How to Become the Go-To Agent in Your Neighborhood

The real estate profession is jam-packed with stiff competition.  As a new agent, you'll be up against other agents vying for a foothold in the same market. 

So, what can you do to stand out from the competition?  Become the "go-to" agent in your neighborhood.

When you join BHHS Homesale Realty, we help you define and develop your personal brand to become recognized as an expert in your chosen real estate market. 

While some real estate agents choose to specialize in a specific locale (town, community, neighborhood, etc.), others select a particular niche (first-time homebuyers, seniors, luxury buyers, etc.).

Let's start by taking a look at specializing in a neighborhood.

Why Specialize in a Neighborhood

Targeting a specific neighborhood lets you sharpen your knowledge about an area to get better results for your clients, and, in turn, strengthen your business and build your brand. 

Advantages of Specializing in a Neighborhood

• You'll gain the knowledge and experience you need to earn the title of "Go-To" Agent.
• You'll earn the reputation as the real estate expert for that locale.
• Your marketing plans will be easier since you are targeting a smaller scope and not an entire city.
• Once your brand becomes connected with an area, your business will grow.
  
  

How to Choose a Neighborhood

A first few words of advice when picking a neighborhood:

• Start by listing the areas you know. (i.e., where you live or spend a good deal of time)
• Research how many homes are in that community
• What homes have sold for in that area
• How frequently homes sell
• A market can be small, but not so small that there will be too few clients.
• Assess your competition using the Internet.   If you're tech savvy, search your list of areas along with the keywords "real estate agents" or "realtors" in the search to get names of other agents marketing homes in that community.  If another agent has the market well-saturated, it may be a better use of your time, efforts and money to target another neighborhood.
• What does the future hold?  Although you don't have a crystal ball, it's a good idea to consider the neighborhood's future.  Are people moving out of the area?  How quickly are homes selling?
  
  

Building Your Business and Brand

Build your business and brand by developing your knowledge base about the local market. Be able to know and communicate information like:

• Average home values

• How often homes sell

• Available housing inventory

• Home styles

• Local schools

• Places of worship

• Crime rates

• Top employers

• Community events and activities
  
  

Staying connected with clients and prospects helps you achieve your goals. You can harness several methods to get started:

• Develop a website so clients can find you. Create a dedicated landing page on your website for your community. Create static copy on the page and pull in MLS listings.
• Share reviews from past clients in the community on your website.
• Master social media networks. Create accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube to help you connect with clients.
• Write a blog and post it on your website targeting your neighborhood to inform people about local events and businesses in the community.
• Compile a neighborhood email list and send an e-newsletter.
• Become active in online communities regarding your community.
• Use brochures, flyers and post cards either delivered either in person or mailed.
• Participate in person at community events, fundraisers and even garage sales to connect with your local neighborhood.

 
Becoming the "go-to" agent in your neighborhood won't be easy. It's going to take communication, commitment and a drive to rise above the competition.  When you hang your license with us, you will benefit from the expertise and knowledge of the best in real estate industry.

Contact us to learn more about starting a real estate career with BHHS Homesale Realty.