Local celebrities are professionals who leverage their neighborhood notoriety to create a profitable brand. Everyone needs to buy, sell, or rent a property. And these people are looking for a real estate expert with leadership qualities who understands the area. Learn how you can – yes, you really can! – become the best real estate agent in the neighborhood.
Get Focused
Scattered efforts in multiple directions can mean missed leads. Focus on a specific neighborhood, then live, eat, and breathe the area. Check out every aspect of the local scene, from where to find schools and doctors to the best place for a family dinner. Define the factors that make the place unique and identify neighborhood concerns. Authentic interest in the area builds enthusiasm and establishes a feeling of trust for the agent.
Keep Everyone in the Loop
Successful real estate agents know everyone, so they are a valuable resource in any property-related interaction. Get to know mortgage bankers, inspectors, attorneys, accountants, contractors, landlords, farmers, insurance agents, builders, and other local business owners. Be available to answer questions and talk about neighborhood real estate. Hand out business cards and encourage people to share them. Offer to refer clients to reputable neighborhood professionals to establish a practice of mutual referrals. For example, an agent who works with a builder can connect with more real estate investors.
Become a Community Advocate
The most memorable local agents are integrated into the community. People see them as members or officers of local boards and associations as well as the chamber of commerce. Many volunteer for their favorite causes, such as beautification projects and cleaning up local parking lots. Local experts dive into the community, tackling its project and concerns. They also have a great time at neighborhood parades and events. Start a blog to write about past and upcoming news. Include original photos and videos to show what makes the area a great place to live, work, and socialize.
Get Smart and Start Sharing Neighborhood Updates
Keep the smartphone handy at all times to take photos of local parks, beaches, flowers, and historical venues. Share the pictures and videos on social media with catchy captions. Join local groups on sites such as Facebook to connect with the right target audience. Share posts about personal passions, such as boating, golfing, gardening, or fine dining. Talking about what makes a neighborhood a fun place is sure to attract more buyers and renters – and their friends and families.
Create a Map of Area Attractions
While a GPS helps people find specific destinations, a localized map gives them a personal feel for the area. Savvy agents create a map of area attractions to provide to potential clients. Include historic attractions, galleries, restaurants, beaches, parks, and unusual places few people know about – such as the cemetery on a dead-end from the 1700s. Providing a comprehensive overview of the area shows the agent has detailed local knowledge.
Know the Local Economic Trends
Agents must know the national, regional, and local economic trends to provide the best advice to any type of client. Be aware of median sale prices, time properties are on the market, local turnover, and the types of properties that sell in the area. Share this information with other local professionals, and post updates on social media to become known as a neighborhood pro. Want to step it up a notch? Offer free home valuations to attract sellers looking to list a home. Get to know more about financing option and have handy resources to share with buyers. Keep the process a local as possible to build trust, referrals, and a reputation as the best real estate agent in the area.
Do the Demographics
Does the neighborhood attract millennial buyers, seniors, or families? Were there more luxury homes or low-income housing units built in the past two years? Consider the demographics to understand the target market. Know who they are and what they want to provide the highest level of service every step of the way. Focus on the growing demographics to build a foundation for future business and referrals. Another option is to choose an underserved niche market to attract a specific target audience. Find updates through the United States Census Bureau and the local assessor’s office.
Host Unforgettable Open Houses
Few people can resist – or forget – an enjoyable party. Make open houses an experience people look forward to sharing. Attract local agents, investors, mortgage lenders, and buyers with unique parties that provide useful information. Invite neighborhood celebrities to attend and have a sensational soiree with high-end bottled water and finger foods. Provide handouts such as the map of area attractions, a colorful brochure about the property, and a list of local business professionals. People will look forward to these open houses as an opportunity to network and learn more about the latest neighborhood happenings.
Stay on Top of the Trends
Are there plans to build a new corporate park that will add more jobs – and people who need housing – to the area? Are the seniors moving out and who is moving in? Stay on top of the trends, from the new restaurant in town to a community group dedicated to preserving regional wildlife. Keep a finger on the pulse of what’s going on right now to become the go-to person for neighborhood news. Be the first to visit new businesses and try fresh ideas. Become a leader people remember when they want real estate advice. Attend some continuing education classes to stay on top of industry updates. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate agents have access to the Be Better University® for ongoing professional development and best practices. Loving the local area can transform an agent into a neighborhood expert people trust. Staying in tune with the surroundings is the easiest way to become the best real estate agent in the area. Use leadership qualities and localized expertise to build a network of referrals and happy clients who come back when they want to buy or sell again.
