December Marketing Ideas

A lot of real estate agents seem to take an extended vacation as soon as December 1st rolls around. Some might even start as soon as Thanksgiving. And while I’m certainly one who likes to relax and delight in the holidays, just because its December “and things are slow” should it mean all marketing and prospecting efforts go on hold. For many agents, its the people they see and talk to in December that bring them that early January through March business.

Here are a few of our favorite December marketing thoughts:

Participate in Charity Events: Charity events go in overdrive during the holidays, and many people who need money to donate somewhere for tax purposes are pleased to help out a excellent and trustworthy cause. Howard Hanna Company from our list of top 10 broker websites is just one example of a real estate company that does this with their annual fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund. Agents get fantastic exposure networking with businesses for donations and inviting everyone they know to these events – not to mention the $5 million dollars they’ve raised over the years has helped out hundreds of thousands of patients’ families.

Christmas Parties: Everyone’s December is usually full of a few holiday party events and its a fantastic time to network. Host your own holiday bash for your SOI or farm. Not in the mood to host a giant party? If you’re attending any events, there’s no shame in wearing your pin and being sure to talk to everyone for awhile and have lots of business cards handy just in case.

Phone Calls: I don’t know why, but agents seem to hang up the phone in December. In reality, its a super time to pick it up – instead of sending out a Christmas card that may go unnoticed and forgotten, why not call to wish everyone on your contact list a pleased holidays? It’s much more personal, and very few people will get mad that you called to see how they’ve been and wish them a Merry Christmas or Pleased New Year!

Goodie Bags & Gifts: December is a fantastic time to go out and walk your farm – and of course you’ll want to give them something while you’re going door to door. (If you don’t have a farm – it better be in your list of things to do next year!) You can give anything from homemade house shaped cookies to mini boxes of chocolate to an ornament for their tree. People will appreciate your extra effort to hand deliver them something special for the holidays way more than a card!

Holiday Home Tours: Does your office have a few listings that are extravagantly decorated for the holidays? Why not organize a holiday home tour? Team up with interior designers, landscape architects, home builders, and others in your area that may have people interested in seeing the houses. You could also have a special open house tour during the evening or a weekend afternoon including invitations, refreshments, and possible news coverage.

Blog About Local Events: Many people are looking for activities to do with their families and friends during the holidays. Make your site the source for finding out what’s going on and when – and there’s a excellent chance they’ll remember it for finding out other events as well as if they have any real estate needs in the upcoming months.

Offer Discounts & Incentives: Many people are looking for unique and unusual gifts around Christmas time. Could you offer a discount or incentive such a gift card to people who buy or list a home within the next two months? A new house is on many people’s Christmas wish lists, but typically not something they rush out and buy on Christmas eve! They might be pleased to sign the contracts and be ready to start as early as January 2nd.

What are you plotting to do to market yourself this December? Share your thoughts and thoughts in the comments below!