I’ve updated our list of strategies to improve your marketing. So, grab your coffee and dig into our best real estate marketing ideas.

Brand and engagement marketing ideas

Creating your brand story is one of the most important steps in establishing authority in your market area. Your brand should reflect who you are authentically to give your target audience a way to make an emotional connection to you.

1. Create a personal brand rooted in your values

Start your real estate journey by creating a personal brand that resonates with your target audience. A solid brand does something that a website or glossy headshot never will — it helps you build a unique selling proposition. Every agent has access to the same marketing tools, from artificial intelligence (AI) to gorgeous templates, so what sets you apart? Your brand.

To start defining your brand, consider what your clients need and what you bring to the table that others don’t. Define your brokerage’s mission, vision, and core values to guide your marketing strategy. Your branding should reflect your values and align with the people you want to attract. So think about why you got into real estate (besides the potential of making gobs of money). 

Remember, don’t try to be something you’re not. The right client will connect with you for the right reasons.

Pro-tip: Jump on the fast lane to success and hire experts to create your brand. Agent Image focuses on high-quality design and award-winning service, allowing you to scale your business smoothly to the next level. Use our link to sign up for 20% off any website package!

2. Create a compelling slogan

Once you’ve defined your mission, vision, and core values, you should clearly understand your real estate brand. The next step is creating a memorable slogan summarizing your value proposition. Think of it as your one-sentence elevator pitch.

Summing up your value prop in one short sentence isn’t easy, but a compelling real estate slogan can significantly boost brand recognition. It helps communicate who you are and who you work with and creates a personal connection with your audience.

3. Generate referrals from local businesses

Experienced agents know that local business owners can be a sweet referral source. Who else is as plugged into your community as the local salon owner, restaurateur, or florist? They know when people are getting married, divorced, or making other life changes that might lead to a transaction. So, if you want to generate motivated referrals, you can’t go wrong building these relationships.

You’re probably already working with several types of businesses, like photographers, movers, contractors, staging companies, home inspectors, insurance agents, etc. You might consider hosting an event together. Try some of these ideas:

• Host a workshop with a qualified home inspector to educate potential military homebuyers about the VA inspection process.
• Invite a lender to a first-time homebuyers event to help boost the prospecting potential. They can help answer questions about how to get started.

These work equally well as in-person events or online webinars. Creating an informational event around a specific real estate topic is easy, but you need a strategic marketing strategy to get a good turnout. Use Facebook Events, print marketing, organic social media posts, and emails to get the word out.

Looking for a free referral network to boost your lead gen efforts? Sold.com delivers high-quality buyer and seller leads that convert easily. And you don’t pay for any leads until they close!

Visit Sold.com

4. Get real results from freelance designers

As you scale your business, it’s important to find ways to continue creating content and marketing materials while being able to focus on serving your clients. This is why learning to hire and work with freelance designers is one of agents’ most essential marketing skills. Here are four tips for getting the most out of your consultation with design professionals:

1. Share your mission, vision, and values statement so they understand your brand.
2. Decide on fonts, brand colors, and style before hiring a designer.
3. Find a designer who fits your needs and budget.
4. Don’t rush feedback — take time to absorb the work before requesting changes.

Apps like Canva and Adobe Express offer great templates for DIY-ers — but you’ll want to work with a pro at some point, especially if you want your marketing materials to hit the mark. Even using services like Tailor Brands for logo design requires knowing what you want and how to communicate it.

Looking to elevate your real estate branding? Fiverr connects you with freelance designers who can create custom logos, business cards, social media posts, and other real estate marketing materials tailored to your style. With so many budget-friendly options, you can get quality designs without breaking the bank!

Marketing real estate ideas for social media

There’s no denying that you must have an online presence for people to build trust in you. Use some of these creative real estate marketing strategies to help save time, stress, and frustration in building your social media marketing strategy.

5. Master social media content creation

You must post often to scale your social media and generate leads. However, quality matters as much as quantity, so creating high-quality content that fits your brand and works for all social media platforms you use is essential.

An easy way to stay consistent is to use real estate templates from companies like Coffee & Contracts, LabCoat Agents Marketing Center, and Agent Crate. These providers offer social media content, real estate marketing ideas, and professionally designed templates.

Here’s my take on the best resources for social media content creation, plus links to our in-depth reviews if you want to dive deeper:

Platform	Best for	Review	Learn more
	Increasing engagement on social media and email	Coffee and Contracts review	Visit Coffee and Contracts
	Those on a budget who want automated social media posting	Agent Crate review	Visit Agent Crate
	Teams who want an easy-to-use mobile app with a design studio and direct mail feature	LabCoat Agents Marketing Center	Visit LabCoat Agents Marketing Center
	Editing real estate videos using its Wix Video Maker	No review yet	Visit Wix.com
	Hiring freelancers who can create and edit all types of content for agents	No review yet	Visit Fiverr

6. Adopt social media strategies from top influencers

To generate more leads through social media marketing, learn from the most successful real estate influencers and marketers and adapt their strategies to fit your style. As Tony Robbins says, “If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do.” 

Follow real estate influencers you resonate with and see which topics get the most engagement. Share your perspective on those topics, add them to your marketing calendar, and stay consistent. Make sure to put your personality and unique ideas on their strategies, and don’t copy them directly. Not only is copying exact content unethical, but it won’t be authentic to your brand.

The more consistent you are, the more the algorithm works in your favor. Here are five real estate influencers to follow on Instagram:

• Taya DiCarlo (@tayadicarlo) for fun and educational reels
• Leigh Brown (@leighthomasbrown) for humor and actionable advice for buyers
• Glennda Baker (@glenndabaker) for no-nonsense advice for buyers and sellers
• Chelsea Peitz (@chelsea.peitz) for real estate social media advice and lifestyle content
• The Broke Agent (@thebrokeagent) for real estate humor and viral memes

7. Use Facebook Messenger ads to boost open rates

If you’re looking for smarter marketing ideas for real estate agents, try Facebook Messenger ads. Unlike crowded news feeds, Messenger feels more personal. It’s a great way to connect with many Facebook Messenger users over 45 — the same demographic as home sellers.

Here are six steps to get you started:

• Set up an Ads Manager account in Meta.
• Choose the engagement objective.
• Set the engagement option to “Messaging apps” and select Messenger or Instagram.
• Set your ad duration, designate your audience, and choose your ad format. 
• Customize the greeting people see after clicking on your ad.
• Review, edit, and publish your ad.

Once you start receiving leads through your ads, use LionDesk’s customer relationship manager (CRM) to automate texts and keep prospects engaged. If you’re unsure about signing up for its services, LionDesk offers a 14-day free trial!

Marketing ideas for more real estate referrals

Well-established real estate agents know the secret to success is getting referrals. Use some of these real estate agent marketing ideas to help generate more referrals and grow your business exponentially.

8. Automate your review-collecting process 

If you don’t ask for client reviews, you leave money on the table. But let’s be honest — agents get busy, forget, or feel awkward bringing it up. The longer you wait, the more challenging it is to reconnect with past clients.

Instead of manually chasing down past clients, savvy agents automate their review-gathering process with reputation management platforms like Birdeye. These platforms have tools that reach out to your clients to ask for testimonials. There is less friction and awkwardness, so you get more reviews on more websites.

9. Build social proof with video testimonials

A few years ago, a handful of 5-star Zillow reviews was all a realtor needed. While they are still a crucial part of your online presence, they are simply not enough. With fake reviews everywhere, people are growing skeptical of written real estate client testimonials. They’re just too easy to fake.

Video testimonials, on the other hand, naturally feel more authentic and are nearly impossible to fabricate. They can be used in your realtor marketing across social media, emails, landing pages, websites, and YouTube. Here are a few quick best practices to help your video testimonials shine this year: 

• Keep them short: Shorter videos are more likely to be watched to the end, a vital engagement signal for most social media platforms. 
• Shoot vertical videos: This will make them easier to share on Instagram Stories, Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
• Send questions in advance: Make it easy for clients to think of responses, and they will be less nervous on the shoot day.
• Done is better than perfect: No need to make a big production out of your testimonial videos! Sometimes, candid videos shot on your phone work better.

10. Engage past clients with experiential marketing

As any seasoned agent will tell you, five minutes of in-person engagement is worth hours of online engagement. That’s why many top-producing agents invest in experiential marketing — exclusive client events like dinners, wine tastings, educational seminars, and charity drives.

Take annual holiday parties, for example. These parties bring together past clients, friends, and vendors, keeping people talking for months. The best part? These events often lead to new transactions.

11. Give memorable closing gifts

While closing gifts are an excellent way to encourage referrals, most realtors miss the mark by focusing on self-promotion instead of what clients actually want. The best gifts should feel personal and useful — not just another mug with your brokerage logo.

Think about what would make their first day in a new home easier. Moving into a house while everything is still in boxes is difficult. A gift basket with essentials like kitchen towels, a bottle of champagne with flutes, an Echo Dot, or even a pancake mix for breakfast can go a long way. Thoughtful and practical gifts show you care about your clients, while also keeping you top of mind.

Marketing ideas for real estate listings

These ideas, from enhancing curb appeal to crafting creative listing descriptions, will help you market your listings more effectively.

12. Improve curb appeal on a shoestring budget

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), most Realtors recommend improving curb appeal before listing a property for sale. Curb appeal is essential for attracting prospective buyers. It’s the first and last thing people see when driving to the property, and great curb appeal also attracts those who drive by. A well-kept exterior signals that a home is cared for, making buyers more curious to see what’s inside.

Here are some simple low- or no-cost curb appeal fixes to try with your listing.

• Create an inviting seating area on the porch
• Perk up drab brown grass with lawn paint
• Replace the mailbox and house numbers
• Decorate the entrance with potted plants and flowers
• Upgrade porch lighting
• Tidy up hedges and replace dead or scraggly ones
• Add fresh mulch to the flowerbeds
• Powerwash the exterior of the home

For more ideas, check out our curb appeal strategy guide.

13. Create effective listing marketing plans with AI

“Those who list, last” is a well-worn real estate cliche because most successful agents regularly list properties rather than exclusively represent buyers. Whether you’re a seasoned listing agent or still working on getting your first seller client, a detailed marketing plan is your key to success.

Your marketing plan is one of the most powerful tools you have to land listings. Homeowners hire agents for their marketing expertise, so having a detailed plan to showcase during your listing presentation can set you apart. Some essential features of a marketing plan include:

• A strategy for overcoming common objections
• Unique selling features of the new listing
• A thorough and accurate comparative market analysis (CMA)
• High-quality visuals — photos, video walkthroughs, aerial footage, and a 3D tour
• A compelling listing description
• A multi-channel promotion strategy

While your marketing plan sets the foundation, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly can take your listing descriptions to the next level. These apps help agents create listing descriptions, refine marketing copy, and brainstorm topics. Think of it as the editor you never had. However, keep in mind that AI shouldn’t replace your expertise.

Here are four AI tools you can use to write better real estate marketing copy this year:

AI copywriting tool	Best for	Starting monthly price	Learn more
	Everything from short marketing copy to e-books, lead magnets, and listing descriptions	Free	Visit ChatGPT
	Copywriting templates so you don’t have to start from scratch	$39 per seat	Visit Jasper.ai
	Creating workflows where agents can automate large-scale content creation and tasks	Free	Visit Copy.ai
	Cleaning up all writing, including emails, listing descriptions, social media captions	Free	Visit Grammarly

14. Enhance listings with virtual staging & VR tours

If you’re selling an empty home, consider virtual staging to help buyers visualize its potential. A spare room can be transformed into a kid’s room with bunk beds or as a home office. It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful real estate marketing ideas that can make a big impact.Besides that, using virtual reality (VR) in real estate can enhance listings further by letting buyers explore properties remotely through immersive 3D tours. Many tools, like Zillow, are available today to create interactive virtual tours that make potential buyers feel they’re walking through your listings.

Give your listings an edge with Zillow 3D Home tours, which let buyers visually explore properties from anywhere. This feature will make your listing stand out in Zillow search results. Best of all, creating a 3D tour is free with the Zillow app!

Real estate marketing ideas to boost visibility and communication

The more accessible you are online, the easier it is for your audience to connect with you and develop trust. Try implementing some of these additional realtor marketing techniques to increase your exposure.

15. Create a buyer presentation

Successful agents know that buyer presentations are just as important as listing presentations. Especially in the wake of the NAR settlements, you must try to go through a proper buyer presentation with your leads. According to the NAR, most buyers interview just one agent before deciding — so creating and practicing an informative buyer presentation is key to attracting more this year and beyond.

Here are tips for delivering the perfect buyer presentation:

• Break the ice with small talk
• Tell them exactly how long the presentation will take
• Ask specific and open-ended questions to build a buyer profile
• Don’t mislead your clients — ensure they understand the commission structure and their responsibilities along with yours
• Let your buyer do most of the talking
• Role-play your presentation with another agent before doing it live

16. Write scripts & pre-record videos for text messaging

Text messaging is one of the fastest ways to connect with leads. Most people open text messages within five minutes, which is way faster than an email. If you’re using it in your real estate marketing, you need to be ready to respond quickly.

The good news? Many CRMs, like Wise Agent and BombBomb, let you save text templates and send pre-recorded video messages. Your text messaging scripts don’t need to be perfect — just ensure they are clear, friendly, and to the point, much like our recommended text messaging scripts.

Stay connected with your leads using Wise Agent’s built-in text messaging feature. Quickly follow up with leads, send appointment reminders, and keep conversations going — all from one easy-to-use CRM.

17. Launch a real estate podcast

Starting a real estate podcast is an incredibly effective way to showcase your communication skills, personality, and local area knowledge. Use your podcast to spotlight local businesses, interview other adjacent business owners (think vendors, like local lenders or photographers), or spew some of your market wizardry and real estate expertise.

Invite expert guests on your podcast to boost your credibility and build your audience quickly. If you’re lucky enough to have a local influencer with a decent following in your area, seek them out and offer to work with them. Consider being a guest on someone else’s podcast too, where you answer questions about your area’s current real estate market.

For some inspiration, check out our roundup of the best podcasts for real estate agents — these could give some structure on how to approach creating yours.

18. Create neighborhood spotlight videos

Make videos highlighting specific neighborhoods or communities in your market area. Showcase any unique features, amenities, schools, and local businesses that stand out to give your potential buyers a wide-lens view of what it’s like to live in the neighborhood.

Neighborhood videos can be simple and made in either long or short form. A great strategy is to post long-form videos on YouTube and break them into shorter clips for your social media pages. Using real estate hashtags and geotags can help boost visibility and attract more leads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of marketing is best for real estate?

What is the most profitable part of real estate?

Which platform is best for real estate advertising?

Your take

With the endless variety of marketing tools out there claiming to do everything except wash your dishes, figuring out what works for your business can take a lot of work. Worse, many agents chase the latest fads and waste time learning the ins and outs of the latest shiny object. If you want to make real gains in marketing this year, you need to think strategically about the marketing strategies you use for your business.

Do you have any killer marketing ideas for real estate that our readers should know about? Let us know in the comments.

The post 18 Clever Real Estate Marketing Ideas appeared first on The Close.

Why Is a Halloween Marketing Strategy Important? 

Fall welcomes change, and that includes change within your business! Use this time to amp up your marketing strategies and fill your pipeline after the hustle and bustle of summer. People are finally settling back into their routines, gearing up for the holidays, and getting ready for the end of the year. Here are some reasons why it’s important to focus on your marketing strategy:

• Client nurturing: It’s important to stay in touch with clients throughout the year; however, involving them in holiday marketing shows you want to connect with them in non-real-estate-related ways and are not just after winning their business.
• Community involvement: Showing your business is a part of the community, not just working in it, will help strengthen your brand image.
• Pipeline preparation: Getting in front of existing and prospective clients could help position you to get a head start on some deals for the following year.
• Brand awareness: Fun campaigns and events are a way to show off your creative side while familiarizing people with what you do and where you work.

10 Fun Real Estate Halloween Marketing Ideas

Open houses are a great way to get some face time with homebuyers and showcase your marketing skills to homesellers. That’s why choosing an open house theme, whether holiday-related or offering specific food and beverage options, is a great way to stand out from the competition. Let’s take a look at some fun ideas for a Halloween open house theme. 

1. Host a Haunted Open House

Hosting open houses is a great way to attract potential buyers who will fall in love with your listing. But the trick is getting people to show up. Aside from proper planning to ensure the word gets out, planning a themed open house is a way to capture attention and spark interest. A haunted open house has the potential to get people in the door who may have opted out otherwise.

• What to do: With the seller’s permission, decorate the inside and outside of the house with Halloween decorations. Strategically place spooky stuff around the house to lead people from one room to another. If there’s something awesome about the house, consider decorating around it to make it stand out even more.

2. Organize a Pumpkin Carving Contest

A lot of people carve pumpkins around Halloween, so this is a great way to get people involved and connect with past and potential clients. If you’re feeling extra generous, in addition to hosting the contest, pre-purchase pumpkins and entice people to sign up to receive a pumpkin to carve. This will help you score some potential leads.

• What to do: Promote your pumpkin carving contest through email marketing, direct mail, and social media. Give instructions on how to submit their entry. In the instructions, ask people to tag you on social media to get even more exposure since their followers will see you tagged in the post.

3. Give Out Branded Candies or Halloween Bags

The holiday season is a great opportunity to plan pop-bys, especially if you have trouble coming up with ideas. Candy is a central theme during Halloween, so it’s extra easy to zone in on a gift. Pick up some of your favorite treats or get branded trick-or-treat bags to give to your clients.

• What to do: Choose between branded stickers to put on candy or little gift bags, or opt for custom trick-or-treat bags that kids can use as they run around the neighborhood. Either option will help to get your name in front of more people and keep you top-of-mind.

4. Sponsor or Host a Trunk-or-Treat Event

Trunk-or-treat events have become a Halloween staple. Hosting or sponsoring one of these events shows support for the community and is a fun way to bring people together to mingle and enjoy candy and costumes. Tape your business cards to the back of the candy you are handing out as a way to market yourself and your real estate services. 

• What to do: If you’re not sponsoring the event but instead organizing your own, consider partnering with a local business, church, or school. This way, you can utilize their parking lot and gain access to their network of people. Gathering your business partners, such as local lenders, attorneys, home inspectors, and title companies, will also help fill the spots and educate people about the individuals involved in a real estate transaction. 

5. Host a ‘Spooky’ Homebuyer Seminar

Homebuyer seminars are a popular and effective way of getting new business. At this time of year, get creative by incorporating Halloween-themed treats and beverages, and decorate the space a little to give it the real holiday feel. Create your event flyers by using a design platform like Canva that has holiday templates to help enhance your marketing. 

This idea works just as well for sellers if you tweak the content—but keep the Halloween marketing slogans! You can even turn this into a fireside chat about investing in a chill, marshmallow-laden conversational setting.

• What to do: Give yourself enough time to get everything ready and spread the word about the event so that people actually show up. Create a presentation that won’t spook your buyers, and prepare handouts the attendees can take with them. Put together a Halloween basket with some tricks and treats to raffle off at the end of the event.

6. Throw a Harvest Party for Past Clients

If you want to go all-out, host a harvest party for your past clients. Showing your appreciation with a fun event is a tried-and-true way to nurture your client relationships. Let’s explore some ways to bring everyone together and make the most of the season.

• Host a bonfire: Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and tell spooky stories while you enjoy the company of your clients and their families around a fall fire pit. 
• Offer hayrides: If the venue allows, offer hayrides while attendees sip apple cider. 
• Make costumes: There’s a special kind of magic in creating a unique and original costume for Halloween. So, gather some supplies from your local craft or thrift store and let everyone get creative with their own designs.

• What to do: Curate your list of clients with enough time for them to save the date so you will have a head count. Once you know how many people to expect, ask some of your favorite vendors to sponsor the event to raise funds and provide supplies. Don’t forget to take lots of pics the day of the event and share them on social media.

7. Put Together a Costume Donation Drive

Make sure to start this option early so that you have enough time to gather donations and deliver them in time for Halloween. Talk to schools in your community to find out what specific needs students might have, and ask if they would like to partner with you for the costume drive. People will notice when you show up for others in the community, and it will start to solidify your brand image.

• What to do: Ask family and friends in your community to bring new, unworn, or lightly used costumes to your office. Offer a drawing for them to enter while they’re there. Have the drawing after Halloween and announce the winner on social media. In fact, do a live video to draw the name.

8. Hire a Food Truck for Your Neighborhood on Halloween Night

Be the good witch of the evening by hiring a food or beverage truck and providing drinks and light bites to anyone who wants them. Hot cocoa, apple cider, and coffee are easy and usually a big hit. Make sure to hand out your information to everyone who comes to the truck for a respite. You can also put a big sign in your yard announcing your treats. (No tricks here!)

• What to do: Set up the food truck in front of your house and put your open house signs on the corner of the street with a note taped to it directing people your way. Like other marketing options, consider partnering with one of your favorite vendors to split the cost. Showing that you have a team of trusted professionals by your side helps give people a little insight into how you operate your business.

9. Organize a Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a lighthearted way to socialize. Approach this idea in one of two ways: keep it exclusive to your clients, or open it up to the community to try and generate leads. Team up with local businesses to support the community and get them involved in the fun. It’s a cool way to promote each other. If you don’t have the resources to host your own event, reach out to your local park district to see if they are planning one that you can sponsor.

• What to do: If you’re hosting your own scavenger hunt, determine what you will be hiding and the locations where you will be hiding them. Create or purchase the scavenger hunt cards so you can give them out on the day of the event. Have a meeting point before the event at a local coffee shop or your real estate office, if it’s nearby.

10. Create a Ghoulish Social Media Campaign

When planning your holiday marketing calendar, have a little ghastly fun and let your creativity guide you. Share haunted house stories or Halloween safety tips on TikTok or Instagram. You don’t have to do all the work yourself; there are pre-made Halloween real estate posts available on sites like AgentCrate. You’ll scream with delight at all the options available!

• What to do: Plan a campaign for the month of October including a mix of fun, spooky, and educational content. Schedule posts on various platforms, allowing you to take a “set it and forget it” marketing approach. Just don’t forget to engage with your audience after the posts go live.

FAQs

How do you market a Halloween event?

What is the busiest month for real estate?

What is the slowest season for real estate?

How do you increase sales at Halloween?

Bringing It All Together

These are just a few of the many Halloween realtor marketing ideas you can use this year and beyond. Halloween is a ghoulishly good time for extra marketing that incorporates mischief and mayhem.

What kind of fun Halloween marketing ideas have you tried in the past or are you planning to try this year? I would love to hear about them in the comments below.

The post Top 10 Spine-chilling Real Estate Halloween Marketing Ideas appeared first on The Close.

1. After Closing

This thank-you note from realtor to buyer after closing is from Zoe Kasiske and Marny Maslon, Douglas Elliman, Los Angeles.

copy to clipboard

Hi [client’s first name]!

We want you to know how much we appreciate your trust by allowing us to guide you through the often up-and-down process of finding, buying, and closing escrow on your new home. We know this was a longer journey than anticipated, and we are so grateful for your continued trust in our ability to get you across the finish line.

Although the transaction is behind you, we prefer not to be out of sight and mind. So please keep our numbers and emails at your fingertips for vendor referrals (should you need a painter, for example), questions about the real estate market, or just to say hello.

Lastly, if you have a minute, please fill out this form so we can continue celebrating all the exciting milestones in the years to come!

Thanks so much,
[your name, phone number, and email address]

2. From Listing Agent to Homeowner

From Beverly Ruffner, real estate coach, The Close contributor

copy to clipboard

Mr./Mrs. [client’s last name]

[client’s address]

Congratulations on selling your home! It was an absolute pleasure working with you. I greatly appreciate your business and am honored that you trusted me with the sale of your home. I would like to offer you my continued service, so please don’t hesitate to call should there be anything that I can do for you.

And remember, your referrals are the greatest compliment you can extend. I highly value all clients who refer friends and family to me and strive to ensure they experience only the utmost excellence!

Thank you,
[your information]
[your signature]

3. Handwritten Note With Closing Gift

From Tika Van Den Hurk, Douglas Elliman in Fort Lauderdale

copy to clipboard

Dear [client’s first name],

Congratulations on purchasing your new home. I am honored to have had the opportunity to represent you in this transition. Wishing you and your family many years of enjoyment, good health, peace, and prosperity in your new home.

Warmest regards,
[your name]

4. After Closing From Buyer’s Agent to Buyer

copy to clipboard

Dear [client’s first name],

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how thrilled I am that we found a home for you and [spouse’s name, kid’s name, or pet’s name]. I hope you will be happy in it for many years to come. Seeing the big smiles on your faces after closing is the best part of my job! It truly makes it all worthwhile.

I also want to let you know that I am available to you as your real estate insider from now on. If you have any questions about the market, even if they sound silly, call or text anytime.

Congrats!
[your information]
[your signature]

Agents should consider using a service like VistaPrint to help design, print, and mail thank-you notes. Its easy-to-use design editor lets you personalize premade thank-you note templates for postcards, flyers, posters, and other real estate marketing collaterals. VistaPrint also offers design services, a logo maker, and a free QR code generator.

5. Buyer’s Agent After a Difficult Closing

copy to clipboard

Hi [client’s first name],

Thank you for choosing me from all the agents in [your farm area]. It was truly a pleasure helping you navigate this deal, even with [something that made it difficult].

Once you’re settled in, we should grab lunch sometime, on me.

Congratulations, and best of luck with your new home.

[your information]
[your signature]

6. After Receiving a Closing Gift From a Buyer

copy to clipboard

[Client’s first name],

Thanks so much for the [gift they gave you]! Working with kind, thoughtful people like you reminds me of why I got into real estate in the first place.

If you or anyone you know ever needs real estate advice or wants to chat about the market (trust me—I can talk their ear off!), text or call anytime.

[your information]
[your signature]

7. After Finding a Buyer an Amazing Deal

copy to clipboard

Hello [client’s first name],

Congratulations on scoring such an amazing deal in this market! I would love to take all the credit here, but the truth is, sometimes the real estate gods just smile on you. I know you and [spouse’s name, kid’s name, or pet’s name] will spend many happy years there.

If you ever need any real estate advice or just want to chat about the market, call or text anytime.

Congrats!

[your information]
[your signature]

8. Homeowner After Not Getting the Listing

copy to clipboard

[Homeowner’s address]

Dear Mr./Mrs. [last name],

I wanted to thank you for meeting with me last week and offer my best wishes on the sale of your home. If you ever need unbiased market advice in the future, please don’t hesitate to text or call. My door is always open.

Thank you,

[your information]
[your signature]

9. Former Client After They Give You a Referral

copy to clipboard

Hi [former client’s first name],

It’s hard to express how grateful I am that you gave [name of referral lead they sent you] my number. We had a long call yesterday, and [s/he] is excited to start [hunting for a home/putting their home on the market].

The next time you’re in [the neighborhood where your office is], let’s get lunch at [nice restaurant]. On me, of course!

Thanks again,

[your information]
[your signature]

10. After Making Initial Contact With a New Lead

copy to clipboard

I’m delighted you contacted me [mention how they contacted you] about [specific aspects of real estate]. Thank you!

I’m genuinely excited to be a part of people’s lives as they start their buying or selling journey. I’m here to express my gratitude and let you know that I’m here to help in any way I can.

Whether it’s answering your questions, providing advice, or helping with property searches, I’d be honored to be your go-to resource for all things real estate. Please feel free to contact me at [contact information] for any further assistance. Thanks again!

[your information]
[your signature]

11. After Initial Appointment or Phone Conversation

copy to clipboard

Thank you for taking the time to chat with me about [specific topic]!

I truly enjoyed our conversation and am genuinely excited to assist you. From property research to negotiations and beyond, I’m committed to ensuring your [buying/selling] experience is not just smooth but also successful. Your success is my priority.

Remember, you can always contact me via text, call, or email if any other questions arise. I’m here for you and eagerly await our next conversation!

[your information]
[your signature]

12. ‘Thanks Anyway’

copy to clipboard

Thank you for considering me among the agents you could choose to work with and for taking the time to chat. It was great getting to know you, and I’m genuinely excited about the next steps you will take in your real estate journey.

If you ever need a second perspective or insight regarding the [your area] housing market, know you can always contact me. I’d be happy to help. I can’t wait for our paths to cross again and hopefully collaborate together! Until then, I wish you the very best on your real estate journey!

[your information]
[your signature]

13. During the Holiday Season

copy to clipboard

The holiday season is nostalgic. As I was thinking about all of the great clients I got to work with this year, you came to mind. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for being part of your [buying/selling] journey.

I hope you and yours have a joyous, refreshing, and delightful holiday season together. If you have any real estate questions or needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you!

[your information]
[your signature]

Tips for Writing Effective Real Estate Thank-you Notes

Looking to express gratitude in real estate? Effective thank-you notes can go a long way. Mastering impactful thank-you notes can improve professional relationships and help you stand out in the competitive real estate market. Here are some valuable tips for writing real estate thank-you notes to buyers and sellers that leave an impression.

• Handwrite your realtor thank-you notes: When sending real estate thank-you notes, consider handwriting them to convey a personal touch and commitment to superior customer service. But if you prefer, you can use email, text, or realistic handwriting generators to save time. Keep the design simple to maintain a personal feel.
• Use the right tone: Remember to use a professional, warm, and sincere tone in your real estate thank-you cards. Being too casual can make you seem less competent and trustworthy, while insincerity may come across as a marketing ploy.
• Timing is important: Follow up with leads quickly to show professionalism. Send realtor thank-you notes to buyers, sellers, and current and past clients within a week or two to avoid seeming insincere or too busy.
• Keep it simple: A small message can have a significant impact. A simple “thank you” can speak volumes, especially handwritten. Keep it short to avoid hand cramps. Don’t overdo it by sending too many thank-you notes to the same person or family—one or two within a year will likely be enough. More than three in a year may seem pesky or desperate.

Benefits of Writing & Sending Thank-you Notes

Writing and sending thank-you notes in real estate is a simple yet powerful practice that can yield long-term benefits for agents and their clients. Here are some of the benefits of thank-you notes:

• Establishes a personal connection with clients
• Builds trust and rapport with buyers and sellers
• Shows appreciation for their business
• Reinforces a positive image of the real estate agent
• Maintains enduring client relationships
• Keeps lines of communication open
• Demonstrates that the agent values the client’s business beyond the transaction
• Leads to repeat business and referrals
• Assists you in standing out in a competitive real estate market
• Allows you to leave a lasting impression on clients

Ways to Send Thank-you Notes

There are several different ways to send real estate thank-you note from realtors to buyers or sellers:

• Handwritten notes: These carry a personal touch that can leave a lasting impression on clients, fostering a sense of warmth and connection.
• Email: This is a quick and convenient method for sending thank-you notes, especially for clients who prefer digital communication. It provides ease and efficiency, allowing you to maintain a productive workflow while still showing appreciation.
• Thank-you cards/Direct mail: Sending thank-you cards through traditional mail can also positively impact clients. It’s a tangible way to show your care and consideration, making your clients feel valued and appreciated.
• Personalized gifts: Sending a small, personalized gift and a thank-you note to buyers or sellers after closing can further show appreciation for the client’s business. This could be a branded item, a gift card to a local business, or something that aligns with the client’s interests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you say ‘thank you’ to real estate clients?

Why should real estate agents bother writing thank-you notes?

How should I address my thank-you notes?

Bringing It All Together

Sending thoughtful thank-you notes in real estate can significantly impact client relationships. Personalizing your messages and expressing genuine appreciation can create lasting connections and foster a strong network of satisfied clients. Whether you use templates or craft your own messages, the key is to make each note heartfelt and tailored to the recipient. Do you have any great tips for sending real estate thank-you notes that you think our readers will love? Let us know in the comments!

The post 13 Real Estate Thank-you Notes That Create Clients for Life (+ Templates) appeared first on The Close.

What Is a Real Estate Mastermind Group?

A real estate mastermind group is peer-to-peer mentoring among agents and investors looking to share knowledge, strategies, and support. These mastermind agent groups of realtors and investors meet in person or online at specific periods to review trends, fix problems, or simply set goals. The synergy of the group, through their composite expertise and experience, maximizes both individual and group potential.

Mastermind groups are resourceful and different from the usual networking groups where members only exchange business cards and socialize. In a mastermind group, members commit to each other’s success by offering constructive feedback and sharing resources. Such synergy created in these groups can provide a breakthrough, which one would not get by working alone.

Be it increasing the knowledge base, solving specific problems, or seeking motivational fuel, real estate mastermind groups are game-changers for real estate careers.

How to Join Real Estate Mastermind Groups

A mastermind real estate group could be a giant step toward developing your professionalism and network. You can find real estate investing mastermind groups by doing a simple search on Google (or continue reading this article, which will give you a bunch of excellent mastermind group choices!) Find those of interest and research them the same way you would any other critical decision. 

The steps to joining a real estate mastermind include the following: 

• Research: Identify groups that align with your professional goals and interests. Look for groups with people who have similar levels of experience and expertise. 
• Apply: Most groups have an application process to ensure a good fit between the group’s objectives and your goals. This application process may be done by filling out a form, participating in an interview, or attending a trial meeting. Most online Facebook groups are free to join but may need group administrator approval before having access. 
• Attend: If accepted, regularly attend meetings or real estate conferences. The more active you are with the group, the more you gain from it. Some groups may have attendance policies.
• Contribute: Offer your knowledge and experience to others within the group to derive value from. The more you contribute, the more you will benefit from the members’ collective wisdom.

How Much Do Real Estate Masterminds Cost?

All the mastermind groups I have shortlisted are free and online via Facebook. Such groups will help agents get important resources and provide the ability to connect with others to share information from expert practitioners at no cost. 

Some other paid mastermind groups can grant advanced features, such as personal coaching and special member-only resources. However, free online groups will still deliver some of the value and support that help agents move their careers forward. The minimum cost for these free groups is your time and involvement, which are returned to you through knowledge networking and professional growth.

Benefits of Joining a Real Estate Mastermind Group

Joining a real estate masterminds group will enhance your career with a bundle of different benefits best suited for your professional growth and success. You’ll share a collaborative environment and have the opportunity to leverage the collective intelligence of participants in the groups. The key benefits of a real estate mastermind group are as follows: 

• Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your business network.
• Knowledge sharing: Gain insights and learn from the experiences of others in the industry.
• Accountability: Stay focused on your goals with the support and encouragement of group members.
• Motivation: Be inspired by the successes and strategies of your peers.
• Problem-solving: Find solutions to challenges through collective brainstorming and advice.
• Personal and professional growth: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge.
• Market insights: Stay updated on the latest industry trends and developments.
• Supportive community: Benefit from the encouragement and camaraderie from professionals who understand your challenges

The Close’s Favorite Mastermind Groups

The right mastermind realtor group is key to real estate professionals seeking valuable insight, support, and good networking. With so many options available, finding one that aligns with your goals and professional level is imperative. Therefore, we’ve pulled out a list of the top 10 masterminds real estate groups for you to start with. No two groups are alike, each having varying benefits and focus, so no matter what an agent is looking for to move their career forward, there will be at least one.

1. Real Estate Rockstar Agents

Year Founded: 2014
Group Membership: 47,246
Monthly Posts: Around 200
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

Real Estate Rockstar Agents is a dynamic community built for high-performance agents wanting to move their careers to the next level. The group shares advanced strategies, industry secrets, and innovative techniques on how to be the best within a particular market. Its culture of excellence and ambition makes it a perfect fit for those looking to learn from the best and constantly challenging themselves to improve their skill base.

2. Real Estate Memes & Videos

Year Founded: 2016
Group Membership: 52,077
Monthly Posts: Around 150
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

A unique mastermind group with an extremely unique blend of humor and education that refreshes your professional network is Real Estate Memes & Videos. The content provided is the most entertaining way to draw on industry trends, common challenges, and real estate tips. This group is an excellent place to keep yourself light-hearted while still learning from fellow agents.

3. LabCoat Agents

Year Founded: 2014
Group Membership: 165,704
Monthly Posts: Around 2,000
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? On approval of admins
Real Estate Agents Only? No

As one of the largest and most active real estate communities, LabCoat Agents offers a wealth of resources for agents at all levels. It’s known for highly detailed content regarding real estate matters, from marketing and technology to lead generation and personal development. With regular webinars, expert interviews, and collaborative discussions, LabCoat Agents is a must-join for those serious about excelling in real estate.

4. Empowering Women in Real Estate

Year Founded: 2014
Group Membership: 38,235
Monthly Posts: Around 170
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? No, lenders, title companies, and real estate support teams, too!

Founded by agent Karen W. Cooper, the mission of Empowering Women in Real Estate is to help and encourage women in real estate. This mastermind real estate group provides a safe space where women can empower each other through sharing experiences, struggles, and triumphs. By focusing on mentorship, networking, and personal development, the idea is to allow women to reach their potential within the real estate industry.

5. New Real Estate Agents Facebook Group

Year Founded: 2017
Group Membership: 76,655
Monthly Posts: Around 200
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? No, mortgage brokers, too!

The New Real Estate Agents Facebook Group is a great forum and support group for those entering the business. You can ask questions, ask for advice, or share personal experiences regarding entering the real estate business. This group would be a good fit for any new agent looking for mentorship, real-life practice tips, and motivation from people who recently walked a similar path.

6. Real Estate Mastermind

Year Founded: 2016
Group Membership: 304,243
Monthly Posts: Around 3,500
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

Join Real Estate Mastermind if you are seeking a high-level, peer-to-peer group. It’s the perfect group if you’re an experienced agent or industry leader ready to dive into advanced strategies and insights. This mastermind group consists of people who like to get things done, keep their members responsible, collaborate, and help set real estate goals. It is excellent for learning subtle skills and keeping updated on market trends.

7. Real Estate Happy Hour

Year Founded: 2015
Group Membership: 15,578Monthly Posts: Around 50
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? No, lenders can join, too.

The Real Estate Happy Hour mastermind group brings professional development into a social setting, allowing agents to network and discuss ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. Though it’s not the most active group on our list, it provides an opportunity for its membership base to discuss industry topics and best practices and offers relevant networking. It’s great for those looking to mix business with a sprinkle of humor while growing a professional network.

8. Facebook Ad Support Group for New Real Estate Agents

Year Founded: 2018
Group Membership: 30,419Monthly Posts: Around 10
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

While not a group you might actively participate in, The New Real Estate Agent Facebook Support Group is a place to become proficient in online ads. The group shares real and practical tips and advice on troubleshooting and success stories related to running Facebook ads. These resources are invaluable for agents leveraging social media marketing to generate leads and grow their businesses.

9. Real Estate Agents Referral Group

Year Founded: 2000
Group Membership: 11,062
Monthly Posts: Around 10Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

The Real Estate Agents Referral Group is a forum for exchanging referrals among agents nationwide. Members can grow their businesses through this group by networking with fellow agents around various other demographic areas. This forum is suitable for finding someone to partner with, sharing leads, and giving your clients superior service with a network of trusted professionals who can help take your business to the next level.

10. The Close Real Estate Community

Year Founded: 2019
Group Membership: 8,979Monthly Posts: 15
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? No, it is open to other industry professionals, too.

The Close Real Estate Community is our specially curated group with top-level access to real estate industry insights, practical advice, and highly attainable community members. We bring forward collaboration in this environment that empowers members to share their experiences or ask for guidance from our team. Be it a seasoned agent or a new entry into the business, The Close Real Estate Community is equipped with the tools and support needed for agents to be successful in their chosen careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why join a real estate mastermind group?

How can I identify the right mastermind group that fits all my needs in real estate?

What do I get from participating in the mastermind group within Real Estate?

Bringing It All Together

The real estate mastermind groups are valuable because they provide a robust platform where agents can establish a faster and more tangible pace of personal and professional growth. Agents will access a helpful and friendly network of similar-minded career professionals who can offer valuable industry insights and actionable strategies to apply directly to their businesses. These groups present opportunities for continual learning, accountability, and motivation.

Do you belong to a mastermind group? Tell us which one and how it has helped you!

The post 10 Real Estate Mastermind Groups Every Agent Should Join Today appeared first on The Close.

Finding unique and meaningful ways to express your appreciation for their loyalty strengthens these relationships by reinforcing your commitment to going above and beyond for their continued support. I’ll share some unique and memorable client appreciation event ideas for realtors that will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your clients.

1. Social Events

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: Moderate
• Estimated Cost: $50–$100 per person

• Trivia night with real prizes
• Wine or craft beer tasting
• Cocktail class & tasting with a local mixologist

Social butterflies love a good time. Picture an evening where clients can sample a variety of craft beers or fine wines, throw in some delicious appetizers, and you have yourself a party. Mingle with your guests at a cocktail hour or have an expert share insights about the beverages being served. Liven up the party with a trivia night or music bingo while enjoying the delicious food and drinks. Social event ideas for real estate are the perfect way to make clients feel appreciated in a fun and casual atmosphere.

Remember that not everyone drinks alcohol. So if you are throwing an event that involves alcohol, have nonalcoholic options available to be inclusive to all clients.

2. Family Affair

• Difficulty: Easy
• Uniqueness Factor: Low
• Estimated Cost: $25–$100 per person

• Winter wonderland experience
• Outdoor movie night
• Good old-fashioned barbecue

Family-friendly events are a great way to include the entire family in the festivities. No matter the season, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Host an outdoor movie under the stars, a barbeque in the park, or family fun at the ice rink. Want to do something bigger? Give your clients the VIP treatment by hosting the event at a local theme park with exclusive perks the entire family will enjoy. These real estate client appreciation events help build connections and strengthen your relationship by including the entire family. 

3. Sports & Recreation

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: $100–$500 per person

• VIP sports tickets
• Horse racing
• Golf tournament

Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Well, maybe not everyone, but if your clients are ready for some action, consider hosting an outing to a sporting event. Have you ever been to a ballpark and wondered who gets those lucky box seats? Treat your clients to a once-in-a-lifetime experience by renting a suite at a major sporting event with great views, food, drinks, and fun. Another fun idea I have personally used is hosting a client appreciation event at a horse track. We reserved a tailgating spot, made a seafood boil, and invited our clients for a day at the stables.

If you’re on a budget, you can skip the box seats or tailgating and inquire about group rates for general admission seating. Sporting events are the perfect mix of excitement and will make your real estate clients feel appreciated.

4. Unique Dining Experiences

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: $100–$500 per person

• Rent the chef’s table at a local restaurant
• Farm-to-table dinner
• Progressive dinner tour

Leave a lasting impression on your clients by creating a unique dinner experience they will never forget. Rent a chef’s table at a local restaurant for a more intimate experience, or try a farm-to-table dinner with a menu packed with freshly harvested ingredients. Either way, this client appreciation event idea for realtors will really make an impression. For a more dynamic experience, try a progressive dinner tour where each course is served at a different restaurant. 

Hint: These dinners work best in urban areas where there are a wide variety of restaurants on the same street. These dinners are an excellent way to engage with your clients while enjoying amazing food.

5. Charity & Giving Back

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: Varies

• Charity auction
• Volunteer day
• Adopt-a-family initiative

If social responsibility and volunteering are your niche, consider hosting client events that support a local cause. Organize a volunteer day cleaning up a local park or host a charity auction to support families in need. Since charity events can span multiple days with many layers, consider hosting a gathering where clients can wrap gifts together, enjoy refreshments, and share stories about the families they are helping. No matter the cause, these experiences can be fun and rewarding while building your reputation as someone who gives back to the community. 

6. Creative & Artistic Activities

• Difficulty: Easy
• Uniqueness Factor: Moderate
• Estimated Cost: $25–$100 per person

• Glamping trip
• Private vineyard tour
• Zip-lining adventure

Tap into your creative side and your clients’ by hosting an artistic client appreciation event. Host a photography workshop or a paint-and-sip class, or create your own artwork while enjoying a glass of wine. If you are looking for a unique alternative, try to partner with a local artist to create a larger piece of art that can be displayed in your community. Choose a theme, select a location, and create a lasting piece of art that symbolizes unity and collaboration. These types of activities let everyone tap into their creative side and maybe even have a keepsake to take home with them.

7. Outdoor Adventures

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: $100–$300 per person

• Glamping trip
• Private vineyard tour
• Zip-lining adventure

Taking your ideas for client appreciation events outdoors adds a refreshing twist to your events. Glamping is at the top of the budget but is sure to create a natural escape with all the comforts of home. Add activities like hiking, fishing, zip-lining, or river tubing. These activities can also be used as stand-alone events for more budget-friendly options. Private vineyard tours are another affordable option that allows clients to enjoy a scenic day out while sampling local wines. These adventures will surely create lasting memories with your clients for years to come.

8. Wellness & Relaxation

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: Moderate
• Estimated Cost: $100–$500 per person

• Spa for the day
• Yoga retreat
• Guided nature walk

Now, this one is my favorite client appreciation event idea for realtors. Probably because I’m not the adventurous type, but I do enjoy relaxing in the sun—or any type of relaxation for that matter. Pamper your clients with a spa day or treat them to a yoga retreat. Some spas have various options, including a day pass that includes food and drink with multiple amenities, including massage, salt caves, pools, and saunas. If you prefer yoga or meditation experiences, try unique classes like goat yoga (Yes, I said goat yoga—see below). Relaxation and rejuvenation can be a lasting experience for some, particularly those who focus on promoting their health.

9. Cultural Experiences

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: $50–$200 per person

• Guided tours of galleries or museums
• Theater night
• Private film screening and talk

If you’re looking for that black-tie experience, cultural experiences can add a sophisticated touch to your real estate client appreciation events. Consider hosting an art gallery tour, hosting a night at the theater, or arranging a private film screening. Interact with your clients during guided tours, preshow dinners, or post-event cocktail hours. Sharing cultural experiences can create deeper relationships with your clients and allow them to connect with you on a more personal and insightful level. These real estate event ideas are unique and moderately affordable compared to other options. 

10. Interactive Workshops

• Difficulty: Easy
• Uniqueness Factor: Low
• Estimated Cost: $50–$200 per person

• Home improvement workshop
• Financial planning seminar
• Motivational speaker

Invest in your clients by hosting interactive workshops that help them learn something new or grow in other areas. Workshops can vary from do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement classes to financial planning seminars. Each workshop will give your clients valuable knowledge and experience they can take into their everyday lives. Not sure what kind of workshop would appeal to most of your clients? Consider hiring a motivational speaker to invest in their overall personal development. These workshops are a great way to show your clients you value their personal and professional development.

11. Exclusive Virtual Experiences

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: Moderate
• Estimated Cost: $25–$100 per person

• Online cooking class
• Digital mixology session
• Virtual escape room

Remote events are more common than ever and can appeal to a broader range of people. They allow your clients to be a part of the experience from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they may be at the moment. Virtual escape rooms are fun and also help build relationships, while online classes like cooking or mixology allow clients to learn something new while interacting with well-known chefs or professional mixologists. Virtual events are unique and interactive experiences that will leave a lasting impression on your clients.

Steps & Tips for Hosting a Successful Client Event

Planning and hosting client appreciation events is a fantastic way to show your clients how much you value their business and their loyalty. By carefully considering the interests and preferences of your clients, setting a budget, and planning every detail, you can ensure that you create an event that will not soon be forgotten. 

I’ll walk you through the steps and tips you will need to pull off a successful client appreciation event for real estate clients. 

Steps for Hosting Client Appreciation Events

1. Know your why: Determine the purpose of your event. Are you looking to strengthen your relationships or simply show appreciation?
2. Set a budget: Be realistic about the cost of an event. Decide how much you can afford, including the venue, food and beverages, entertainment, marketing, and any additional costs. 
3. Choose the right event type: The key to hosting the right event is knowing your clients’ interests. What kind of activities will resonate with them?
4. Select a date and venue: Pick a convenient date and time for your event and book the venue. The other details can be sorted out later.
5. Plan the agenda: Create a detailed agenda, including times for each activity if there is more than one. Be sure to leave some free time for networking.
6. Invite guests: Send out invites well in advance. Personalize the invitations to the theme of the event while also including your branding.
7. Prepare materials: Organize any materials you need, like name tags, signage, or promotional items. If the event space allows, be sure to decorate the venue to create a welcoming atmosphere.
8. Coordinate staff and volunteers: Larger events will require some support from others. Be sure you assign roles to staff or volunteers helping you. 
9. Execute and engage: On the day of the event, go over your checklist one last time. Welcome your clients, make them feel welcome, and encourage them to interact with you and other clients.

Tips for Hosting Client Appreciation Events

• Make it personal: Don’t just throw an event to throw one; make sure it’s personal to you and your attendees by including activities they like and will appreciate. The goal is to continue building strong relationships with your clients and giving them a special experience to remember and tell their friends about. 
• Quality matters: While it may be tempting to save a few bucks on cheaper items for your client events, remember that providing a quality, well-organized experience will leave a more lasting impression. If money is tight, opt for fewer people and more quality. 
• Brand it: These events are meant to be fun, but they are also meant to expand your real estate business. Include subtle marketing elements like a branded promotional item to go along with your event that clients can take home with them, like a goodie bag or picture frame. Not only will they remember the event, but they will also have a keepsake with your name on it to remember you. 
• Back-up plan: You always want to have a Plan B in any event planning situation. This is especially true if you are planning an outdoor event where weather can be a factor. Have a backup plan, like a tent for an outdoor event or a rain date, if there’s a possibility you’ll have to cancel. 
• Take Pics: Documentation of your event is great to have for marketing purposes. Capture your attendees having a blast and share it on social media, in newsletters to promote your next event, or save it for a personal card to send to your guests in the future. 
• Get feedback: Check in with your attendees and ask how they enjoyed the event and what you could do next time to improve it. Maybe they have ideas for the next event you can throw! 
• Follow-up: Reach out to the attendees after the event to inquire about their real estate needs and the needs of their friends, family, and colleagues. The point, after all, is to grow your business, so a gentle push to get real estate referrals is the best way to continue your relationship. 

FAQs: Client Appreciation Event Ideas for Realtors

How often should I throw an event?

What’s the benefit of throwing an event?

Should I be aware of RESPA rules for events?

Bringing It All Together

Hosting a client appreciation event for your real estate clients is a great way to secure lasting relationships. Whether it’s an elegant wine tasting or a lively sporting event, they are a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships and create memorable experiences for everyone. Remember to personalize the event, provide high-quality service, take lots of pictures, and follow up with your guests. The effort you put into these events can go a long way to building lasting connections that result in repeat business. 

Have you thrown any client appreciation events? Or, do you have client event ideas? If so, tell us about them!

The post The Top 11 Client Appreciation Event Ideas for Realtors appeared first on The Close.

Why Building Client Relationships Is Important

In real estate, the relationships between the professional and the client are crucial to growing a successful business. Developing and maintaining client relationships helps agents:

• Fill their sales funnel 
• Convert leads to clients 
• Ensure former clients become repeat clients
• Make sure clients refer you to others

Other than doing actual real estate (and paying taxes), client relationship management is the most important part of your job. The big question is how to do it well. You might know how to network, and you are pretty good at getting leads and nurturing them, but how do you build client relationships that are lasting and unshakable? It takes time, it takes strategy, and, above all, it takes a genuine desire to serve your clients with respect and care. 

How to Build Client Relationships: Our Top Five Tips

These five crucial tips will help you drive your business forward as you focus on building (and maintaining) client relationships. 

1. Get to Know Your Client

This is the first step and perhaps the most essential one. How can you build client relationships if you don’t really know your client? It’s crucial to understand your client’s needs, challenges, preferences, and personalities so that you can exceed their expectations. Here are some questions to ask yourself about your clients that will go a long way in helping you build a solid foundation for your professional relationship. 

• What is your client’s preferred method of communication?
• How frequently does your client want to hear from you?
• What is their style (formal or more informal)?
• What are their real estate needs?
• Are their expectations aligned with their finances?
• How can you best guide them?
• Do they have other considerations (pets, kids, aging parents)?
• What are their long- and short-term goals?
• What are your clients’ values? 
• How can you build trust with your clients? 

Getting to know your buyers and sellers is the first step in serving them as a real estate agent and establishing a long-term client relationship.  

2. Provide Unparalleled Customer Service

You can’t control the market, the inventory, or the interest rates. You can’t ensure your client’s mortgage approval matches their dreams. You certainly can’t control their emotions or frustrations. Really, the only thing you can control is … you. You can provide excellent customer service no matter what the circumstances might be. 

Good customer service is: 

• Doing what you say you’ll do 
• Answering calls 
• Responding to texts and emails promptly
• Offering helpful information and advice 
• Handholding 
• Listening 
• Being empathetic
• Being honest
• Anticipating needs
• Understanding challenges
• Offering solutions

The difference between good customer service and the best customer service of any other agent in the area is how you make your clients feel. Do they feel like the most important part of your business? Do they feel listened to and understood? Do they feel respected? If your clients feel this way, you’re well ahead of your competition in creating lasting client relationships. 

3. Keep Communication Lines Open

I know an agent who calls every contact on her phone once a quarter. She’ll go on a long walk and check in with former clients, old friends, and cool and warm leads, which is an excellent strategy for building client relationships. Being in touch is a chance to open the door to business and keep tabs on what’s happening in people’s lives. You never know when a casual chat leads to a conversation about a possible job change or a baby on the way, which might mean a new real estate need. 

Here are my top tips for successful communication in client relationship building:

• Create a cadence for your contacts that makes sense: It might not be the same for everyone—some might need more touchpoints than others. But with all the sophisticated CRMs, it should be easy to set custom automations for your many contacts. 
• Make communication personal: Use their name and personalize your outreach for each contact. Is there anything worse than getting an email that says, “Dear {first name, last name}, I was just thinking about you!”?
• Keep communications clean and clear: Be sure you’re editing and looking for typos, as any communication you send out reflects you and your brand. Not sure what to say or don’t have the time to write? Try out ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence (AI) writing tools. Be sure to take out any fluff and remain professional and warm. 

4. Be Present on Social Media

I would argue that social media is as important as being present in person. Plus, it’s a way to make yourself available, connected to clients, and show off your professional bona fides—all in one place. It can also give you a chance to post about your personal life so that clients think of you as a friend, not just a professional. But, while you post photos of listings, congratulate new owners on closing day and offer tips for living in your farm area, don’t forget to interact with your audience.

Most agents focus on creating content for social media, which is undoubtedly important. But when you focus on how to build client relationships, you need to engage with your contacts. That means:

• Liking and commenting on their posts. 
• Updating your CRM to reflect their big announcements, e.g., new babies, new jobs, vacations. These are all great things to ask about when you reach out. 
• Offering testimonials on LinkedIn. 
• Reviews of their businesses. 
• Even engage with them in a Facebook group about your town’s history. 

It’s all about creating that sense of community, trust, and loyalty. 

5. Build Trust With Expertise

When you’re thinking about how to build relationships with clients, the word trust should be at the top of your mind. The best way to build trust is to show that you’re the expert. You know your market, community, and clients, so you’re the best one who can guide them through real estate’s tough ins and outs and make their dreams come true. Honesty and expertise are the keys to establishing that you are the expert. 

Ways to demonstrate your expertise and build trust when building client relationships: 

• Send relevant property searches
• Offer market reports
• Prepare comparative market analyses (CMAs)
• Educate yourself on every property
• Prepare your clients for the selling/buying process
• Provide referrals
• Be able to speak about the neighborhood
• Stay up to date on zoning and development plans
• Line up necessary appointments
• Send print mail that offers value and shows you as a local expert (e.g., local high school basketball schedule or a holiday recipe)
• Remain honest and work with integrity at all times

Essential Tools for Relationship Marketing

The good news is that client relationship marketing and management is highly cost-effective. It costs my agent friend nothing to call all her contacts except time and a phone plan. However, an excellent CRM is the most valuable tool in the agent’s arsenal. A stellar CRM is one that you’ll use, as they say. 

We’ve rounded up our top CRMs and our favorite free CRMs (click these links to check them out for yourself!). We value CRMs that make communications easy to personalize, make it possible to keep detailed notes on your contacts, and even allow you to interact with clients on social media through the platform.

Bringing It All Together

When you’re thinking about how to build relationships with clients, I bet you already do many of the things required. But these tips will help you elevate your networking and nurturing game to build meaningful client relationships that will last a lifetime. Creating a real estate business ensures clients like, trust, and value you. A big part of that client relationship is your clients knowing that you like, trust, and value them right back.

The post Building Client Relationships: A Complete Guide for Agents appeared first on The Close.

I spent some time hunting down the hottest trends in sold signs to give you some creative inspiration. I hope these gorg custom sold signs will inspire and motivate you to find the perfect signs that make the right statement for you and help you get more listings.

There are tons of cute sold signs out there that can deliver the right marketing message along with some flair and a touch of your individual personality. Here are a dozen I picked out in order for you to find the right one for your business.

1. Say Yes to This Design

• Pricing: $80-$160
• Where to find it: RealEstateStoreCom

This lovely sign comes from a crafty seller on Etsy called RealEstateStoreCom. They make several variations of this sign, shaped like a key, that you can customize with all of your deets. I love that this one says, “Said yes to the address.” It’s so today.

2. This Real Estate Sold Sign Feels Like Rock & Roll

• Pricing: $480-$700
• Where to find it: Brittany Michelle Designs

These wood and resin sold signs are ah-ma-zing. Of course, the key shape is very in right now, but this resin finish makes this version truly unique. The price is a little higher for these signs, but the investment is worth it. Your clients will definitely think “luxury” when you show them this sign. The competition won’t stand a chance.

3. Stained Wood Real Estate Signs Feel Like Home

• Pricing: $60-$110
• Where to find it: Moonlight Mill

This stunning beauty is from Moonlight Mill, another seller on Etsy. I love the wood grain and the red stain on this work of art. I see so much potential for customization on a sign like this one, but it’s lovely just the way it is.

4. Metal Real Estate Rider Signs Make a Statement

• Pricing: $32-$64
• Where to find it: Real Estate Creations

Those small rider signs on top of your for sale yard sign that signify the property is either pending or sold can add to your branding. Check out this adorable metal rider with a sweet script font. Add this rider to your for sale sign to announce your amazing agent skills as well as your impeccable taste.

5. Shiny Signs That Stand Out

• Pricing: $250-$300
• Where to find it: RealEstateStoreCom

Check out these beautiful epoxy-coated signs that sparkle in the sunshine. They’re similar to the ones mentioned above, but a lot smaller in size—and price! I especially love the stone details in the three corners of this gorg sign. These are customizable and made to order. Use this in your next email blast with your smiling clients for a little extra shimmer.

6. Stencil Real Estate Sold Signs Are All the Rage

• Pricing: $33-$125
• Where to find it: Woodland Shanty

I love the simplicity of this beautiful sign from Woodland Shanty on Etsy. It’s simple, elegant, and gets right to the point. The wood grain frame and flower art add a rustic feel so it feels like home. You can use this sign with your listings, but it would also look stunning on your office wall.

7. Unique Sold Signs Will Add Punch to Your Social Media

• Pricing: $33-$125
• Where to find it: Salty Charm Gift Co

This unique real estate sold sign is stunning. It’s bold. It’s fabulous. It makes a simple statement. What’s not to love? This sign, as well as several other gorgeous variations, are created at Salty Charm Gift Co, which you can find on Etsy. The bright, colorful statement has the ability to generate some eye-catching social media images if you use them with your clients.

8. Bold Signs Make Amazing Marketing Pieces

• Pricing: $100-$125
• Where to find it: Salty Charm Gift Co

While we’re talking about Salty Charm Gift Co., this amazing sign is another option you can choose from their site. Right now, I’m wishing my name was Faith because that hashtag is brilliant. With bold lines and a simple message, this sign stands out. Also, the company offers several different iterations of this style for inspiration.

9. Intricate Designs Make a Subtle Statement

• Pricing: $70-$125
• Where to find it: LifeInGrain

Something about detailed carving makes me think of success. And these signs certainly embody that feeling. What’s especially cool about these wood-carved designs created by Etsy seller LifeInGrain is that the engraved portion of the key is a city skyline that you can customize for your own city. One reviewer shared a picture of this sign matted, framed, and hanging in her office, and it looks magnificent.

10. Everyone Loves Sparkly Signs

• Pricing: $68-$215
• Where to find it: Engraved Happyism

I couldn’t resist including this just sold sign in my list. I’m completely in love with all the shiny, sparkly features, from the golden picket fence to the metallic flecks in the white acrylic. This sign from Etsy creator Engraved Happyism really makes a lustrous statement. The best part? You can customize the colors—sub out the gold for your brand hues—to really add punch to an already awesome sign. 

11. Use Your Sold Sign as an Announcement of Your Client’s Awesomeness

• Pricing: $75-$84
• Where to find it: NGO Creations

Check out this beautiful sign’s clean lines, modern and trendy feel, and simplicity. Not to mention the message exudes excitement and joy at having completed your client’s real estate transaction. It makes you want to shout, “Congratulations!” This real estate sold sign, by NGO Creations, makes an exquisite closing gift to boot. 

12. Don’t See What You Want? Maybe You Need a DIY Real Estate Sold Sign

• Pricing: Varies
• Where to find it: Megan Plus Five

If you’re feeling a bit crafty, you might try a custom DIY sold sign. This free stencil and tutorial from Megan Plus Five will enable you to create these adorable real estate sold signs yourself using your own colors and personality. The DIY approach might be what you need to explore all the possibilities when adding just the right amount of flare. I personally have never been that crafty, but I think I could pull this one off.

Your Take

Sure, you want to add sold riders to your yard signs to let the neighbors know how awesome you are. But don’t stop there! Grab one of these custom real estate sold signs and take some pics of your grateful clients holding them. 

Real estate sold signs are a fantastic way to market your prowess as an agent. Use them as photo props on closing day, as closing gifts, in social media posts, and your farming to generate leads from your recent closings. 

Have you seen any amazing signs you want to share or do you have some of your own? Post them in the comment section. I can’t wait to see your creativity sparkle.

The post 12 Gorgeous Real Estate Sold Signs That Will Level Up Your Referral Business appeared first on The Close.

Does this mean top agents just suck it up and feel dirty to get ahead? Or are they all extroverts who love to schmooze? The answer to these questions, of course, is no. They just learned smarter ways to build and maintain their spheres. To get you started, we put together a list of eight creative ways to build your sphere of influence in real estate. But first, let’s take a look at what we mean when we talk about your sphere of influence.

What Is a Sphere of Influence in Real Estate?

A real estate agent’s sphere of influence (SOI) is made up of the people they’re personally connected with and have a reasonable chance of influencing with their real estate expertise. People in your sphere include your friends, family, former clients, and their contacts. In other words, a friend of a friend or a family member of a friend is also in your sphere of influence.

How Do I Build My Real Estate Sphere of Influence? 

We’ve put together this simple checklist to help you get started. Once you’ve got these strategies in place, you can use our top tips below to level up your sphere!

What do you need to get started?

Gather contact info. Start with their phone number, email, home address, and birthday (Facebook can be great for that last piece of data).

Set your budget. Once you know what you have to spend per month, you can work backward on figuring out the best bang for your buck.

Launch your strategy. Are you planning to call your sphere once per quarter? Send out magnets featuring local sports schedules? Handwritten letters? Remember, you should aim for at least one touch per month.

Execute and follow up. If you want to boost attendance at your next SOI event, for example, reach out to your sphere with a phone call after you’ve invited them. This double-tap method will increase your attendance and help you stand out.

8 Tips for Expanding Your Sphere of Influence

1. Write a Great Pitch Email for Your List (Script)

While having someone in your sphere follow you on social media is great, getting into their inbox is better. Convincing someone to opt in to your email newsletter list isn’t easy, but it is much, much easier if you already have a connection with them—even just on social media. Here’s a template for a persuasive email to ask them to sign up:

copy to clipboard

Hey {first name},

This is {your name}, from {how you know them}. I just wanted to let you know that I run an exclusive real estate insiders email list and I wanted to invite you to join. I really think you’ll find it useful and enjoyable.

I keep my network updated with a monthly email on trends in the industry, fun local activities, and a local market report. I also do office hours every Wednesday, where I answer questions from people on my mailing list.

Can I count you in?

{Your name}

2. Recognize the Power of Positive Reviews to Snag Leads Before They Go to Zillow

If you’re still only getting reviews on Zillow, you might be in for a rude awakening in 2023. No, Zillow’s not going away, even if half the agents we know wish it would. But there’s a bigger shift happening that most agents aren’t ready for: According to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2022 profile of homebuyers and sellers, 73% of buyers start their home search on a search engine like Google, not Zillow.

That means agents who put in the time and effort to rank on Google are going to start snapping up the best leads before they get to Zillow. The problem? Ranking on Google is hard for individual agents.

If you want to make it easier, a reputation management platform like Birdeye can help. Birdeye makes it easy to get more reviews on more websites with less work. On average, agents using Birdeye saw a 420% increase in reviews.

3. Not an Extrovert? Focus on Learning, Not Selling

While some agents take to networking events like fish to water, others would rather get a root canal than schmooze in a room full of strangers. Luckily, a simple shift in mindset can make networking much easier.

All you need to do is focus on what you can learn from the people you will meet rather than the potential business you can get. So instead of saying to yourself, “I am going to promote myself and get 10 leads tonight!” say something like, “Maybe I will meet people who can help me become a better agent and better person tonight.” 

Remember, it’s all about mindset. As Dale Carnegie once wrote: “To be interesting, be interested.”

4. Dig Deep Into Every Contact & Connection

While networking may not be your speed, keep in mind how many people you encounter in a given week. I’m talking your dentist, your babysitter, your neighbors, and parents you see at kids’ events. Aunts, grandparents, and even old coworkers are great potential clients. 

Start by making a list of every person in your phone that you’ve spoken with in the last two years. Get them loaded into your customer relationship manager (CRM) or even just a spreadsheet to start compiling your list. Ask yourself: Who did you see at an event recently? Are you a regular at a small business? What about your spouse or significant other’s mutual friends? 

Focus on people you know and continue to grow your connections. Facebook and social media groups are another great way to jog your memory on your potential reach.

5. Volunteer in Your Local Community

Volunteering at your local church, synagogue, mosque, school, or food kitchen is another great way to build your sphere of influence. As a bonus, even if you strike out making new contacts, you will end up helping the people in your community who need it most.

Even better, studies show that 72% of wealthy people volunteer at least five hours per week. That means your fellow volunteers will have a better-than-average chance of owning a home and possibly needing your real estate services. Many friendly conversations with strangers eventually turn to work—focus on the relationships and the real estate conversations will come.

6. Center Your Brand’s Mission, Vision & Values

Another simple mindset shift that can make networking to build your sphere less awful is to center your mission, vision, and values. For this to work, you’ll need to have a mission that’s a little deeper than “I want to make more money.”

For example, top agent and Close contributor Sean Moudry’s mission is “to help people in Boulder, Colorado, build generational wealth through real estate.” So when Sean heads out to a networking event or a dinner party, he is not trying to sell himself, get more clients, or even build his sphere. He is trying to help people in Boulder, Colorado, build generational wealth through real estate. It’s a subtle difference—but a powerful one.

7. Join Local Subreddits

With more than 52 million active daily users, Reddit is a sleeping giant for real estate agents who want to expand their sphere. Reddit’s communities, called subreddits, are organized around millions of topics, many of them focused on cities and towns. Chances are, there is a subreddit for your town and maybe even your farm area. Even better, getting noticed on these subreddits can be much easier than getting seen on Facebook Groups.

For example, the subreddit /r/NYC has 862,000 members, but some posts make it to the front page with fewer than 30 upvotes. That means you only need to get a handful of people to like your post in order to get in front of thousands of New York City residents. The subreddit for Portland, Maine, /r/portlandme, has 35,000 members, and you can get onto the front page with less than a dozen upvotes.

Just keep in mind that the hard sell is not going to work on Reddit. You need to build trust first. The only way to build your sphere on Reddit is to genuinely engage with the community and only offer to help solve people’s problems when they ask. Eventually, you will become a trusted resource in the community.

8. Add Personal Information About Your Sphere to Your CRM

If you want to get business from your sphere, you can’t just blast out real estate facts all day. If you do, you’ll get ignored, then abandoned. Instead, you need to make—and more importantly, nurture—personal connections. To do this successfully, share things they care about. As Close contributor Beverly Ruffner often says, “Don’t give steak to a vegetarian.”

Adding personal information about hobbies, pets, family, or other interests to the contacts in your customer relationship manager (CRM) helps you deliver appropriate narratives to them. Want to share news about a new dog run being built in your town? Filter your CRM to create a mailing list of the contacts who love dogs. Got tickets to a baseball game to give away? Use your filter to find former clients who love baseball.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Sphere a Manageable Size

Most new agents think that they need hundreds or even thousands of people in their sphere of influence to get new business and referrals. They’ve been taught that real estate is a numbers game, and the more people they can influence, the more money they will make. This is not realistic or practical for most agents.

Most social scientists today rely on Dunbar’s number, which says the average person cannot maintain relationships with more than 150 people at any given time. Since your sphere of influence will include second-order connections (friends of friends), a healthy size for your sphere of influence should be around 300 people.

Thousands of people in your database is just a vanity metric. It won’t help your business. If you have people on your email list who never open emails or respond to texts or calls, delete them and use the other tips in this article to replace them with people who will engage with you.

Why Is a Real Estate Sphere of Influence Important? 

At this point, you probably understand that your sphere should be a key pillar of your business. However, it’s important to note that referral business keeps growing. NAR noted that in 2022, 51% of agent business came from repeat business and referrals. Keep your clients engaged and you’ll be rewarded.

Still not convinced that your sphere of influence matters? Check out this anecdote from The Close writer and coach Trevor James.

Over to You

Have a great tip to help expand your sphere of influence in real estate? Let us know in the comment section.

The post 8 Tips for Building Your Sphere of Influence in Real Estate (+ Script) appeared first on The Close.