Seasonal marketing is in full swing at this time of the year. Fall wreathes are hung on open house doors, lights are strung across porches, and festive decorations are strategically placed within homes and emails. As the holiday of giving thanks approaches us, we have come up with a few Thanksgiving marketing ideas to fit your real estate needs.

1. Bring on the food!

Open houses are a great way to provide some comfort food to potential clients and make them feel at home. Instead of simply greeting a prospective buyer at the door of an open house, lay out a selection of pies for them to choose from while they peruse the home. Nothing says “hospitality” quite like free food.

2. Staging decorations.

People like to feel at home while they view an open house – that’s why the staging process is so important when setting up a home to be viewed. Place some Thanksgiving and fall-themed decorations throughout the home in order to allow potential buyers to gain a sense of “hominess” during their search. Anything from a cornucopia placed on a kitchen table or a door-hanging of a turkey greeting clients as they walk in will be sure to spark their festive spirit.

3. Send out a message to clients.

Festive emails are an important part of seasonal marketing. It is not difficult to send out an email to past and current clients, thanking them for their help in growing your business. It is a simple, kind gesture that will undoubtedly result in their appreciation, and may lead to more business in the future. Acts of kindness such as this are important in real estate, because satisfied customers can lead to referrals, which will lead to even more satisfied customers – plus, it never hurts to let clients know how much they are valued.

Below is an example we have provided of a Thanksgiving-specific email that could be sent out to clients:

“Dear (name of client),

We wanted to take the opportunity this day brings to thank you for all that you have contributed to this company. It is not often enough that we receive the opportunity to profess our honest gratitude toward our clients, and we hope you know how how appreciated you are by (name of brokerage). We are thankful today and everyday for your trust and willingness to work with us.

From everyone at (name of brokerage), we wish you happy Thanksgiving and warm holiday season.”