the modern day trap fence

Who remembers the “trap fence”?

For the uninitiated, a trap fence was placed around a model home park to trap your buyers when they were reviewing the models — forcing them to enter and exit through your sales office.

If you don’t want them looking at the models and then walking straight back to their car, you need the chance to follow up after the tour.

The trap fence ensured that you had at least two extra touchpoints with every potential buyer.

The trap fence may be obsolete at a model home park…
but it’s alive and well on the internet.

The internet’s version of a trap fence is called a lead magnet.

A lead magnet is anything of value that you offer online to “trap” or capture the attention and contact information of your prospects — a free guide, checklist, quiz, template, discount, or webinar — in exchange for their email or phone number.

Just as the physical trap fence ensured every visitor passed through your sales office before leaving, the digital version ensures every online visitor passes through your sales process before disappearing into the digital parking lot of distraction.

The goal is the same:
👉 Create a controlled path that turns curiosity into conversation and conversation into conversion.

The difference is that today, your “fence” is built with pixels and persuasion instead of wood and wire.

You need to give them something truly valuable — something they actually want, not just another “Join our mailing list” box.

And here’s the thing:
I don’t see many builders or developers taking advantage of this right now.

That’s a missed opportunity… because whoever builds the best digital trap fence is going to capture the most qualified leads before their competitors even get a chance.

🏗️ DEVELOPERS / BUILDERS: Here are free ideas for you 👇

1️⃣ A downloadable local guide to your new community.
Make it personal — include insider recommendations from your team.

Example: Molly loves the bratwurst down at the Beer Garden, or our Division President Brad says there’s no better happy hour than The Taproom on Main.

When prospects download this guide, they don’t just see homes — they see a lifestyle, with your team as their friendly local experts.

2️⃣ A short video series: “What No One Tells You About Being a First-Time Homebuyer.”
Keep it real, authentic, and educational.

Cover the things that scare buyers most — financing myths, inspection surprises, or the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for closing.

This positions your team as the honest, trusted voice in a world of noise.

3️⃣ An interactive “Dream Home Style Quiz.”
Everyone loves quizzes — they’re fun and personal.

Create one that helps visitors discover their ideal floor plan, neighborhood vibe, or design aesthetic.

When they complete it, they get personalized recommendations (and you get their contact info).
✅ Engaging
✅ Valuable
✅ Win-win

It doesn’t stop there — that’s just the first date.

Nurturing your prospects with high-quality content marketing will keep you top of mind for months to come.