Southern Florida Real Estate Agents Lure Buyers With Incentive Programs

The real estate market may be making something of a recovery, but the pace is not quick enough for many real estate brokers. A few creative agents in the Southern Florida housing market are offering unique incentives to attract buyers to their offices.
This once-booming location has suffered extensively in the last few years. Southern Florida still offers a warm climate, beautiful beaches and cosmopolitan cities, yet fewer new residents are moving into the area in the numbers seen in the past. Incentive programs that range from small gifts to high dollar value promotions are being offered with the purchase of a property.
Florida has always been known as a retiree’s haven where warm breezes, abundant golf courses and a relaxing lifestyle dominate the scene. It still remains a dream location for many people who want to escape frozen winters and the hectic pace of congested cities in other parts of the U.S. Many people who live in severe climates have purchased condos and second homes in Southern Florida to lounge in the sun.
Unfortunately, after the economy collapsed, many potential buyers who planned to move to Southern Florida found themselves unable to sell their homes. They may have been counting on substantial equity in their primary residence to use to purchase a new home or to buy a second home in Florida. They may have also planned to use investment funds that dropped considerably in value.
Retirees are not the only group that used to flock to the Southern Florida region. Many young families enjoy the casual lifestyle that the area offers. For many of these folks, the loss of a job, difficulty getting financing or the inability to sell an existing home made the move impossible.
As a result of the decline in the Southern Florida housing market, many real estate brokers have become creative to increase their business. The concept of offering buyer incentives has become a popular approach to stimulate the buyers. Many agents also work with sellers who provide incentives to quickly move their individual property. These incentives may be financial in nature, or offer gifts such as appliances with the purchase of a home.
A practical incentive that appeals to all age groups and income levels includes offering some financial assistance with the sale. Real estate brokers may offer to help with closing costs or other buyers’ expenses. Buyers may find incentives that help to pay for moving costs or cover a homeowners’ warranty program.
It would not be uncommon for a real estate agent to entice buyers with gift certificates to home improvement stores. A new home may be equipped with a plasma TV, a washer and dryer or a new refrigerator. Reducing the cost of upgrades and adding memberships to country clubs or fitness centers attracts buyers.
Popular incentives include a few nights at a luxury resort, spa treatments, dining at fine restaurants and free rounds of golf. Some buyers may be offered movie tickets, grocery store gift cards or discount coupons to local area attractions.