How to Keep Clients Engaged During the Holiday Season

While some agents slow down, others know the holiday season attracts motivated clients who want to wrap up deals before year-end. Here are some ways to help you connect with clients, keep listings visible, and make the most of the season.

Add Holiday Warmth to Staging

Staging is important all year, but during the holidays, a cozy, inviting setup can create extra appeal. Add subtle, seasonal touches like a festive wreath, cozy blankets, or candles to create an inviting atmosphere. Avoid going overboard or using the seller's personal holiday decorations like family photos, which can distract buyers.

Tip: Keep decor neutral to appeal to everyone. Warm lighting and natural elements, like pinecones or greenery, add charm without overwhelming the space.

Use Local Events to Boost Exposure

The holiday season is packed with local events, from winter markets to tree-lighting ceremonies. Consider sponsoring a holiday event, setting up a booth, or hosting a holiday open house with seasonal refreshments. If your local area has festive traditions, such as neighborhood light display, highlight these in your listing and social media to capture out-of-town buyers' interest.

Tip: Offer hot cocoa and cookies during open houses, making buyers feel welcome and comfortable to stay longer and explore the property.

Update Your Content with Holiday Themes

As the holiday season rolls from Christmas to New Year’s and even into Valentine’s Day, there are a lot of chances to update your content with festive flair. Share tips for winter home maintenance, decor ideas, or why this time of year can be a great opportunity for buying or selling. And with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, why not feature homes with spaces perfect for intimate dinners by the fire or kitchens ideal for cooking together? Keep your content fun and relevant, and stay connected with your audience through every winter holiday.

Tip: Make use of video content to showcase holiday-themed home tours or share market updates. Videos often receive higher engagement than static images and feel more personal.

Run Targeted, Seasonal Ads

Digital ads can be powerful tools for reaching motivated holiday buyers, especially when they’re customized for the season. Highlight benefits like end-of-year tax advantage and low competition. Adjust your ad visuals and keywords to reflect a seasonal charm—think terms like “warm,” “cozy,” and “ready for the holidays.” Facebook, Instagram, and Google ads are ideal platforms for reaching local audiences searching for properties during this season.

Tip: Consider running ads with a call-to-action that highlights limited-time incentives, such as “Lock in your dream home this winter before the New Year rush!”

Send Personalized Holiday Greetings and Gifts

The holidays are a prime opportunity to strengthen relationships with past clients and build goodwill for future business. Sending personalized holiday cards or small, thoughtful gifts can remind clients that you appreciate their business and you’re ready to help them in the future. For gifts, consider branded items that clients will use or display, or practical items that make moving or homeownership easier, like a custom calendar or a new homeowner toolkit.

Tip: Avoid generic messages. Mention specific details, like thanking them for choosing you in 2024 or offering assistance if they’re thinking of making a move in the coming year.

Plan for Early 2025 and Set New Year's Goals

As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on your real estate goals for the new year. Encourage clients to start their New Year’s resolutions with a fresh look at their real estate plans. Whether they’re planning to buy, sell, or renovate, now’s the time to set a budget, review financial goals, and get ready to take action. Help your clients prepare for 2025 by setting clear, achievable goals that will drive them to succeed in the upcoming year.

Tip: Use marketing to remind clients that the new year is the perfect time to set a fresh path in their real estate journey. Offer them a downloadable budget sheet to help with their home buying or selling goals.

From festive staging to personalized client touches, these strategies can help you make a memorable impact, keep listings top of mind, and start 2025 with momentum. Remember, the key is to stay active, build relationships, and keep clients excited about the possibilities of finding or selling their perfect home, even during the holidays.