How Hosting Neighborhood Events Helps Grow Your Real Estate Network

By Willie Miranda

Willie Miranda has more than 27 years of experience in the real estate and insurance industry. Willie and his team have sold well over 8,000 homes for over a billion and a half dollars in real estate sales.

What’s one simple way to connect with your neighbors and grow your real estate business at the same time? Here’s something that’s worked for me time and time again: hosting a neighborhood event with a little help from an ice cream truck.

Over the years, I’ve done several events where we traded canned goods for a cone. People would bring non-perishable items from the local food pantry and get a free ice cream cone in return. It’s a simple idea that always brings people together for a good cause.

The most recent event took place during a block party in a newer development in Naples, Florida. The neighborhood has about 120 homes, and even though I’ve only been here for four years, I decided to bring an idea that worked well back in New York. Instead of showing up with an appetizer, I showed up with an ice cream truck.

Free ice cream was handed out, business cards were passed around, and neighbors came by one after another to say hello, thank me, and chat about real estate and local life. It was a great way to break the ice—no pun intended—and meet people in a relaxed and friendly setting.

What makes these events so effective is how natural the connections feel. On a warm day, everyone loves a cold treat. It gets people outside, talking, laughing, and engaging. It’s not just networking—it’s building real relationships.

It also doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Once the logistics are figured out and the minimum ice cream order is set, the cost is surprisingly affordable. This neighborhood event is also a much more budget-friendly option than paying for leads or sending out massive mailers. Plus, the return comes in the form of genuine community interaction.

If you’re looking for a creative way to raise awareness and build relationships in your neighborhood, try something like this. For any questions or if you want some ideas, feel free to call me at (518) 376-1073 or send an email to wmiranda@mrgteam.com. I’ll help you keep things simple, fun, and meaningful.