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Agents: A Powerful and Profitable Way To Stay Connected With Your Clients AFTER The Closing!

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Mortgage and Lending with Guaranteed Rate NMLS #2611 NMLS #222026

Housewarming Party

 

I am going to share a secret with you.  A secret so powerful and fun you will be searching for new buyers just so you can close on a home and implement this marketing tool!  Read on to find out how marketing to your clients can be fun, effortless and not at all awkward! 

We have all been there... Closing Day.  Closing Day is a Happy Day.  Everyone is smiling, laughing and signing their life away.  You have probably presented your clients with a closing gift, exchanged a hug or a handshake and thanked each other again for the business.  But what happens after the closing date?  

Lately I have been reflecting on the past and how I used to take care of my clients.  When I say the past, I mean back in 2001 when the market was not as crazy.  I had the time....correction, I made the time to be creative with my clients.  My point is, we should all be using this down market as a way to get back to the basics.  For me personally, the explosion of the real estate market took away my personal touch I provided clients that I enjoyed so much.  I always take care of my clients, but the personal touch is what sets me apart from others.  So, think of this real estate market as another chance to set yourself apart from the competition and shine in your clients eyes.  You have nothing to lose and market share to gain!  

Here's the secret.  Rather than presenting my closing gift at the closing, I did something completely outside the box.  I teamed up with the Buyer's Agent and we planned a Housewarming Party for the buyers.  You can present the idea by handing the couple a printed "You're Invited To A Housewarming Party" Invitation and leave the date blank.  Make sure to note the party is hosted by the Realtor and Lender.  From here you can choose a date and request an email list of the friends and family the couple would like to invite to the party.  Make sure to invite the neighbors!  This is a great way for the couple to break the ice and meet their new neighbors.  Go ahead and be creative .... Plan the menu, add fresh cut flowers, candles, desserts etc... it doesn't need to be expensive. Above all, make sure it is casual so everyone is approachable.  The key is to allow your clients to show off that great house to their friends and family AND meet their new neighbors. 

Now did any of that feel awkward or do you think you would have fun with it?  Believe it or not, you just picked up potential new buyer/seller business from the friends, family and neighbors!  Not only did you capture their contact information for the future, but you have created a lasting impression to a large group of people.  

As my profile states, "I prefer to do business the old-fashioned way...face-to-face."  This gift to my clients allows me to do just that!  

If you are a Realtor located in Wisconsin or Illinois, contact me to discuss how we can work together on our next housewarming party! I also team up with the realtor after the party with an easy approach to keeping in contact with our client for the next 3 years effortlessly!   Let's meet for coffee to discuss!  

Go on and SHINE ! 

Lora

 

P.S.  It's only fair....since I shared my secret I would LOVE to hear success stories from Agents that use it!

Comment Below

 

 

Posted by

 

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Lora+Willms

 

Linda K. Mayer
License # 01767321 - La Verne, CA
Realtor, SRES, SoCAL, A REALTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Lora, Such an amazing idea to help the new kids on the block feel welcomed.  How totally cool!  I'm going to have to try that on my next closing!

Jun 02, 2011 06:19 AM
Liz Lockhart
Riverbend Realty, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape Girardeau, MO
GRI, Cape Girardeau Real Estate

Lora~ This does sound like a great idea! Are you willing to give an estimate of what the party actually cost the agent and loan officer? Was there any resistance from the buyer in regard to getting the house "show ready" after closing? How many buyers actually take you up on the offer?

Jun 02, 2011 06:21 AM
Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

I have always loved this idea....but haven't done it!!!  I may need to re-think it!!

Jun 02, 2011 06:37 AM
Lora Willms
Guaranteed Rate NMLS #2611 - Libertyville, IL
Mortgage Loans in Illinois, Wisconsin & Texas

Hello Ladies and thank you for your comments! Linda, Liz and Deborah.....it really is a fun way to obtain new business.  Here's what I love, no two parties are alike.  The party evolves around your client.  Every client has very different personalities.  You will come across a client that does not want a party and that's ok too.  Buy them a closing gift and keep in touch with them after.  (I also have a great 3 year, 20 touch keep in touch program that costs $150 total and split between realtor/loan officer $75/each.... I will post this to my blog soon)

I would tell your clients about the housewarming party midway through the process... explaining that it is a combined gift and a very helpful way to let them get to know their neighbors.  Explain that you will take care of everything including the cost and Evites and all they need to do is provide a list of friends/family email addresses that they would like at the party.  This will give you plenty of time to plan.  You can choose to limit the number of attendees if you think it will be too costly.  Since their personalities and age group are a big factor, this will drive what type of party to have.    You may choose to do a bbq for a younger lively couple if the weather is nice, or a simple wine/cheese/fruit and dessert event.  You could do a simple sandwich platter, cheese or antipasta tray....Supply coffee, beer, red/white wine, water, soda... A larger party could run $300 but keep in mind you are splitting the cost and this one feeds many.   Also, play off of the personal relationship you have forged with the client.  Maybe the lender has a closer relationship for whatever reason....or in some cases the realtor has the better connection.  Whomever has the closer connection should suggest the party and run with it.  My suggestion would be to keep your first few parties simple to keep the cost down.  If you are a savy shopper you will know what to serve w/o paying alot for it.  Shop Sams or Costco for these events.  Send out an Evite to get a RSVP count for food.  You can always shop the night before or even the morning of to keep the cost down based on fianl RSVP's.  Also, many times I do not mind spending a little more if I look because the money spent here has a far better ROI than in the yellow pages.  Oh, and in regards to having the home show ready...the party date is chosen by the buyer so it could be even 1 month after move in date.. they will let you know how quickly they will be unpacked.  Hope this helps. 

Jun 02, 2011 07:35 AM