11 Real Estate Holiday Marketing Ideas For 2024

As the holiday season rolls around, the real estate market often faces its own set of challenges.

Families get busy preparing for festivities, businesses gear up for a bustling season, and the real estate scene can become a bit frosty. You wonder, is it possible to buy or sell homes around the holiday season?

You can now enjoy the spirit of the season and keep the deals flowing by pre-planning and executing real estate holiday marketing ideas.

The key lies in crafting a well-rounded marketing campaign that tugs at the heartstrings and taps into the emotional aspect of buying or selling a home.

In this guide, you will learn the 11 most effective real estate holiday marketing ideas that work in 2024.

11 best real estate holiday marketing ideas

Idea 1. ‘Home for the Holidays’ Virtual Tours

With people’s schedules getting busier during the holidays, you can make it convenient for potential buyers to explore their future dream homes. 

Organize engaging virtual tours that showcase properties adorned with seasonal decorations, highlighting the warmth and coziness of each living space. 

By providing this immersive experience, you’re bringing the joy of the holiday season directly to your clients’ screens.

Budget required: High

Why choose this strategy:

Imagine your clients sipping hot cocoa while “walking” through a virtual tour, where they can envision themselves celebrating holidays with their loved ones in the perfect home. Perfect, isn’t it?

• Convenience for the potential buyers: By offering virtual tours, you can provide potential buyers with the flexibility to explore properties at their convenience, whether it’s during lunch breaks, late at night or even during holidays.
• Immersive and engaging experience: Through 360-degree views and multimedia elements, potential buyers can virtually “walk through” the home, gaining a better sense of its layout, flow, and unique features.
• Attracting distant buyers: Virtual tours save them time and resources by allowing buyers to explore multiple properties remotely.
• Cost-effective marketing: While there is an initial investment in equipment and software, virtual tours and can save money in the long run by reducing the need for multiple in-person showings.
• Tap into the emotional appeal of the holiday: The holiday season brings a unique charm to homes with festive decorations and a cozy atmosphere. You can make your listings more enticing to potential buyers.
• Wider reach and shareability: Virtual tours can be easily shared across various digital platforms, including social media, emails, and real estate websites. This makes it simpler for you to reach a broader audience and gain exposure for your listings.

How to execute:

It might seem daunting to record a 360° virtual tour, but you can follow these steps to make the process easier. 

1. Identify the properties you’d want to feature

Consider properties with appealing holiday decorations, cozy interiors, and unique selling points that can be highlighted during the tour.

2. Choose the right Virtual platform

Research virtual tour platforms and look for features such as 360-degree panoramas, floor plans, multimedia integration, and easy navigation to create interactive and visually appealing tours.

3. Plan and prepare the tour

Make a detailed plan for the tour, including the order of rooms to showcase, key selling points to emphasize, and any interactive elements you want to include.

Here’s a detailed video on how to create a virtual tour video:

4. Record the virtual tour

Use a high-quality 360-degree camera or a compatible smartphone to record the virtual tour. Walk through the property smoothly, capturing every room and highlighting the holiday decor and cozy ambiance.

5. Edit the footage to make it better

After recording the tour, edit the footage to remove any imperfections or unwanted elements. Add interactive elements such as clickable hotspots, pop-up descriptions, and holiday-themed background music to enhance the viewer’s experience.

6. Promote your virtual tour

Once the virtual tours are ready, it’s time to promote them through your website, social media channels, email newsletters, and other marketing platforms.

Idea 2. Run a ‘New year, New home’ campaign

The start of a new year often motivates people to make positive changes and set new goals. Moving into a new home symbolizes a fresh start and a new chapter in life. 

Highlighting this aspect of homeownership can resonate with potential buyers looking for a positive change in their living situation. 

By aligning your marketing campaign with this mindset, you can leverage the natural inclination for people to consider major life changes, such as buying a new home.

Budget required: Medium to High (depending on specific elements and marketing channels used)

Why choose this strategy:

A specialized campaign like “New Year, New Home” benefits real estate agents immensely. 

• Differentiation from competitors: It sets you apart from competitors during the holiday season, maintaining brand visibility. 
• Creates urgency: The limited-time incentive and the attraction of starting afresh also create urgency among potential buyers, boosting engagement and conversions. 
• Lead generation: The campaign can generate valuable leads, helping you nurture relationships and convert prospects into clients over time. 
• Boosts seller interest: Not only does it attract buyers, but sellers also see this as an advantageous time to list their properties, drawing in motivated buyers. 
• Positive brand association: Overall, the positive message associates your brand with the opportunity and leaves a lasting impression.

How to execute:

To execute the ‘New Year, New Home’ strategy effectively, follow these steps to create a compelling and successful campaign:

1. Plan in advance

Decide on the specific incentives you’ll offer, create a content calendar, and determine the marketing channels you’ll use to promote the campaign.

2. Develop engaging content

Create compelling content emphasizing the benefits of starting the new year in a new home. This includes blog posts, social media graphics, videos, and newsletters. 

If you want to create high-converting content optimized for search and conversion, check out our real estate content writing services.

3. Highlight featured properties

Select a range of properties that align with the campaign’s messaging. Showcase these homes in your marketing materials.

4. Set clear goals

Define specific goals for the campaign, such as the number of leads you want to generate, the number of properties sold, or the total sales volume achieved.

5. Create a dedicated landing page

Design a dedicated landing page on your website that showcases the campaign’s details, incentives, and featured properties to capture leads. 

6. Use social media platforms for promotion

Share engaging content, run targeted ads, and create posts that encourage interaction and participation.

7. Leverage email marketing to create buzz about the campaign

Send regular email newsletters to your database, promoting the campaign’s benefits and incentives. 

If you want to write high-converting email copy that drives leads and conversion, check out our real estate email writing services.

8. Collaborate with influencers 

Partner with real estate-related influencers and businesses to enhance your campaign and increase your reach.

9. Track and analyze performance

Use marketing analytics tools to monitor the campaign’s performance. Keep track of website traffic, lead generation, social media engagement, and conversions. 

Idea 3. 12 days of giveaways

The “12 Days of Giveaways” is a fun and exciting holiday marketing idea to engage your audience and spread cheer.

Think of 12 prizes that your audience would love to win. These prizes could be small yet thoughtful items like gift cards, holiday-themed goodies, or even services like a free home inspection. 

Consider your budget and make sure the prizes are enticing enough to attract participants.

Budget required: Medium

Why choose this strategy?

Giveaways are exciting and have a strong appeal. But along with that, there are so many reasons to choose this festive strategy.

• Increased Engagement: Interactions, likes, shares, and comments will increase your online visibility and brand exposure.
• Create a happy, positive image: Hosting a holiday-themed giveaway campaign shows that you care about your audience’s happiness during the holiday season and want to spread joy.
• Audience building: Running giveaways can attract new followers, subscribers, and potential clients. People are more likely to participate in the giveaway and follow your page. 
• Showcase your expertise: You can share real estate tips, advice, or market updates in the giveaway posts, which will position you as a knowledgeable professional.
• Lead generation: With an increased number of participants, you’ll have the opportunity to collect valuable leads. 
• Opportunity for cross-promotion: If you collaborate with local businesses for giveaway prizes, it opens up opportunities for cross-promotion, increasing the campaign’s reach.

How to execute?

Probably one of the most fun ways to interact with your audience, this strategy is easy to plan and execute.

1. Plan the giveaways

Plan the 12-day gifts according to your budget, and include thoughtful things your audience would love.

2. Create a festive atmosphere

Design graphics or videos to announce the giveaways on social media, website, and email newsletters. Use festive colors and holiday-themed elements.

3. Set the rules

Clearly explain how people can enter the giveaways. You can ask them to like, share, or comment on your giveaway posts on social media to participate. 

4. Daily giveaway posts

Every day, for 12 days, make a new post announcing the giveaway of the day. Describe the prize, its value, and how people can enter.

5. Engage with participants

Respond to comments and messages from participants promptly. Engage with them and create a sense of excitement about the giveaways.

6. Choose the winners

At the end of each day, randomly select and announce the winners publicly from the participants who entered that day’s giveaway. 

7. Promote the campaign

Throughout the 12 days, keep promoting the giveaways to attract more participants. Consider using holiday-themed hashtags to increase visibility.

Idea 4. The Holiday video series

This is an interesting way to educate your audiences and market your real estate business in a fun manner. 

It involves creating a series of short videos with a holiday theme. These videos should provide valuable tips and insights for home buyers and sellers during the festive season.

Budget required: Medium to high

Why choose this strategy?

When you use videos for marketing, you can capture your audience’s attention more effectively than with text or images alone. And, there are so many other benefits too. 

• Valuable content: The video series helps provide valuable and informative content to potential home buyers and sellers during the holiday season, positioning you as a trusted advisor.
• Differentiation: The ‘Holiday Video Series’  demonstrates your creativity and willingness to go the extra mile to engage with your audience, setting you apart.
• Social media shareability: Videos are highly shareable on social media platforms, leading to increased visibility and potential virality.
• Long-term use and impact: While the initial campaign focuses on the holiday season, you can repurpose the content in the future or use it as part of your evergreen content strategy.
• Lead generation: Engaging and informative videos can encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel, visit your website, or contact you for real estate services.

How to execute?

Planning and following these steps to design a successful marketing strategy is not too challenging.

1. Video topics & planning

Brainstorm a list of relevant topics that align with the holiday season and real estate. 

Consider topics such as ‘Tips for Home Buyers in the Winter Market,’ ‘Preparing Your Home for Holiday Showings,’ and ‘Advantages of Selling Your Home Before the New Year.’

Plan a series of at least 4-6 videos to be released periodically during the holiday season.

2. Video production

Create professional-looking videos that provide helpful information and advice. You can film the videos yourself or hire a videographer if you have the budget.

3. Engaging introduction

Start each video with a warm and friendly holiday greeting. Grab your viewer’s attention by connecting the holiday spirit with the real estate topics you’ll discuss.

4. Deliver valuable content

Deliver actionable content in each video. For example, provide tips on how buyers can take advantage of the current market conditions or offer staging ideas to make homes cozy and inviting during winter. 

5. Showcase local festive charm

Incorporate the holiday charm of your local area into the videos. Showcase holiday decorations or winter scenes from your community to create a sense of connection.

6. Include call-to-actions (CTA)

End each video with a clear call to action. Encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel, visit your website, or contact you for assistance with their real estate needs.

7. Share & Promote

Share the videos on your social media platforms, website, and email newsletters. Promote the video series regularly during the holiday season to maximize viewership. 

8. Monitor performance

Use analytics to track the performance of each video. Assess the number of views, engagement, and audience retention to know which topics resonate with the audience.

Idea 5. Experiment with experiential marketing

Experiential marketing involves creating interactive and memorable experiences that engage potential clients on a deeper level.

For example, you can 

• Set up VR stations at your office.
• Use touchscreens or interactive displays at property showings to showcase property features.
• Set up temporary, eye-catching booths at high-traffic locations like malls, farmers’ markets, or community events.
• Create a scavenger hunt around a property you’re promoting, where participants need to find clues hidden throughout the house.

Budget required: Medium to high 

Why choose this strategy?

Experiential marketing makes people feel something special. By offering interactive and enjoyable experiences, you leave a lasting impression. Let’s explore all the other benefits!

• Stand out from the crowd: In the holiday hustle, traditional marketing can get lost in the noise. Experiential marketing is unique and different.
• Shareable Moments: When you offer fun and interactive events, it can lead to more online buzz, and that means more eyes on your real estate business.
• Showcasing Properties Creatively: Instead of just talking about properties, you let people experience them firsthand through interactive tours or themed open houses.

How to execute?

Not many people try experiential marketing, and the idea might overwhelm you, but if you want to stand out, try executing it this season and see how well it works!

1. Define your goals

What do you want to achieve? Do you want to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or engage with the community?

2. Know your audience

Understand your target audience’s interests and preferences. What experiences would they enjoy during the holiday season? Design your events to match their tastes.

3. Plan engaging experiences 

Brainstorm creative ideas for your experiential events. It could be a themed open house, a holiday-themed workshop, or an outdoor adventure.

4. Choose the right venue

Select a suitable location for your event. It could be a property you’re listing, a local park, or even your real estate office.

5. Promote your event

Use social media, email newsletters, and flyers to promote your experiential event. Highlight the unique experiences attendees can expect.

6. Provide value

During the event, focus on providing value to attendees. Offer helpful tips on home buying, showcase stunning properties, or have fun holiday activities.

7. Encourage interaction

Engage with attendees during the event. Be approachable and ready to answer questions about real estate. Encourage them to share their experience on social media.

8. Capture the moment

Share photos and videos of the event on your social media channels and website.

9. Follow up

After the event, follow up with attendees through personalized thank-you emails or cards. Stay connected and nurture the relationships you built.

10. Measure success

Assess the impact of your experiential marketing efforts. Analyze attendance rates, social media engagement, and new leads or clients generated.

Further resources on real estate marketing

• Real estate sales funnel guide
• Real estate branding: 10 steps to build your brand
• Real estate listing description examples (how to optimize with examples)

6. Holiday greeting cards 

Send out personalized holiday greeting cards to your past and current clients and potential leads. 

A physical card with a heartfelt message can make a strong impression and keep you top of mind for future real estate needs.

Budget required: Low

7. Neighborhood highlight tour

Create a video or blog series that showcases the best holiday light displays and decorations in various neighborhoods in your area. 

This will not only spread holiday cheer but also give potential buyers a glimpse of the community spirit.

Budget required: Medium

8. Referral rewards program

Launch a referral program where your past and current clients can refer friends and family to you in exchange for special holiday rewards or discounts on your real estate services.

Budget required: Low

9. New Year’s resolutions for homeowners 

Share content that focuses on helping homeowners set real estate-related New Year’s resolutions. 

Offer guidance on building home equity, home improvement projects, and smart financial decisions related to homeownership.

Budget required: Low

10. Holiday market reports

Provide valuable market insights by sharing holiday real estate market reports with your audience. 

Discuss how the market is performing during the holiday season and offer predictions for the upcoming year.

Budget required: Low

11. Countdown to the New Year 

Launch a countdown campaign on social media, highlighting a different property each day leading up to the new year. 

Feature attractive images, key features, and incentives to generate interest and excitement among potential buyers.

Budget required: Low

How to plan a real estate holiday marketing campaign?

Planning a real estate holiday marketing campaign requires careful thought and preparation to make the most of the festive season and attract potential buyers or renters.

Here, we have divided the planning stage into three sections – what you can do 

• Before the holidays begin
• During the holiday season
• After the holidays end

Follow these steps to make the most of your marketing campaign.

Set the stage before the holiday period begins

Before the holiday season begins, laying the groundwork for your real estate holiday marketing campaign is important. 

Here are some steps to get you started:

1. Define your goals

Decide what you want to achieve with your holiday campaign. Are you looking to increase property sales, attract new clients, or simply raise brand awareness? Clearly define your objectives to guide your strategy.

2. Know your audience

Understand your target audience’s preferences, needs, and pain points. Customize your holiday campaign to resonate with their interests and emotions.

3. Plan your budget

Determine how much you can allocate for the marketing campaign. Allocate funds for advertising, promotions, events, and any other related expenses.

4. Make a content calendar

Develop a detailed content plan for the holiday season. The calendar should include key dates, themes, and the distribution channels you’ll use (social media, email, website, etc.).

5. Create compelling content

Produce engaging content that highlights the USPs of your properties. Utilize high-quality images, videos, and descriptions to attract potential buyers.

Spread cheer during the holidays

As the holiday season begins, it’s time to implement your real estate holiday marketing campaign and engage your audience:

1. Use festive themes

Incorporate holiday-themed visuals and messages into your marketing materials. It will create a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of the season.

2. Utilize multiple marketing channels

Use a mix of marketing channels to reach a wider audience. Some effective channels include social media, email marketing, website banners, blog posts, print materials, and targeted online advertising.

3. Collaborate with local businesses & influencers

Partner with other local businesses and influencers to cross-promote holiday deals and events. This can increase your reach and improve community engagement.

4. Respond to comments and engage

Engage with your audience by replying to comments and messages promptly. Respond with a personalized touch and provide helpful information.

Sustain the momentum after the holidays end

Don’t let the holiday spirit fade away. Use this time to solidify your relationships and maintain your marketing efforts.

1. Follow up with leads

Reach out to individuals who expressed interest during the holiday campaign. Provide additional information, answer questions, and schedule property viewings.

2. Showcase testimonials

Share positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients who purchased during the holiday season. These testimonials can build trust and credibility for potential buyers.

3. Keep the conversation going

Continue engaging with your audience through social media and email newsletters. Provide valuable content, market updates, and relevant information to stay connected.

4. Evaluate your results

Analyze the performance of your holiday marketing campaign. Measure key metrics like leads generated, sales made, and overall return on investment (ROI). Use this data to refine your future marketing strategies.

5. Plan for the next year

Use the insights gained from this year’s holiday campaign to plan for the next holiday season. Take note of what worked well and what could be improved to create an even more successful campaign in the future.

6 New Year’s real estate marketing tips

New Year is one of the biggest holidays of the year, and although it makes you want to go slow and take time off, you must stay ahead of the competition.

Why not plan your marketing strategy for the new year so you don’t have to stress about it at the last minute?

You can run campaigns like ‘New year, new home’ or ‘Countdown to the new year,’ but we’ll share some additional tips to help you strategize better.

• Set clear goals: Start the year with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Set specific, measurable goals for your real estate business. 
• Revamp your website: Make sure your real estate website is up to date with the latest listings, attractive images, and easy-to-navigate features. Your website is often the first point of contact for potential clients, so make a good impression!

• Get involved with the community: Being involved in community events, charities, or local initiatives showcases your commitment to the neighborhood. It also allows you to network and meet new people. 
• Community-specific marketing: Customizing your marketing efforts to address community-specific needs and interests can more effectively capture your audience’s attention.
• Send personalized video messages: Instead of traditional emails, send personalized video messages to your leads and clients. Adding a personal touch can significantly impact and help you build stronger connections.
• Highlight past successes: Share success stories from the previous year. Testimonials from satisfied clients can improve your credibility and build trust with potential leads.

Plan your real estate holidays with our performance marketing experts

We understand that planning and devising a marketing strategy when the holiday mood has set in is challenging. Let our experts help you plan and implement result-oriented holiday marketing strategies.

We can help you with:

1. Customized holiday marketing strategies

At UpInFifty, we understand that every real estate business is unique, so we customize our holiday marketing strategies to fit your needs. 

2. Maximizing online presence

Our performance marketing team excels in boosting your online presence through various channels, including social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content development, and email marketing. 

Further resources on real estate SEO:

• 7 Real estate listing description examples that work
• How much does real estate SEO cost
• Real estate marketing packages

3. Targeted PPC advertising campaigns

With UpInFifty’s expertise, you can rest assured that your holiday marketing budget will be invested wisely. Our performance marketing specialists are skilled at running targeted PPC ad campaigns that reach the right audience at the right time. 

If you want to generate high-quality leads and conversions from Google ads, check out our real estate PPC services.

4. Measurable results

We believe in transparent and data-driven marketing strategies. Throughout the holiday season, our performance marketing experts will closely monitor the performance of your campaigns and provide you with detailed reports. 

Planning your holiday marketing strategy can be fun and help you generate leads while enjoying yourself with your family. 

And we’re here to help!

You can contact us here to learn more about UpInFifty’s performance marketing services!