Summer is a time for relaxation and vacations. And that may mean a little less focus on real estate buying and selling for clients. As an agent, summer doesn’t have to mean a slowdown in marketing or building up those relationships. Here are eight ways you can stay connected with your clients throughout the dog days of summer.
Summer: A Simmering Season for Real Estate?
Summer is often seen as a slower time in the real estate market. While there may be some truth to this, it’s not the whole picture. Yes, many people, particularly families with school-aged children may prioritize vacations and summer activities, putting home buying or selling on hold. This can lead to inventory fluctuations as sellers hesitate to list their homes, preferring to use these months to enjoy the warm weather months, leading to fewer listings. Overall during the months of June, July, and August, the pace of life can shift towards leisure and spending more time outdoors.
However, the market continues to move throughout the summer: There are always motivated buyers eager to close before the new school year starts. Summer can be a popular time for recent graduates or young professionals with more flexible schedules to enter the market. Summer can be a common time for corporate relocations, creating a steady stream of buyers in certain markets.
8 Tips for Summer Real Estate Marketing
Understanding these consumer trends allows you to better tailor your outreach efforts in a way to better connect with potential clients.
1. Embrace the Season
Summer is a great time for lighter content. Share seasonal blog posts or social media content featuring outdoor activities, local events, or home improvement tips for the warm weather. Show off properties with appealing summer features like pools, patios, or proximity to parks and recreation.
2. Keep it Short & Sweet
People are likely to be on the go during the summer. Send out short, informative emails highlighting new listings, market updates, or interesting trends. Consider video updates on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok to grab attention.
3. Leverage Automation
Schedule automated email campaigns to stay top-of-mind with clients, even when you’re out of the office. Automated birthday greetings or anniversary messages for past transactions show you care and keep your services on their radar.
4. Market with Fun & Games
Host a summer-themed social media contest or giveaway. Encourage engagement by asking followers to guess summer market trends or share their favorite local summer spots. Offer prizes relevant to the season – a picnic basket, beach gear, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant.
5. Offer Summer-Specific Mailings
Even during the easy, breezy months of summer, residents still are checking their mailbox. Postcards with a delicious summer drink or food recipe can be just the thing to catch the attention of homeowners. Mailings that cover local events are much more likely to be kept around over purely promotional pieces.
6. Get More Personal
Take advantage of the slower pace to connect with clients on a more personal level. Reach out to past clients and check in on their summer plans. Offer assistance with any summer-related real estate needs, like vacation rentals or investment properties.
7. Network with Community Partners
Summer is the perfect time to expand your professional network and potentially your circle of prospects. Partner with local businesses catering to the summer crowd – ice cream shops, pool supply stores, or sporting goods retailers. Cross-promote each other’s services and reach new audiences during the peak summer season.
8. Plan for Fall
While summer might be slower, use this time to plan for the busy fall market. Reach out to clients who might be considering selling after back-to-school or those whose summer travels sparked a desire to relocate.
Summer doesn’t need to put you in a slumber. By following a few novel tips, you can break out of your normal routine and continue to maintain strong client relationships throughout the summer. Remember, a little effort now can lead to a fruitful harvest come fall.
