Special offer
Mary Vavala, Helping you find your paradise (Suncoast Life Realty)

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Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

If I were to do something like this, I would run ads (facebook) and other online places.  Sent prospects to a landing page with a short video. Provide something of value - a free ebook on the top 10 things buyers need to know ... something like that. When they download they opt-in .... now you are building your database.  This step by step process builds trust. Once trust is established invite them to a homebuyer's seminar.Let them know snacks will be provided and lenders will be on-site to assist them.  There needs to be a compelling reason for them to attend. You must differentiate yourself. 

This can be rinsed and repeated ... tweaked as necessary. 

Nov 17, 2016 01:19 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

The loan officer probably has a list of people she has pre-qualified who have not purchased and are not currently represented by a Realtor. Get a mailing list for apartment communities.  Use the local publications to advertise.

Nov 17, 2016 12:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Hold them at apartment complexes.

Nov 17, 2016 12:43 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

You could also try Facebook and boost it in the area you serve.

Nov 17, 2016 12:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

From everyone you have in your database who hasn't yet purchased.

Also, a Craigs List ad and post a blurb in your local paper and Pennysaver

Nov 17, 2016 12:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

those were very helpful and drew a crowd decades ago....no one does them anymore....

Nov 17, 2016 01:07 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Contacting people who rent makes sense. Large apartment buildings?

Nov 17, 2016 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
472,114
JoAnn Moore
The Mortgage Market of Delaware - Georgetown, DE
Home Loans in Delaware

Hold it where it has easy access and the attendees would feel comfortable going to.  Maybe a meeting room of a library or hotel. Make it known you will be serving food and beverages. (I recently went to a well attended "sales pitch" for a publication. It was a champagne brunch.) Have the interested parties register and then have someone call or email to remind them.  Promote on FB, local publications, posters on bulletin boards at libraries, churches, etc. Send postcards to apt complexes. Mention you will have goodie bags and doorprizes. 

Nov 17, 2016 12:40 AM
Rainmaker
797,457
Liz Wallace
Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY
Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

We did these a few years back and advertised in the local paper, not too productive.

Nov 17, 2016 12:36 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I think the success will be connected to the proper preparation for the seminar.  ActiveRain is a good forum to find success stories as well as things to avoid(if possible).   I haven't held one for many years so I'll be checking in and see the "new" ideas or "old" favorites that are currently working.

Good luck.  

Nov 17, 2016 12:30 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I have no good tips for you in this regard... but I believe Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl have had some success with these and could help you.

Nov 17, 2016 12:15 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Invite the tenants in your local apartment communities.

Nov 17, 2016 01:19 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Success in such buyer seminars is directly related to longevity.

Attendance is rarely a impulse decision, (unless you are also advertising FREE FOOD) but one that has been reached over a measure of time. Seriously, FREE DOUGH NUTS work.

Urgency is created as other media sources amplify the benefits and immanent increase in cost of buying. This means a multi-faceted approach.

STEP ONE: Where are these first time buyers living right now? The low hanging fruit are in rental communities, apartment complexes. These are typically located near or around commerce.

STEP TWO: Collaborate with one of these local merchants, associations, professional offices, restaurant, pub, or church to host this activity for several months. It MUST be a win/win agreement.

STEP THREE: Determine what you have the most of, time or money. If money wins crank up your marketing engines and start papering those rent locations. The message is: "EVERY TUESDAY, 6:30 PM - FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS SEMINAR - find out where you can get down payment assistance and easy financing. No appointment needed."

There must be signage displayed 100% of the time for pedestrians to see the FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SEMINAR location. When folks are familiar with the location, they feel safer attending.

Your advertising must establish the PROBLEM the prospect is having and the solution that is available. (one problem at a time, you will be sending several messages)

The message must begin baby steps towards the benefits of home ownership. Avoid the cliche` and keep it gritty and real.

Finally, what other opportunities does this activity create?
Make certain you do not squander these 'altnerative' options by being pedantic on a single shot seminar mission.

Without FREE FOOD the 1st seminar will be lightly attended. However, each successive seminar will have greater attendance IF you keep your marketing engine revved up.

PS: the loan officer needs to be a paricipant and pay 100% of hosting fees and 50% of marketing costs. You may need additional team members.

Nov 17, 2016 12:53 AM
Rainer
45,957
Andy Madrid
Hawaii Coast Realty, LLC - Kailua-Kona, HI
Expertise, Professionalism, and Service

It depends on the demographics but I have a lender that is the GO-TO person for VA loans so we set them up at or near the military base.  I have used function rooms at local hotels or even at a restaurant.  As for getting the word out - Have the lender post on their FB business page, you can post in communities with renters like apartment buildings.  you might also go after move-up buyers who havent purchased in a long time since the home buying process has all new rules and regs.

Nov 18, 2016 01:40 AM
Rainer
6,173
LORI D. SOTO
Realty Executives Associates - Knoxville, TN
Realty Executives Associates Knoxville, TN

I am considering this at my church. We attend an inner city church and there are tons of single people (and some married) who are paying outrageous rents that need to buy. Some have grown up in housing projects and don't realize or understand they can possibly purchase a home. Some in their families have never even owned a home. I'm considering going to our Pastor and seeing if he would agree to a Home Buyer Seminar. I would bring my long time Mortgage friend and my friend from the title company I use. Most in our church are believing to buy a home, they just don't know where to start or understand the process, different types of loans, etc. I believe it will work.

Nov 17, 2016 05:56 PM
Ambassador
6,393,179
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Lots of localism posts.

 

Nov 17, 2016 02:30 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Mary Vavala - rental complexes where you should market.

Worked well for me in past - about 30 first time home buyers attending. Not doing it anymore, though.

Nov 17, 2016 01:37 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Not to be a Negative Nellie but buyers can get so much info on the Internet I doubt that you will have good attendance unless you have some great door prizesand spread the word through soical media.

Nov 17, 2016 12:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I would try sending out information for first time home buyers to apartment complexes.

Nov 17, 2016 12:00 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Whether or not the seminar works might be related more to the subject matter and presentation than to the place you hold it.

Nov 17, 2016 11:36 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

What about getting list of people who lost house to foreclosure in 2008/9 - it's 7 years now. And anyone who did short sale 3 years ago or more? Those lists are court records, but you need to find current address. Contact BK attorney? Some employers will allow you to do a 20 minute seminar as homeownership motivates employees to stay.  Team up not just with lender, get a title rep, an insurance agent and someone else to be part of the meeting. 

Nov 17, 2016 05:51 AM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Apartments, condo communities with a high non-owner %.  Advertise to local libraries, housing authorities, schools, etc

 

Lots of options, the trick is to make sure you're advertising the heck out of it, aND in that advertising, give people a reason to come.

Nov 17, 2016 05:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Facebook, craigslist, maybe partner with a local adult school.

Nov 17, 2016 03:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,488
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I did a few early on with a lender, and did pick up a couple first time buyers.   The lender had some potential buyers we tapped into.

Nov 21, 2016 09:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Fliers in major local gathering spots, social network invitations, targeting online marketing to your geo location. Good luck. 

Nov 18, 2016 04:24 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I have done these in early spring with much success.

Nov 18, 2016 04:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Possibly local news or neighborhood newspaper finding a few sponsors and get another agents involved. Good luck.

Nov 18, 2016 12:47 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Newspaper ads would be a good start.

Nov 18, 2016 12:08 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Kathleen has answered.

Nov 17, 2016 11:35 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I've not had much luck with these either -  I targeted rentals back then perhaps it would work now?

Nov 17, 2016 10:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

parked and reading...

Nov 17, 2016 07:55 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

If you get 10 people - consider that a success - really even 5 is a good turnout because you have more time with them - don't be discouraged by a small turnout - if you get a buyer it was all worthwhile

Nov 17, 2016 11:53 AM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I LOVE Kathleen Daniels' answer - PERFECT!

Nov 17, 2016 11:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Try your database of homebuyers.

Nov 17, 2016 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Other agents have tried seminars in my area. They haven't worked. I would do print advertising and see if the community you are spotlighting has an FB page and advertise your seminar there. 

Nov 17, 2016 10:54 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   What Kathleen Daniels said.

Nov 17, 2016 10:42 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Most homeowners don't think they need to go to one

Nov 17, 2016 10:02 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,621
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I tryed it twice with little luck.

 

Nov 17, 2016 09:37 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

These have not worked well in my area... You need to be creative about finding your audience.

Nov 17, 2016 06:11 AM
Rainer
225,526
Bob Betel
Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc. - Sweetwater, TN
President, Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc

Contact apartments buildings, let your database know.

Nov 17, 2016 05:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Maybe they have some new ideas.  It would be OK if they did the heavy lifting but most times, not enough people show up.  Unless .... they are giving something away?

Nov 17, 2016 03:18 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

That's not working in my area. I think what Kathleen Daniels suggests is the way to go now. 

Nov 17, 2016 01:31 AM