By Melissa Dorman, February 6, 2019
The approach to generating new business through charitable programs is becoming increasingly popular nowadays. Giving back isn’t anything new, but many of us, especially in the real estate industry, are doing more than ever to make an impact on our local communities, yet it can be rather conflicting to shout it from the rooftops.
Does a buyer or seller want to work with an agent more because of the agent’s charitable giving? Does it get us more business? All signs point to yes.
3 effective ways to make it happen
• Empower the client
What matters to your client is of utmost importance. An agent should start paying attention to the things that matter most in their communities by doing a survey or heartfelt conversation and take steps to get involved.
By doing it not only you be giving back, but you’ll also be connecting with people and organizations that care, and it could result in a new connection or lead to future business. By this everyone wins. At living room, we give 5% of our profits 3 local non-profits that we partner with in the community.
• By donating a percentage of commission
Think of donating as a small investment that will pay back in long run. So, start donating a percentage of each home sale or purchase to a good cause.
You can have the client decide where to donate the money. You can give them options like office fund and vote on how the funds will be distributed locally.
After donating make sure to follow up with clients in a newsletter that highlights your good works. This not only demonstrates what your company stands for but also keeps them involved and engaged. We give our client’s the choice between our 3 local non-profit partners. This is one of the fun things they chose at the closing table!
• Hosting events that matter
You can throw a client appreciation party or broker open into an opportunity. Bring together everyone involved to give back. Allow them to participate or donate in a cause. This sets up a foundation for networking and connecting on a deeper level.
Fundraiser or a giving event, many options are available for your creativity. And benefits will start showing quickly.
Although I and my company do a lot for the communities we serve, it’s time to show why we do it, who we are impacting and invite others to join us.
The key is to remember that it starts with being an agent and a company who cares.
Melissa Dorman is a Licensed Broker with Yascha Group at Living Room Realty in Portland, OR.
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Melissa Dorman
Broker | OR & WA
She/Her
Ten years ago, Melissa was living in a slum in Kolkata, India, helping over 200 women escape sex trafficking by providing alternative work at a social business.
It was there she discovered her passion for financial education as a means of empowering people to move out of poverty. After graduating from UCLA with a Masters, Melissa spent 5 years working as a Social Worker; assisting clients facing homelessness, in jail, or at a psychiatric facility.
As much as she loved the work, imagining saving for retirement on the meager salary of a social worker was becoming grim. That's when Melissa discovered "passive income." In no time, she fell in LOVE with real estate as a vehicle for wealth. Soon after, Melissa began locating off-market multi-family properties to purchase through creative financing strategies and win-win opportunities. Two years into investing, Melissa quit her day job as a Social Worker to become a full-time broker and investor. Initially, she was drawn to people in difficult circumstances, so she developed extensive experience assisting families facing foreclosure, short sales, and probate. Melissa is well versed in helping her clients overcome complex real estate challenges.
Currently, Melissa is teamed up with Super Broker, Yascha Noonberg at Living Room Realty. Together they assist clients to achieve their real estate dreams, including how to strategically buy and sell a personal residence to maximize profits. Far from the slums of Kolkata, her greatest passion now is empowering other working professionals to develop passive forms of income through buying multi-family properties in Portland.
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- T: 503-567-4697
- melissa@livingroomre.com
