As a realtor, you know that events like open houses can be amazing not only to facilitate a sale, but also to meet new potential clients who are in the market for a realtor. But with the ongoing pandemic, figuring out how to safely host events can be a little tricky, depending on where you live and what the rules are for proper social distancing. We also figure that if you’re going to host an event, it might as well stand out as much as possible!

If you’re looking for some underrated event ideas that will help connect you with new prospects, we have a few you may want to consider:

Working the Holidays

If you plan on showing listings during the holiday seasons, why not take it as an opportunity to get a bit festive? Think mulled wine and cider at your next open house around Fall and Halloween. Music can help set the ambience, too. While we don’t recommend going full haunted house, a playlist featuring tunes like Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash” and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins “I Put a Spell on You” will feel festive without being too spooky!

For both open houses and social media posts, you can also refresh your property pictures with holiday decorations. For fall, pumpkins, gourds, and long tapered candles are a fun touch. Just make sure that photos are high quality. According to the Center for REALTOR® Development (CRD), homes with better pictures sell 32 percent faster. 

Bonus: For in-person events, consider a goody bag, filled with holiday treats (and your business card, of course) for attendees to leave with! These added touches help to ensure that you and the services you offer are not easily forgotten.

First-Time Buyers’ Workshop

First-time buyers have a lot of questions (and anxiety around home buying, if we’re being honest.) Luckily, being the pro that you are, you’ve got plenty of answers and reassurance. You can help alleviate those jitters and make the process easier through hosting a first-time buyer’s workshop. According to a recent report from the NAR, 75% of buyers interviewed only one real estate agent during their home search. So a first-time buyer’s workshop can really boost your profile with prospective clients!

You can host a workshop in-person at a local event space, or even do it online using a platform like Zoom. In either case, make sure to send out reminders one week in advance and the day of, so they don’t forget to attend. And don’t forget to follow up, either: Stick around after the event (or if online, have an open Q&A), so any lingering questions get answered. Of course, make sure everyone knows they can continue the conversation, either via email or phone, too! 

A thoughtful follow up a couple of weeks after goes a long way to ensure when it is time to buy, you are attendee's first call.

Sponsoring a Local Adoption Event

Pet adoptions are on the rise, partly due to the fact that everyone’s been spending a lot of time at home during the pandemic. By reaching out to local animal shelters and business groups about sponsoring an adoption event, you’re not only providing a service to the shelter (and the adorable adoptees!) but also connecting with groups of pet-loving leads. 

You can sponsor the shelter’s event space, tables, or even volunteer at the event in exchange for sponsorship recognition. It’s a great way to put your name out there while giving back to a great cause. This also gives you an opportunity to bond with other pet lovers. You’re not just a realtor, but someone who cares and loves animals just as much as they do! Not to mention, you'd be able to market exactly how you could help both foster "pet parents" and the permanent ones, find some pet-friendly housing in the area, as needed.