Convert Your Neighbors to Future Clients in 5 Easy Steps

March 1, 2023
7:56 am

Rule one of becoming your neighborhood go-to real estate agent? Don’t go telling and repeating left and right you’re one. Don’t be pushy and don’t make it all about real estate every time you talk to your neighbors. People hate to listen to the same things over and over again, they hate being sold to, and that’s what you’re doing when you use your standard ‘realtor talk’. What you need to do is build a strong relationship with them first and your profession will definitely come up during one of your casual conversations. They will either simply ask you what you do for a living or a real estate connected subject you can show your expertise in will come up…and it will happen rather sooner than later.

Putting it simply – make them like you as a person before they like you as a realtor. How to do that? Thought you’d never ask 😉

1 First of all, be a good neighbor. Obvious? Maybe. But do you really know what it actually means? Saying ‘hello’ or waving and smiling each time you see your neighbors, baking cookies for someone who you know isn’t feeling well or has just moved in, asking an elderly neighbor if there’s anything you could help with (maybe doing groceries while you do yours or walking their dog since you’re walking yours anyway), replying to questions, being respectful and polite, having your eyes open. This may all seem like taken from a children’s school book but remember small acts of kindness not only go a long way as far as building relationships, they make you feel better!

2 Know your neighborhood. Local statistics, MLS reports, brokerage reports, market data, demographics, best schools, best restaurants, best plumbers – you need to keep track of all the relevant information. If there’s a listing in your neighborhood you HAVE to go and see it whether it’s another agent’s, for sale by owner or just a party you’ve been invited to. Every home you visit should have a file with all information you find about it, your personal notes with all the details, positive and negative features you spot on site.

3 Get involved in your neighborhood. You need to be passionate about where you live. Connect with your local HOA, familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations, find out what problems people around you have. Go to your city council meetings, volunteer in local events, school events, become a part of local groups of interest, like church groups, book clubs, basketball teams etc. Just make sure that whatever you choose actually interests you. People will know if you’re faking it and doing it only for business!

4 Prepare a blog or website about your neighborhood. Fill it with interesting local information, history, rate local restaurants, interview local businesses, homeowners, residents. Fill it with amazing local photography. Share your posts on your social media profiles and newsletters.

5 Make sure your neighborhood is on social media. Search for local Facebook groups and join every single one you find. If you don’t find anything, create your own and invite your neighbors to join whenever you have the possibility. Do the same with Nextdoor.com. If anyone on the group asks for a recommendation for a service provider or the best sushi place around you should be the one to help them out, if they start looking for home value information you should be there offering them your expertise.