"NICHE" MARKETING:....WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?

Laurie: Obviously there is a difference in locals, the other reason that specializing can be important. Here, we have a well informed buyer and seller who seem to choose expertise over friends and the ever-present agents who just go for the huge number of listings in order to get business. Those agents by the way, sell everywhere they possibly can...more power to them since I see that the changes taking place right now in the business, here at least, is more and more focused on the Niche agent who has developed a reputation for an area or for a category such as New Construction.

Loreena: I see the point you make and it is appreciated. I think we all like to feel our immediate areas are our "Niche" and they are to a certain degree; however, I see many agents who want to sell or list in the Village of Southampton soon become discouraged and leave the area to those of us who have taken it on as an area of expertise. Nothing against those agents who decide to leave the Village---they find it is far more lucrative to sell elsewhere.

Michael: Thank you Michael---I find it is really gratifying to have both buyers and sellers who appreciate what I know and they also send me lots of business too!

Karen: I felt it was an important subject to get out there for a good dialogue---too many times we just think about focusing on an area but if we really understand the dynamics of the new real estate market, I think we all need to take on a Niche...don't you?

Ilyce: Good---glad you are enjoying it; I am too! This will be something that I go back to over and over again to re-read the comments, just make sure I didn't miss something! :)

Christina: Very wise, I think---when I advertise I do find that I focus that on the Village here but in many cases, I get responses to my ads that just mention Southampton in general. I ran an ad on a  wonderful waterfront vacant lot in Tuckahoe, which I ran as Southampton North and I got tremendous response...so I agree with your idea of not diluting my Niche too much.

Anna: Great! Good luck with it and you should write a post maybe on your "Niche"! :)

Christine: Bingo--I always try to work with a client but when I am in over my head with lack of knowledge of comps etc.....I am mor ehan happy to  refer!

Tammie: I know; it is tough out there so there area lot of agents doing that and maybe even becoming expert at other areas they may not have ever wanted to do before.

Kate: You are correct; until I started to really study an area and take the specialist position, I did no tdo as well as I have been doing since!

Kirsten: I am in full agreement--the same could be said for country properties here as well--they are usually handled by non-specific agents and as a result don't get the right representation. That woud be a great Niche to develope here in the Hamtpons!!

Adrian: Good for you! Keep up the good work and I hope the green holds out in the long run!!!:)

Tom: That's why I always try to know an area that I am selling in...otherwise it becomes a lose-lose: I lose the customer and the customer loses big time!

David: thank you and a very Merry Christmas to you too!

Rocky: I have searate pages only because my niche markets are relatively small....You have A Merry Christmas too and enjoy your New Year also!

...And happy Niche'ing to you too!! I think the idea gets better and better as time moves on--and the danger remains as long as one does not pay attention and make sure to expand one's niche as needed.