If I were to do something like this, I would run ads (facebook) and other online places.  Sent prospects to a landing page with a short video. Provide something of value - a free ebook on the top 10 things buyers need to know ... something like that. When they download they opt-in .... now you are building your database.  This step by step process builds trust. Once trust is established invite them to a homebuyer's seminar.Let them know snacks will be provided and lenders will be on-site to assist them.  There needs to be a compelling reason for them to attend. You must differentiate yourself. 

This can be rinsed and repeated ... tweaked as necessary. 

The loan officer probably has a list of people she has pre-qualified who have not purchased and are not currently represented by a Realtor. Get a mailing list for apartment communities.  Use the local publications to advertise.

Hold them at apartment complexes.

You could also try Facebook and boost it in the area you serve.

From everyone you have in your database who hasn't yet purchased.

Also, a Craigs List ad and post a blurb in your local paper and Pennysaver

those were very helpful and drew a crowd decades ago....no one does them anymore....

Contacting people who rent makes sense. Large apartment buildings?

Hold it where it has easy access and the attendees would feel comfortable going to.  Maybe a meeting room of a library or hotel. Make it known you will be serving food and beverages. (I recently went to a well attended "sales pitch" for a publication. It was a champagne brunch.) Have the interested parties register and then have someone call or email to remind them.  Promote on FB, local publications, posters on bulletin boards at libraries, churches, etc. Send postcards to apt complexes. Mention you will have goodie bags and doorprizes. 

We did these a few years back and advertised in the local paper, not too productive.

I think the success will be connected to the proper preparation for the seminar.  ActiveRain is a good forum to find success stories as well as things to avoid(if possible).   I haven't held one for many years so I'll be checking in and see the "new" ideas or "old" favorites that are currently working.

Good luck.  

I have no good tips for you in this regard... but I believe Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl have had some success with these and could help you.

Invite the tenants in your local apartment communities.

Success in such buyer seminars is directly related to longevity.

Attendance is rarely a impulse decision, (unless you are also advertising FREE FOOD) but one that has been reached over a measure of time. Seriously, FREE DOUGH NUTS work.

Urgency is created as other media sources amplify the benefits and immanent increase in cost of buying. This means a multi-faceted approach.

STEP ONE: Where are these first time buyers living right now? The low hanging fruit are in rental communities, apartment complexes. These are typically located near or around commerce.

STEP TWO: Collaborate with one of these local merchants, associations, professional offices, restaurant, pub, or church to host this activity for several months. It MUST be a win/win agreement.

STEP THREE: Determine what you have the most of, time or money. If money wins crank up your marketing engines and start papering those rent locations. The message is: "EVERY TUESDAY, 6:30 PM - FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS SEMINAR - find out where you can get down payment assistance and easy financing. No appointment needed."

There must be signage displayed 100% of the time for pedestrians to see the FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SEMINAR location. When folks are familiar with the location, they feel safer attending.

Your advertising must establish the PROBLEM the prospect is having and the solution that is available. (one problem at a time, you will be sending several messages)

The message must begin baby steps towards the benefits of home ownership. Avoid the cliche` and keep it gritty and real.

Finally, what other opportunities does this activity create?
Make certain you do not squander these 'altnerative' options by being pedantic on a single shot seminar mission.

Without FREE FOOD the 1st seminar will be lightly attended. However, each successive seminar will have greater attendance IF you keep your marketing engine revved up.

PS: the loan officer needs to be a paricipant and pay 100% of hosting fees and 50% of marketing costs. You may need additional team members.

It depends on the demographics but I have a lender that is the GO-TO person for VA loans so we set them up at or near the military base.  I have used function rooms at local hotels or even at a restaurant.  As for getting the word out - Have the lender post on their FB business page, you can post in communities with renters like apartment buildings.  you might also go after move-up buyers who havent purchased in a long time since the home buying process has all new rules and regs.

I am considering this at my church. We attend an inner city church and there are tons of single people (and some married) who are paying outrageous rents that need to buy. Some have grown up in housing projects and don't realize or understand they can possibly purchase a home. Some in their families have never even owned a home. I'm considering going to our Pastor and seeing if he would agree to a Home Buyer Seminar. I would bring my long time Mortgage friend and my friend from the title company I use. Most in our church are believing to buy a home, they just don't know where to start or understand the process, different types of loans, etc. I believe it will work.

Lots of localism posts.

Mary Vavala - rental complexes where you should market.

Worked well for me in past - about 30 first time home buyers attending. Not doing it anymore, though.

Not to be a Negative Nellie but buyers can get so much info on the Internet I doubt that you will have good attendance unless you have some great door prizesand spread the word through soical media.

I would try sending out information for first time home buyers to apartment complexes.

Whether or not the seminar works might be related more to the subject matter and presentation than to the place you hold it.

What about getting list of people who lost house to foreclosure in 2008/9 - it's 7 years now. And anyone who did short sale 3 years ago or more? Those lists are court records, but you need to find current address. Contact BK attorney? Some employers will allow you to do a 20 minute seminar as homeownership motivates employees to stay.  Team up not just with lender, get a title rep, an insurance agent and someone else to be part of the meeting. 

Apartments, condo communities with a high non-owner %.  Advertise to local libraries, housing authorities, schools, etc

Lots of options, the trick is to make sure you're advertising the heck out of it, aND in that advertising, give people a reason to come.

Facebook, craigslist, maybe partner with a local adult school.

I did a few early on with a lender, and did pick up a couple first time buyers.   The lender had some potential buyers we tapped into.

Fliers in major local gathering spots, social network invitations, targeting online marketing to your geo location. Good luck. 

I have done these in early spring with much success.

Possibly local news or neighborhood newspaper finding a few sponsors and get another agents involved. Good luck.

Kathleen has answered.

I've not had much luck with these either -  I targeted rentals back then perhaps it would work now?

parked and reading...

If you get 10 people - consider that a success - really even 5 is a good turnout because you have more time with them - don't be discouraged by a small turnout - if you get a buyer it was all worthwhile

I LOVE Kathleen Daniels' answer - PERFECT!

Try your database of homebuyers.

Other agents have tried seminars in my area. They haven't worked. I would do print advertising and see if the community you are spotlighting has an FB page and advertise your seminar there. 

   What Kathleen Daniels said.

Most homeowners don't think they need to go to one

I tryed it twice with little luck.

These have not worked well in my area... You need to be creative about finding your audience.

Contact apartments buildings, let your database know.

Maybe they have some new ideas.  It would be OK if they did the heavy lifting but most times, not enough people show up.  Unless .... they are giving something away?

That's not working in my area. I think what Kathleen Daniels suggests is the way to go now.