HomeAndLunch - New Real Estate Marketing Idea in Sussex County, NJ
After tons of coordination, I finally have all the blessings necessary to experiment with a strategy to bring more buyers to see my listings. At least in Sussex County, NJ, this is new. I'm offering lunch to agents and their buyers when they visit my listing on a designated Saturday. My first will be a home for sale in Hamburg, NJ.
Why? I've had wonderful attendance at the Broker Opens I hosted - all my colleagues love a free lunch. My sellers are always pleased when I report the heavy traffic through their homes. Many agents honestly tell me, "I don't have anyone looking in this price range" or something else that indicates they won't be bringing buyers back to that particular listing. The number of subsequent visits to the property from agents who attended the luncheon has been disappointing.
What I really want is for agents with potential buyers to come eat my tasty food... Hence, I'm launching HomeAndLunch. The photo here shows the first listing at which I'm trying this. I set up a web page at www.HomeAndLunch.com
Has anyone else done this? Would love feedback, comments, etc.
Well, flyers have gone out to agents in other local firms and to everyone in my office. Have had many comments - most saluting me for trying something new, even "if it will never work."
No appointments but I have seen a slight uptick in showings since the flyers went.
My sellers, however, are very, very pleased that I'm thinking outside-the-box and doing all I can to market their beautiful home!
Irene
I love the idea Irene! You'll have to let us know how it goes. I've offered food at open houses that I've held on Sundays, but for some reason people never really eat anything. I've only ever had success when people bring their children. The kids always ask if it's okay to have some candy. But the parents never take anything. I've tried open houses on Saturday, without food, and had no success. Buyers in this area seem to be trained that Open Houses are always on Sunday. We did have some success with Wednesday evening open houses last year. We haven't started that yet this year, but I imagine we'll be doing it soon. Good luck!
Hi Irene, Hmmm... I guess you have the answer. If they show up for the food but not with qualified buyers why should we think it will be different going forward ?
Irene, I think if you publish the ads in MLS, most likely you will agents and buyers. But if you publish it in a local community paper or TV, maybe most people would just want free food. :-0
By the way, I think this is a very innovative marketing. At least it will please the sellers and attract more future sellers.
John, Bill, Huiting,
I'm thrilled that:
1) Someone read my first ever blog
2) You took some of your valuable time to send me comments!
I'm NOT billing this as a general Open House. In this area, agents tend to do Opens on Sundays and take buyers to see homes on Saturdays. I hope to encourage agents to bring qualified buyers to see my listings. I suspect few busy agents will make an appointment for their buyers to see a home that does not meet the buyers needs - even for lunch.
Will keep all posted on how things go!
Irene
Hi Irene ~ This is a great idea and your website for it is really sharp. I love it! I'll be watching for the update! Welcome to ActiveRain by the way - you'll love it here!
Liz
Liz,
I hope this means you will be bringing your buyers! Thanks for your kind words and warm welcome!
Irene
Hi and welcome to Active Rain, agreat site to network, share, learn, and have fun. Good luck. And if you ever need an agent in the upstate of South Carolina, please call me.
Jean,
Don't know of anyone headed to SC at the moment, but you can bet I will keep you in mind!
Irene
Hi Irene,
Welcome to Active Rain and congratulations on your first post! The opportunities to learn and network are incredible here. Best of luck to you!
-Keith
Keith,
Appreciate you saying hello!
Irene
Irene....Welcome to ActiveRain. This is a great community to network with others as well a great place to learn from other's experiences and knowledge. I've enjoyed it; I hope you enjoy it as well.
Sergio Rebollo Jr.
Exit Prime Realty
Coral Gables, FL 33146
305-582-4062
Miami Short Sale Specialist - Profile
Sergio,
It amazes me that busy folk such as yourself take the time to welcome me. Sure means a lot!
Irene
Welcome to AR. It is a priviledge to be profiled next to you. When I did the lunch routine for my Realtors the only people that came were other realtors. They heard I provided good food.
I wish you success.
Christopher,
So, far no appointments. This is my attempt to feed Realtors who are bringing business in my direction.
Perhaps our joint fame will bring us both success. We now have an introduction to one another, so I count that as a good payoff!
It certainly was a novel idea. Have you gotten any feedback yet as to how well it worked? Have you tried it more than once?
William,
This was the first attempt and breaking ground sometimes takes time.
Didn't have anyone book a lunch appointments, so I spent nothing on food and drink. Both the seller and I did see an increase in showings during my publicity blitz. No offers yet, but more showings are the first step.
I'll probably do one at each of my listings. No down side at all...
Irene, that's a great idea. I don't know any REALTORS who don't like a free lunch, or two. :)
I usually offer a cold drink and cookies during the warm months, and hot chocolate in the cold months, but lunch may get more people in. Thanks for sharing. :)
Sylvie,
If my idea brings you ANY success, I'll be thrilled for us both!
Now that, is thinking outside the box. Consistency pays off. Sellers around the area take notice. And even if you don't see results the first time or two, you definately will. It may be in the form of a new listing instead of a buyer. Ya never know!
Lissa,
Coming from a gal who also goes the extra mile, your encouragement means a lot.
I plan to try one of Lissa's Poker Runs! Poker Run-Get Them In The Door At Your Open House
Thanks for the link, Irene! Keep up the good work and "out of the box" mindframe and you'll be just fine.