Julio Vasiu when the team members sell a home representing the buyer, they have a disclaimer signed by the new buyers that states we have permission to post the photo of them holding a sold sign that says "todaro team sold this home to us" .... and we have permission to market with it if we wish to....

I've actually not done that in awhile...too busy with marketing to find listings....they're most important to us....

It is easy to photograph the new owners at the time of settlement or standing at the entrance of the new home. If you are Facebook friends, you can usually share those photographs when your post them om Facebook.

Although I can't say I'd be in favor of the "photo session", I think your ideas have merit.  Just be sure not to make it so intrusive that it takes away from the actual photo.

I like the social media idea. Not sure I would want a frame in my house that was advertising my lender or insurance agent...

#1 - sounds good. There are many funny photos/videos where the agent is holding a sold sign in the background. One is funny because it's a picture of the house front, couple & the agent way off in the distance on the 2nd floor hanging out a window with a sold sign. 

#2 - too much you, not enough them. Move in date ok, frame ok, beside their photo put a nice phrase about 'being home' or something. Real mushy. Put your info on the back only.  They will hang it. I used to do something similar & they always did but my name was never front & center.

PS > your friends just can't snap any photos they want in any house without permission or until it is theirs. Way to piss off people.

Most new home owners prefer to hide their face inside the home for privacy reason.

Idea 1 may have a slight chance subject to new owner written approval. Referral is through the mouth of happy clients. They prefer that agent help them to move physically not putting someone sweaty faces on FB. The proper way is send their neighbor a postcard acknowledge your sale.

I am sure that they can both be effective, though the exposure may be very small and the investment large.

I would suggest if you are taking the photos, be more aggressive in getting them out there all over social media.

Who knows.  Give it a try.

This could work if you were the selling agent. As for photos on move-in day... I just don't know... so much else is happening that day it could be an intrusion.

Would work....how?

Personally, I think both ideas are flaky.  If you want to provide something nice for the new home owners, provide something nice.  Keep your name off of it.  

Look at option #2 - what good does having your name and contact info on it do?  Its just flaky.  It's not like they'll forget (if you did a good job and keep in touch after closing like you should) who gave them the frame and photo.  And if they need your contact info, a quick google search of your name would provide that right?  

If you maintain relationships the way you should with clients after closing, there is 0 reason to slap your branding on any and everything you offer.  

My suggestion for closing gifts is to be genuine and separate them from marketing ploys.

Two more ways to demean the industry IMHO

If you have an agent profile (not your personal one), why not friend them and comment on the photo "It was a pleasure helping you find your dream home" or something like that?

For simplicity sake, I think most people will share their photos from their phone since they can have that instant satisfaction of making it "facebook official."

As to the framed photo, I've known a few agents that have done this over the years.  No clue if the frame was still up once they moved in or if they ever got business from it.

Both ideas have merit.

Why don't you try each and seewhat works for you...

Creative

I love both the ideas and although i list mor etimes then i am a buyer broker, i love taking that 1 photo. 

I sometimes, not all the time, took a shot with the new buyer and had permission to use them. Luckily, it was before all this social media thing! 

Julio,

It may work in small markets.  And I think that Lyn Sims made a valid point about too much you!  I like Sam Shueh 's idea.  It is more direct!  Personally, we would not recommend either...A

I always tried to meet people at the house after the closing when I would take the sign down and lockbox off. It was the perfect time to take a picture with a happy new home owner Julio Vasiu .

Hmmm, you work for a real estate agent technology company, a CRM company.

So you are actually looking for how you can offer more value to those agents who use your CRM product.

The two suggestions are blantant manipulation that will result in resentment from the recipient. Agents really won't like that outcome.

Try offering something that solves a problem or is useful. For example, for those who are make it with your hands folks. offer a branded speed square.

I always ask my clients if I can take photos at closing for social media.  They usually love it, and share.

I ptake photo at the closing of the buyer and ask them if I can use them.

Perhaps....experiment and let us know the results!

A photo in front of the house holding the SOLD sign is a great thing to do.. 

Giving a house warming gift that is pure AD seems too sleeze to me so I like your first idea better Julio Vasiu 

Work for what? 

I think there is a big difference between individuals sharing their own photos on their FB page and an agent leveraging the experience to market the agent. 

Idea # 2 is nice.  Leave the agent contact information OUT.  That is tacky. They know who we are. If we have done a great job, they will remember us. 

Always get clients permission for marketing. 

I try not to make their move about me. I know this means I might lose out on potential referrals, but I prefer to give them a good experience and share my genuine happiness that they found a home or sold a home.

I have seen new home builder agents fo a videoshoot in which they roll a red carpet out for their buyers in front of their home. And then they take a picture with their clients holding a giant key with the name of the builder on it. It’s pretty cute and the buyers’ enthusiasm looks genuine.

I see the pics on Facebook all the time with the Sold Sign.  Not sure about a photo session.  The frame may work for a while as long as it goes with the home decor.  

Get a signed release form, who knows what they will claim if you don't