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Home Won't Sell? Throw a Party

By
Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty DC-VA-MD

Found this at the realtor.com site 

Creative marketing goes a long way in a slow real estate market. One strategy that's working for many practitioners is hosting parties, thereby exposing a property to hoards of potential buyers and real estate practitioners.

Holly Barr is one example. When the real estate practitioner of Better Homes Realty in San Jose, Calif., had trouble finding a buyer for a home, she joined forces with other real estate practitioners to hold a "progressive open house."

It worked like this: 11 homes held open houses on the same weekday evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Each of the practitioners provided refreshments and chipped in to buy prizes such as Nordstrom gift cards for visitors who viewed all 11 properties.

The parties worked. Barr sold her listing for $555,000 - $10,000 less than the asking price. Another real estate professional who participated in the progressive open house found the buyer.

Similar social events also have worked for other area practitioners.

Brad Le of Coldwell Banker threw a cocktail reception at a town home he listed in San Jose. The $250 he spent on catered hors d'oeuvres paid off. The home got two purchase offers the following week; one came from someone who attended the party.

And Cheryl DeGolia of Peninsula Homes Realty in the Silicon Valley area has held neighborhood wine-and-cheese parties lately to help publicize her listings, hand-delivering invitations in advance. The neighbors appreciate the party and the chance to look around another neighbor's home, she says, and the owners ``just like to know you've done everything'' to market their home.

Oh, By the Way...whenever you come across people who are looking to buy or sell,

please forward me their name and phone number. I am never too busy for any of your referrals.

EXIT FINE PROPERTIES

DC Office, Top Producer

Owner, Realtor® DC, VA, MD

Direct:   (202) 550-8484

Fax:      (202) 318-6520

Web site: BorisMiric.com

View My Video Introduction

Comments (7)

* Rate A Home
Rate A Home - Saugatuck, MI
Boris, love it! Great marketing idea....
Jan 30, 2008 05:47 AM
Nicole "Nicky" Sensale
Brooksville, FL
Florida Equestrian Properties
Wow that is a fabulous idea!
Jan 30, 2008 05:53 AM
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com
That really is a great idea. So simple it's brilliant.
Jan 30, 2008 05:55 AM
DEREK CHAPMAN
RE/MAX Realty Professionals - Wichita, KS
Brilliant.....the night time activities during the week can be fantastic
Jan 30, 2008 08:27 AM
Charity Lane
O'Brien Realty - Prince Frederick, MD
Love the idea! Broker Opens are good but parties are even better!
Jan 31, 2008 10:48 AM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

Sort of a "high end" open house.  Good to hear what is working!

It's a Good Life!

Fran Rokicki

Feb 02, 2008 01:17 AM
Uniqca V. Powell
Samson Properties - Washington, DC
Brightwood / Takoma Neighborhood Spec.

Boris,

Great idea!!!  Also, I did not know that we have another DC EXIT Office.  All I knew about is EXIT Capitol Realty. Congratulations to you for opening up a new office in the UPPER Northwest area.  I am from the upper Northwest area of DC . . . I love this area.  I am affiliated, however, with EXIT Premier Realty in Largo, MD.

Thanks for sharing . . . I will pass this idea to my team members.

Uniqca V. Powell 

 

 

Feb 17, 2008 02:47 PM