Client Events for Realtors®: Plans, Budgets, and Follow-Up That Earn Referrals
Client events turn past clients and your sphere into steady referrals through simple, face-to-face connection. If your brand plan already includes How to Market Yourself as a Listing Agent, this is the high-trust layer that keeps you top of mind all year.
Why This Pays Off
In-person time builds trust faster than any ad. A one or two hour gathering gives past clients a reason to reconnect and a comfortable way to introduce friends who are quietly planning a move.
Treat your event as a service. Host, welcome, and make it easy for guests to bring a plus one. You win on warmth, not hard selling.
- Stay top of mind with loyal clients who send names first
- Collect referrals without pressure while people are relaxed
- Create shareable moments you can recount in follow up
What to Do First
Set a clear purpose and audience, then pick a theme that fits your market. Six to eight weeks is enough runway to line up venue, partners, and a simple RSVP flow.
If listings are the growth path, align your event cadence with your sales assets. Pair your invite list with The Art of the Listing Presentation: How to Win More Business with a Data-Driven Approach so new introductions see your proof fast.
Main Moves
Work a simple four step rhythm that you can repeat every quarter. The goal is consistent touch, not a gala.
- Plan. Lock date, theme, and partners at T minus 6 to 8 weeks.
- Promote. One invite at T minus 21 days, one reminder at T minus 5 days, one day of post.
- Host. Greet every guest, introduce guests to each other, collect names with a QR card.
- Follow up. Send thanks with two photos within 48 hours and book warm coffees inside 7 days.
The Short List
Pick ideas that fit your neighborhood and season. Keep the logistics light so you can focus on conversations.
- Neighborhood picnic or food truck stop-by
- Summer ice cream social for families
- Pumpkin pickup or holiday cookie table
- Outdoor movie night or mini portrait day
- Wine tasting with a local expert or gallery evening
- Shred day or dumpster day with coffee stand
- Market update and coffee for nearby homeowners
Three Ready-to-Use Script Frameworks
The RSVP Invite Text
Dialogue (agent)
- Hook (0–2s): “Hosting a quick neighborhood ice cream social on the 15th. Want in?”
- CTA (last 2s): “I’ll save you a spot. Bringing a friend works too.”
On-screen text
- Sat 2 to 4 pm
- QR to RSVP
- Bring a plus one
Channels and steps
- Send to past clients and SOI with a unique RSVP link.
- Post a Story with the same date and QR code.
- Pin details in one feed post for easy shares.
Beat mapping
Send at T minus 21 days. Reply within one hour to the first wave. Add guests to the list as they confirm.
The Reminder Nudge
Dialogue (agent)
- Hook: “Quick reminder for Saturday. Drop in anytime between two and four.”
- Build: “Family friendly. Coffee bar. Easy parking.”
- CTA: “Text me if you’re bringing a neighbor so I can plan treats.”
On-screen text
- T minus 5 days
- Drop in window
- Plus ones welcome
Channels and steps
- Email the list with the time window and map link.
- Boost one post to your farm for three days.
- DM hot leads a personal note with your cell.
Pair this with a short line about your recent sales and link to your proof page so guests can preview your work.
The Post Event Follow Up
Dialogue (agent)
- Hook: “Great to see you at the social.”
- Build: “You mentioned a spring move. Want to grab coffee to map steps?”
- CTA: “I’ve got two times next week. Which works?”
On-screen text
- Thanks within 48 hours
- Two time options
- Low pressure
Channels and steps
- Send a thank you text or email with one event photo.
- Add new contacts to CRM with an Event tag.
- Schedule coffees with anyone who hinted at timing.
Production Plans You Can Repeat
Spend: $350 to $600. Audience split: 60 percent past clients, 30 percent SOI, 10 percent partner lists. Cadence: One email at T minus 21 days, reminder at T minus 5 days. Ads: Three per week to your farm. On-site: QR sign in for names and emails.
Spend: $900 to $1,400 with a simple venue or food truck minimum. Audience split: 50 percent past clients, 30 percent SOI, 20 percent neighbors. Cadence: Two postcard drops at T minus 21 and T minus 7 plus two organic posts weekly. Cap: Five ad touches per week.
What Successful Realtors® Are Reading
Playbook Notes
Run one quarterly event and let the content fuel your next listing pitch. Tie the guest conversations to proof assets so warm introductions see competence fast.
After the event, point homeowners to Listing Marketing for Realtors®: Promoting Properties for Maximum Visibility so they can visualize how you bring buyers to their door.
FAQ
How far in advance should I plan a client event?
Plan six to eight weeks out. That gives you time to book a venue, line up partners, and send two touches. Use T minus 21 days for the invite and T minus 5 days for the reminder. Add a light boost to your farm the week of the event to catch neighbors.
Who should I invite first?
Start with past clients and your sphere. Then add a small radius list of nearby homeowners and one partner list such as a lender or local café. Limit frequency to three touches per week. Keep the message helpful and neighborly so it feels like a service.
How do I collect contacts without awkwardness?
Place a small sign near the entrance with a QR code to a simple RSVP or giveaway. Ask guests to check in for a drawing. That gives you names and emails without a clipboard. Tag new contacts with the event name in your CRM for future follow up.
What’s a realistic budget for 60 guests?
Plan three hundred fifty to six hundred dollars for basics such as treats, nonalcoholic drinks, and a small rental or minimum. Add a light ad spend for your farm if you want neighbor turnout. Keep the focus on conversations, not decor.
How should I follow up after the event?
Send thank you notes within forty eight hours. Include two highlights and a simple next step such as a coffee or a quick valuation chat. Add warm leads to a seven day follow up task so you book meetings while the goodwill is fresh.
How often should I host events each year?
Quarterly works well. Use a rotating theme by season so planning stays easy. Keep the format repeatable so you can execute in a few hours each time. Consistency beats complexity, especially when your goal is steady referrals.
Can I include partners or sponsors without it feeling salesy?
Yes. Invite one or two partners who already serve your clients such as a lender or local bakery. Ask them to greet guests and help with check in. Keep signage small. The event should feel like a neighbor gathering hosted by you.
What if turnout is lower than expected?
Focus on depth with the guests who came. Book three coffees before you pack up. Then repurpose your highlights in a short recap email to the invite list with a friendly note that they were missed. The follow up still produces meetings.
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Complete Multi-Channel Marketing Program
- Custom-branded marketing assets featuring you and your brand
- Branded social media: your services & testimonials (3/week)
- Listing social media: Just Listed • Open House • Pending • Sold
- Email campaigns personalized to you and your area
- Digital retargeting & contextual ad campaigns to your area
- Direct mail campaigns (scope & frequency set by you)
- GEO farm / niche marketing: direct mail & email campaigns
- Database formatting & research (priced per name researched)
- Consulting, strategy, coaching & accountability sessions
Pricing shown reflects current platform rates; ad spend and any postage/printing are billed separately.
