5 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Give Back and Make a Difference
If you’re a real estate agent who wants to make a positive impact on your local community, there are plenty of ways to give back and serve those in need. By getting involved with real estate charities and thinking creatively, you can use your career to benefit others. Plus, in the process, you may even connect with other agents who share your passion for giving back. Here are five examples of ways real estate agents can give back.
Real estate charities and ways to give back
Incorporating a charitable element into your real estate business has never been easier. Here are some resources you can connect with if you want creative and fun ways to support your community through your work.
1. Real Estate for Rehabilitation
The Salvation Army’s program for supporting their rehabilitation initiatives all over the country involves matching individuals looking to dispose of items during a move with their representatives. These representatives would come and collect the items to sell in their thrift shops, with all sales proceeds going to funding rehabilitation programs. Downsizing during a move not only helps out others, but it can also be a great tip to save time and money by packing only what is necessary in your new home. Andrew Dobney from the Salvation Army suggests that instead of throwing away unwanted items, individuals can call their organization for free pickup. The items collected will be sold in their stores.
To get involved in the program, you can order a marketing kit from their website. The kit includes informational cards to give to your clients when they’re moving. Alternatively, clients can schedule a pickup online at their convenience.
2. Real Estate Wednesdays
Real estate agents make a significant contribution to the Salvation Army’s red kettle drives during the holiday season. They have a movement called “Real Estate Wednesdays” where they come together to ring bells and raise funds for the cause. In 2015, more than 2,400 real estate professionals participated and raised a whopping $201,000. According to Dobney, bell ringing is crucial to their work, and they only require volunteers for a two-hour time slot. It’s not just a solo activity; groups often come together to fill their time slots and make it more exciting. The Real Estate Wednesdays website provides resources on how to start bell ringing in your area and involve other agents and clients. If you’re interested in taking charge and becoming a captain for the Kettle, you can sign up and schedule other agents and groups to ring during different time slots.
3. Give Back Homes
If you have a knack for DIY projects and are interested in contributing to charitable causes, consider partnering with Give Back Homes. According to their website, Giveback Homes is a community of real estate professionals who are dedicated to making a positive impact by constructing homes for families in need all around the world. They organize fundraising events, coordinate teams of volunteer home builders, and encourage others to take action for the greater good.
Their efforts span across the United States, Mexico, Haiti, Nicaragua, and more.
To get involved, simply become a member on their website and support home building financially or by participating in Give Back Build Days both domestically and internationally. As a member, you’ll receive branded marketing materials to showcase your support for this charitable organization in your work and to your clients.
4. Automatically give proceeds with Charitable Agents
Partner with Charitable Agents to add a charitable component to your work. They are a real estate charity that enables you to give your clients the choice of donating a part of your fee to any charity they prefer.
Charitable Agents is a network of agents who have pledged to donate 10% of their earnings to charity. The directory allows clients to find nearby agents and choose a charity to support during the transaction.
To join the network, simply complete the contact form on the Charitable Agents website.
5. Door knocking with a purpose
Are you seeking a chance to give back to your community in a unique way? Consider putting a spin on traditional door-knocking by canvassing the neighborhood with large paper bags. Encourage people to fill the bags with canned goods for the local food bank. You can even brand the bags with your name and leave some information about the food drive. After a few days, return to collect any donations. This approachable method allows you to connect with your community while giving back in a meaningful way.
Giving back makes you happy
Giving back through charity events can be time-consuming, but the feeling of doing good is worth it! Plus, it could help you meet more people in your industry and community. The best part, though? You’re helping people truly in need using your expertise in real estate.
