Every agent wants to be the one whose calendar is on everyone’s fridge – the one people know because they see her around town and her Instagram posts are worth reading – and the one they may call when they want to buy or sell a home or recommend an agent to a friend.   

The neighborhood expert adds value and inspires trust when showing a home. He can answer their questions about the nearest dog park, or the best routes to take into the city.  

Becoming the local real estate expert is no easy task. It takes effort and a lot of time to make it happen. But you can do it, starting today, with these five simple tips: 

1. Work where you live – Make your neighborhood and surrounding areas your primary work focus. You already know the venues, the traffic patterns, the best places to eat and shop. Sharing that knowledge can help position you as the go-to local agent. 

2. Know the properties – Walk the streets. Observe the vibes. Go to all the open houses. Take every opportunity to visit as many homes as possible. When a buyer calls about a home online, it’s a plus to say, “I know that house. It has an amazing rose garden.” 

3. Be socially active but not sales-y – Join service clubs to meet new people. Sponsor a youth sports team and be there to root for them on game days. Be friendly but leave your sales cap at home unless someone asks for information. Your goal here is not to be pushy but to build relationships that win business over time. 

4. Make your social media posts intentional - Focus your posts less on sales promotion and more on local events, kitchen trends, DIY advice, and nearby historic homes. It will help gain a following or people who know who you are and trust your knowledge and advice. 

5. Partner with local businesses – Get to know the owners of the hardware store, salons, cafés, retail stores and restaurants. Partner with them by serving cookies from the local bakery when you host an open house, or by giving out coupons for two-for one pizzas from that popular mom-and-pop pizza joint. In return, leave your branded calendars on the counter for their customers to pick up at will. 

---

This material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. This material is not intended to be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult your legal, tax or investment professional for specific advice.   

About Bobbi Pronin   

Bobbi Pronin is an award-winning writer based in Orange County, Calif. A former news editor with more than 30 years of experience in journalism and corporate communications, she has specialized in real estate topics for over a decade.   

Bobbi is not an employee of Anywhere Integrated Services or affiliated with its title companies.