Have you ever considered doing housewarming parties for new clients? If not, hopefully this will help!
I offer all of my new clients the option to have a housewarming party. Not all of them take me up on it, but the ones that do are always impressed. It's a great opportunity for them to get together with their friends and family to show off their new home without having to worry about the cost of the food. The food is usually the most expensive part and what might hold them back from having a party.
How to throw a housewarming party
1. A letter is sent to every client a few weeks after closing letting them know it's an option and if they'd like to do it, they just need to let me know a date, guest list and type of party (bbq, mexican, sandwiches, etc).
2. Agree upon a date. You'll want to go to the party, so make sure you can adjust your schedule so you can stop by.
3. Get the guest list from them. I create and send the invites for them. It is one less thing they have to worry about, plus I can include our logo on the invites. I get the invites designed through a person on Etsy (www.etsy.com) and print them via Staples (https://design.staples.com/). It's fairly cost effective.
4. Once they determine the type of party, you'll contact the company to get the catering menu. I have predetermined menus set up from a few places so it's easy once you get a system in place. I typically spend $300 for 30 ($10 a person is what I based the order on).
5. A few items you might want to look into are a sign to put in the yard that includes your logo, table tents with your logo, and some Welcome Home balloons. My marketing effort is very subtle, but still has a presence that lets everyone know who hosted the party.
6. Overall, I try to keep my budget around $400 per party and I try to limit it to 1 a month for budget purposes.
Many times, guests are amazed you would throw a party for your client. Who wouldn't want that perk with the REALTOR they pick? Also, you just being at the party can easily generate interest. Guests will have questions or may even be thinking about buying a home.
Benefits to Throwing a Housewarming Party
1. Not every REALTOR throws them so it helps you stand out when someone starts looking for someone to help them buy or sell their home.
2. If you're at the party, potential clients are actually meeting you and getting to know you. As you know, establishing relationships are key.
3. You don't have to give any big presentation, just being there will generate interest and questions. Plus, when guests ask who is hosting the party, they can point you out.
If you already throw housewarming parties, let me know what tips you have! If don't, what questions do you have? I love throwing housewarming parties!
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