06/10

As a real estate agent, there are multiple avenues to honing your craft and becoming the best agent in your localized area.

Whether you’d like to focus on high-end luxuries, new listings, or unique homes, it’s all up to you. Becoming a neighborhood expert is incredibly beneficial for your brand – you’ll become the go-to agent of the area, and if you do it right, you’ll become the first agent homebuyers think of when they’re ready to list their homes.

So, how can you become a neighborhood expert?

Familiarize Yourself

After selecting the area you’d like to specialize in, it’s critical that you become familiar with the different types of homes in the community. Research the style of homes and the price ranges.

You’ll also want to become familiar with these areas:

• Schools
• Local parks / recreation centers
• Local businesses – i.e., coffee shops, markets, diners, movie theatres, bookstores, etc.

Knowing the below listed items adds a personal touch as well:

• Trash day
• Town events
• Clubs / associations / churches
• Any public works issues
• The local job market

It would be helpful to know any optional new construction that might be taking place in the area. Talk directly to the builders, know their products, and ask them about upcoming projects.

Network, Network, Network

Getting to know the HOA board and the local business owners should be your top priority! These groups of people will be the ones to remember your name and face – and hey, they might even give you a referral or two.

When you talk with the HOA, be sure to know what the average monthly fees are, what the fees cover, and any maintenance future tenants will need to be made aware of. 

Holding open houses in the area is another great way to network and get your name out there.

Use Social Media

Keep your followers and potential clients up-to-speed with what you’re doing around town. Post about market statistics in the area, upload a photo of the new coffee shop in town, or showcase a mortgage lender located in the area.

Volunteer

Agents are busy – but if you can find a little time in your day to make a difference in that specialized community of yours, it can really work some wonders. Think about sponsoring a local sports team, volunteering at the local food bank, or helping out during a run or an event through the local parks!