What is the process for putting on a realtor luncheon? Does it tend to produce results, or is it more just a quick social?

I know of two kinds of realtor luncheons.

One is put on by the local assocation. It lets realtors hob nob with one another. It's a place to swap stories and meet other agents. The best part of these little get togethers is the chance to meet agents that specialize in other areas of the business or who have a proven track record and are willing to talk about the how of their success.

The other kind (in my experience anyway), is put on by a real estate agent or broker. It is usually done at a home that has just been listed - but before it is in the MLS - where a select group of brokers and agents are invited to view the home. This is usually an upscale listing and the luncheon is a catered event to promote the property to real estate professionals. Your goal is to show the home to agents that specialize in clients looking for homes at this level. It is also common to invite representatives from relocation firms that service big corporations and find homes for business executives, and anyone else who might interact with upscale buyers. These are usually events that go on for a few hours. I have been to/thrown some that have live music, swimming in the pool, maybe a drawing for door prizes, usally it's catered finger foods. I think they help in generating action around a property that normally takes longer than usual to sell because of its high value.

It's been a long while since I put one on, but I attended one a few months before I came out to London. It was a pretty over the top event that generated a whole lot of buzz. The property sold pretty quickly for the price level it was at... I think it was listed for about 9 million.

Does any of this at all go along with what your asking?

As for putting one together, I am assuming your wanting to host one for a listing?

If your not already familiar with agents that work with these kinds of clients there are methods to help you put together an invite list.

First, the brokerages. There are a few out there that cater to the higher end. Invite the broker of that office.

Second, do a search on your MLS system for properties that are listed and that have sold that are at the price range your looking for. Pull up those listings and note the listing and selling agents for the transactions. This will give you a good list of folks to draw from.

Then, just put together the event. Ok.. so maybe it's more complicated than that, but you get the point.

R

Thanks for the follow up. I've heard two or three different versions, but I feel that traffic is traffic. Thanks again, Robert Candler

Yeah... it really depends.

If your selling a home that for *some* reason is likely to cater to a niche market, I could see something like I described being useful - as long as your inviting people who specialize in that niche.

For your usual listings that have broader appeal, I just let the brokers tour and some cookies to the trick.

R

Well, it turns out I had more buyers walk through the door than realtors. It turned into an Open House vs a Realtor's luncheon, but none-the-less I got some traffic. I had emailed over 60 realtors along with postings on the website, but very few showed up. I'm learning at everyturn the ends and outs of the selling business, after just buying rentals for the past 9 years.