Geographic farming is a popular prospecting method where real estate agents choose a particular neighborhood in which to, shall we say, make their presence known. Typical farming activities include the mailing of postcards, the walking of streets and the painting of bus benches. The goal is to become a household name in the farm area, so that when anyone thinks of selling real estate, they race to their refrigerator, find the farmer's phone number from his fancy refrigerator magnet, and make the call.
Fair enough.
For years, I've advised new agents not to farm unless they're weighted down with way too much money and need to get rid of it efficiently. In my opinion, the only way farming is going to be effective is if you already HAVE a presence in the neighborhood - that is - you have For Sale signs around with your name on them! But that's just my opinion; I could be wrong.
And anyway, that's not the point of this blog, which I'll get to now.
In conjunction with my jump back into full time real estate sales, I've decided to FARM! But not with postcards, door hangers or advertising... No, I'm going to have way more fun (and spend way less money).
I specialize in Central Denver, specifically an area known as Northwest Denver. It's a trendy little spot near Downtown with parks and lakes and coffee shops and yoga studios. Lots of young singles & families, most with dogs.
That's where I live and, being a bit lazy, would really like to do all my business close to home!
The good news for me is that I have a lot of friends who live here, too.
So I'm planning to make my presence known in my favored ‘hood. I'll get my facials, my manicures, my haircuts and my massages here. I'll find a few nearby restaurants and make them my Cheers. My lawn service, my plumber and my dog-groomer will be my neighbors. If I advertise, it will be only in the local rags. If I'm invited to a social event in the ‘hood, I'll be sure to go. I'll show up at the First Friday Art Walk on Tennyson Street and the Highland Square Street Fair in June.
Will I show up with my salesman hat and I Love Referrals button? Uh, no. I'll show up as a local, a neighbor, as a generally nice gal... who happens to sell real estate for a living.
JA,
Once a year we sponsor a "Garage Sale" for the community.
Great way to meet your neighbors.