This is really what it is all about. Being the One, not one of many. We are in a time that specialization is more important than ever. Whether you are a specialist in your neighborhood or you choose another area of home sales to specialize in, it is crucial for your future.
Let me ask you a question. When you fly today do you call a travel agent?
 Of course not. The Internet changed that. And when it did we were told that it was the end of travel agents. Sure there are less. And there will be less REALTORS. The Internet has changed the world of homes sales also. But just like in the travel industry the Travel Agents that specialized are still with us today. If you want a trip To Italy or a backpacking Adventure in Costa Rica you do not book that online. You are going to call someone that specializes in your very special vacation needs.
In fact, the Travel Agents that specialized not only survived, they are thriving.
Are you going to leave real estate, just survive or Thrive?
Specialize!

Although this was published way back in 2004 it is true today. (Except for the maps. Don’t you love GPS) But not for our Neighborhood Experts.
True story.
Early on when we started our first neighborhood site we stole some buyers right out of the back seat of an agents car just like the one pictured here. That is what inspired this cartoon.
Ok, we didn’t steal. Stealing is not nice. But we did get a call one evening from a couple that had been in the back seat of an agent’s car that same day. They told us that while the agent was pulled over looking at his map to figure out where to go next they saw a sign that said “To Find All Homes for Sale, Visit MyCollegePark.com.”
When they got back home they looked it up and found a Neighborhood Site, not just another agent’s site. After looking around they said to each other “These are the real Neighborhood Experts. Let’s call them!”

They did and we sold them a home. That happened more than once and works for agents all across the country today.

Great story, but true. Be The Neighborhood Expert, not just another agent with a license.

Did you know that 70%-80% of buyers already live within 5 miles of the neighborhood they are thinking of moving to? It’s true. So why do so many spend 70% of their marketing dollars and effort to find people that may or may not buy in your neighborhood? And when they ride around the neighborhood before they choose a REALTOR will they find you or your competition?

If you are one of our real estate professionals that have decided to be positioned as the Neighborhood Expert they will find you! We know how to make the invisible visible.

Actually you are on call every day, every where you go. Watching, listening and trying to find a way to introduce yourself as a REALTOR when you hear that random conversation.
Or how about that dreaded line…” If you know of anyone thinking of buying or selling a home….”
We know how you can stop. We know how you can introduce yourself as a helpful neighbor and end up standing heads above any other agents.
Want to know? Just give us a call.
  

Why not have all the residents, merchants, schools, clubs, organizations and places of worship looking for you? They can be your partners in driving people to you- The Neighborhood Expert.

We all have had this happen at one time or another. In fact we have a big poster hanging in our offices to remind all our staff what it is like to be a REALTOR. Work hard, spend countless hours for a client and right before closing something happens and you don’t get paid.
True, we can’t help you avoid this ever happening again but we can help you change your image from just another person with a license  to a Neighborhood Expert that is a professional and part of the core fabric of the neighborhood. We want your efforts and commitment to be respected and appreciated. And if you are one that gives back, is involved and a leader, you are also one that is more apt to be respected. And buyers and sellers tend to be much more loyal to those they look up to. Think about it.

Ok, not this way. But if we can get the whole neighborhood using, participating and telling each other about their neighborhood site then the real estate professional we chose to represent that neighborhood will be in front of all the buyers, all the sellers and stay in front of the residents every day. Not just the one day  a card is thrust into their hand. Or in this case, falls on their head.

Yes it is true. We spend too much and get too little back. But what can we do? If you don’t market yourself, let buyers and sellers know you are in business you have no business.
We do not want you to spend more. In fact we want you to stop wasting your ad dollars in places not needed. Newspapers, real estate magazines and yes even endless web sites, all great expenses in places the buyers are not.
Where are the buyers?
In your neighborhood!

Whether you are a new agent or one that has been around awhile (We’ve been around so long there is moss growing behind our ears) it is important to stand out from all.
Once I saw an ad from an agent that was part of a small team of agents within a neighborhood. But then I read his ad. ” We specialize in ALL your INTERNATIONAL real estate needs.”
International? It’s bad enough to be one of 1.4 Million REALTORS but now you want to be one of even a competition pool?
Why not be ONE of 5 or 10? How many are considered Neighborhood Specialist in your community. If you became the top one of that small specialized group wouldn’t you have a business and career to be envied?
Be THE ONE, not one of many.