spent on marketing. What can you buy for $35 that will give you as much pleasure and increase your own well being?

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Comments(60)

William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Gita Bantwal , Thank you so much and all the Very Best to you as well.

Sep 01, 2015 10:29 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Great idea William and first class as well.  I can see why they love you!

Sep 01, 2015 11:43 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

You have been missed! This is one of the best ideas ever! You are brilliant with this luxurious and unexpected gift. Impressive marketing.

 Knowing your exquisite taste, I would love to see your towels and gift wrapping.

Sep 01, 2015 12:15 PM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

One impressive "welcome to the neighborhood" gift is quite memorable and something the new owners will enjoy. Great idea!

Sep 01, 2015 01:25 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

OK, William!  You are making me feel guilty.  I'm one of those agents who is a complete slob when it comes to staying in touch!  Good work.

Sep 01, 2015 04:25 PM
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

Excellent marketing strategy, thanks for sharing.  Do you send your welcome gift package to only those areas you farm or outside your farm area too?

Sep 01, 2015 08:08 PM
John Wiley
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA

 Thank you William for being so willing to share your marketing strategy. I think you have found a way to touch people's lives in a meaningful way that will build a lasting relationship. This is just a great share.

Sep 01, 2015 09:37 PM
Judy Jennings
Top Agent Plus - Middleboro, MA
Tap into Judy's real estate expertise & resources.

William - What a great marketing idea, not to mention closing gift for clients! Also a top notch strategy on staying in touch with clients.

Sep 01, 2015 09:53 PM
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

This is a fantastic idea.  Thanks for sharing.

Sep 01, 2015 10:32 PM
Kelly Turbeville
Keller Williams - Lake Forest, CA
Turning Real Estate Dreams into Reality

I am implementing this as part of my farming.. Thanks for sharing.

Sep 02, 2015 05:56 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

One of the things I should have stressed more in the post is how often these future clients contact me. I get calls and e-mail at least once or twice a week. That may not seem like much but remember these folks were not my clients but belonged to other real estate agents.  It does make me feel excited that my future in the industry feels secure. And I know I have had at least one failure, probably others that I have forgotten as well. At least a dozen years ago, I was the listing agent on a property and the new homeowner make contact with me and asked if I could help her find an agent to sell an investment property. I researched the area and found an agent that sounded great when I interviewed her. For whatever reason, which I am still unclear about, the clients were unhappy with the way the deal went down. As I recall it was in another state other than CA. I happen to have shown this person's home today as it was listed with another agent. One of my current listing owners in the area let me know this property was coming on the market and that the owner told her I wasn't so great or I wouldn't have referred her to a person that knew less about real estate than she did. 

I was sure today to leave a nice note for the owner about how wonderfull her home looked. My Buyer  didn't like the place as they also have very exacting specifications. I told them of the story about the owner and their comment was something to the effect of " it's their loss, the place is way over priced and that is likley why the owner didn't list it with you. She knew you wouldn't take it at the current list price."  Whatever.

It is nice to be thought of by others as one who knows the relative values of the properties in the neighborhood and that I won't list over priced property. Meanwhile I am expanding the territory for this Buyer to find her new home. The one she now owns is actually quite beautiful and I have already had it professionally photographed and it is ready to bring it market as soon as we find something to replace it with. It will go for top dollar as it is just two shades of fabulous. The Buyer wants to be in a walking neighborhood with at least one Starbucks that is close to home, 

 

 

Sep 02, 2015 10:50 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

William I was wondering where you have been thought you were mad at us:) Interesting post and ideas, now on a side note a guy who has the best photos in his post where is the picture of this?:) Inquiring minds want to know, Endre

Sep 02, 2015 04:49 PM
Deb Kirschbaum
MB/Priority Properties, Inc. - Denver, CO

Great idea!  How long and how many towel gifts did you give before it paid off and you got the listing and buy side?  

Sep 03, 2015 12:51 AM
Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Hi William Johnson   You are spot on with your comments.  Face to face is very important in the long run.  What a great idea to get your info into their hands and theirs into yours!!  Thank you for sharing!

Sep 03, 2015 01:32 AM
Mery Fernandez Empire Network Realty Luxury Brokerage
Empire Network Realty INC. - Orlando, FL
The Rise of An Empire, Let's Build Yours!

Hello and congratulations on your featured blog post! Well done and hope to see you have many more featured post.

Sep 04, 2015 12:20 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Great idea William Johnson ... Proactive, thoughtful, and so full of simple common sense, I can understand why it's overlooked. Thanks for sharing it.

Sep 05, 2015 04:36 AM
Christine O'Shea
Christine E O'Shea Broker - Naples, FL

Truly a class act.  It is great to pick an area and be on top of it.  Do you happen to live in the area or same community you farm?

Sep 06, 2015 07:24 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Wonderful idea.  This is inexpensive but adds a personal touch...and that is what consumers want - personal!

Sep 17, 2015 12:57 AM
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

William, this is a great idea! I read it first as a reblog by Winston. So, happy I ran across it! Keep up the good work!

Nov 22, 2015 08:57 PM
Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

I really enjoyed your post, looking forward to using your advice in the near future. Thank's for sharing.

Sep 17, 2016 10:52 PM