I don't know about you, but most Open Houses that I've been to in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area recently are NOT standing room only events! So, you can imagine my surprise when I drove up to a model home this past week and couldn't find a place to park.
The event was organized by Redstone Group, a company which is building several unique communities around the Greater Grand Rapids area. My agents received an invitation while attending a mortgage seminar and persuaded me to attend. I'm glad I did. I always appreciate the opportunity to watch inspired vision in action.
The Redstone Group held a Networking Open House. Instead of waiting for clients to hopefully find them, this company decided to concentrate it's focus on connecting with the Networkers...you know the people who know other people; thereby enhancing the chance that they might know someone wanting to purchase a home.
The elegant catered lunch featured a Seasoned Breast of Chicken, Cesar Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Bread and Scrumptious Chocolate Chip Cookies. The venue was their beautifully staged model home. Guests were invited to tour the home and given an extensive packet of the various communities and distinctive options available in Redstone Homes. Talk about a cool way to create buzz...
Redstone Group designs Green Built, Energy Star* certified homes that are constructed in a manner that honors the natural habitat and seeks to preserve as much of the native terrain as possible. They build homes in Grand Haven, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Holland in addition to several communities throughout the Grand Rapids area.
The invitees were an eclectic mix. The event was billed as a Opportunity to Connect and you were encouraged to bring your business card and mix with other professionals to enhance your business. I met all sorts of individuals. Of course there were real estate agents and brokers, but in addition, a Business Network International Group was there which included a wide swath of different companies...there were mortgage brokers, at least one attorney, title reps, and we even met a former Sherrif.
I'm left wondering why so many Builder Spec Home remain in isolated splendor when they could be teaming with life and opportunities to Create A Sale through events like this? Redstone Group told us they had their best year ever in 2007. I can see why!
photo courtesy of: Wolfgang Staudt's photostream
Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
Lola - What a terrific idea. I have only seen this one other time in our area. Great way to creat a buzz through networking and bring in the people. Thanks for sharing this idea.
Jeff
Lola
That must have been a pretty cool networking event.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Someone in that company has vision. I just clicked on their website and it looks like they are going to be a "hit" with consumers and real estate professionals alike.
It is fun to network like that isn't it?
It's a given that the best Open House events around will be held by a builder.
Don't eat breakfast and go prepared for a treat.
Tammy & Terry, Thanks for your comment.
Missy, this is totally workable in a residential home. That's what this was. The genius was adding a benefit for people to take time out of their day to attend.
Sue, I think you would have found it beneficial to attend. It was very well done.
Lisa,They termed the Open House as a Networking event. It was held in a beautiful home and they served good food...so, I guess it would be worthy of the "fancy" label. :) Isn't that picture cool...I love it when I saw it on Flickr.
It was fun Tom, & a great way to get perspective on our areas new home inventory.
Hi Kris... It was fun. Thanks for your comment. They don't have anything in the east side of the State yet, but who knows...
Lenn...I'm glad I brought an appetite. :)
Jennifer, This was definitely business unusual!
Lola,
Today's tough real estate market requires lots of creative marketing techniques and this open house certainly is one of them. Mortgage lenders, agents, all of us in the business, ought to learn something from this.