Greg Anderson
How Greg Anderson Built his Real Estate Business —One Pie and One Person at a Time
What if growing your real estate business wasn’t about chasing cold leads—but about showing up consistently for the people who already know you?
That’s exactly how Greg Anderson built his 30-year career. He didn’t have a massive marketing budget. He didn’t chase every shiny new lead strategy. Instead, he built trust. Delivered amazing service. And stayed connected long after the closing.
In this episode of Outside the Box, Greg shares how a hospitality background, a calm demeanor, and a 700-pie Thanksgiving giveaway helped him turn clients into lifelong referral sources.
Listen to the full episode here
Episode Highlights
1. “Real Estate Is a People Business.”
“My dad told me, ‘Real estate is a people business.’ And he was right.”
That mindset stuck. Greg isn’t just trying to close deals—he’s trying to exceed expectations and build lifelong relationships. His mission? Make people say, "Wow, I wasn’t expecting that."
2. From Firefighting to Friendship
“There are so many things in real estate you don’t know you’re going to wake up to—until they happen.”
Greg compares it to putting out fires—and he thrives in the chaos. His hospitality roots taught him to stay calm under pressure, and clients trust him because of it.
3. Client Events That Actually Work
“We gave out over 700 pies last year. It’s a team event and an individual event. People walk into the vault like VIPs.”
Every event is personal, intentional, and fun. And they’re not just about the holidays—they’re about staying relevant year-round.
4. The $0 Marketing Tool That Changed Everything
“Your business card is one of the cheapest forms of advertising.”
No ads. No leads. Just great conversations and simple follow-ups. That approach turned one card—and one thank you note—into over 50 closed deals over time.
5. Seven Ways Greg Stays Top of Mind After Closing
“Don’t treat them as a transaction. Treat them as a trusting, lifelong relationship.”
- Home anniversary cards (often with a Starbucks gift card)
- Holiday events and giveaways
- Paper shredding days
- Property tax seminars
- Social media interactions
- Testimonial Tuesdays
- Personalized follow-up texts, calls, and notes
6. Biggest Mistakes New Agents Make? Going Too Broad
“Stay concentrated to just those top 250—or whatever your number is—and focus on them.”
Greg didn’t try to be everywhere. He built deep relationships with his sphere of influence and let the referrals do the rest.
7. A Referral Story You’ll Never Forget
“That one client led to about 15–20% of my entire database.”
It started with an open house visitor named Jeff and turned into a ripple effect of referrals that lasted decades.
Key Takeaways for Realtors
- Great service isn’t just good business—it’s referral marketing.
- Events are more powerful when shared with other agents.
- Staying in touch is everything—especially when there’s no sale in sight.
- Referrals don’t happen by accident. They happen on purpose.
Listen to Greg Anderson’s Full Interview
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Ready to Build a Referral Machine of Your Own?
Events like these aren’t just about fun—they’re a smart way to build lasting client relationships. And when the time comes for a thoughtful follow-up, the right closing gift can make all the difference.
That’s why many top Realtors use branded moving boxes, custom moving boxes, or closing gifts as part of their long-term strategy. A well-timed, personalized touch keeps your name in front of clients long after the move.
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May 29, 2025
How Greg Anderson Turns Clients into Lifelong Referrals
Most Realtors fade from their clients’ lives once the deal is done. Not Greg Anderson.
He’s built a referral-driven business by showing up—year after year—with personal touches, thoughtful services, and creative follow-up events that genuinely serve his clients. As Greg puts it, “I treat them as trusted friends… even the ones who aren’t warm and fuzzy—I stay in their life like a friend.”
7 Ways Greg Builds Relationships that Keep Referring
This episode of Outside the Box unpacks Greg’s repeat and referral system, revealing client appreciation strategies you probably haven’t tried yet. Listen to the full interview here: Episode #7 with Greg Anderson.
1. Home Anniversary Cards
Yes, every year. Greg sends a personalized card to celebrate each client’s home purchase anniversary. It’s simple, thoughtful, and creates an annual moment of reconnection.
2. Thanksgiving Pie Parties
Greg and his team host an epic pie giveaway in a decorated
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May 23, 2025
How 700 Pies and a Bank Vault Created the Ultimate Thanksgiving Client Event
What if your next referral didn’t come from a postcard—but from a pumpkin pie?
Every Thanksgiving, veteran Realtor Greg Anderson helps transform an old bank vault into the most buzzed-about pie pickup spot in town. With over 700 pies, apple cider, music, and a warm “welcome back” for every guest, his client appreciation event has become a beloved tradition that keeps referrals rolling year after year.
As Greg says, “It’s a team event and then it’s an individual event because once the party starts... it’s the power of leveraging... so that the overall outcome is beneficial to all.”
Step 1: Start Planning Early
Greg begins organizing his pie giveaway in early October. He locks in the date, the venue, and his Costco pie order well ahead of time. That early prep prevents last-minute stress and ensures a smooth, welcoming experience.
“Our whole office gave out over 700 pies,” Greg shared. “It’s like the place to be.”
