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Building a Niche in Real Estate

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Home Point Real Estate DRE # 01492725

Building a Niche in Real Estate

There is a lot of talk about Niche Marketing. I think it is really important to develop a Niche as a way of building credibility and establishing a position as a Realtor. I think it is most important for newer agents and us smaller brokers. This is the way people will notice us.

A niche can be a geographic area, a home type, a buyer type, or a seller type. Try to match your niche to your personality. I have always felt I am not a great sales person, but am more analytical. I began to blog and niche market to Investors as a felt my analytical skills would be more appreciated by Investors – They are.

Hyper-local is a great way to blog and build your niche, but it is not the only thing you need to do. You need to understand your niche. As I was developing a niche among Investors I went and read up on Real Estate Investing. There is a lot of really bad stuff on Investing out there published by shady people (I think). I went another direction. I focused on numbers, laws, and the reality of the market and how to negotiate it. I made what I had to say readable with lots of examples.

I did a book on real estate investing that I push a lot. The only problem with the book is I have learned so much more sense I wrote it. I get several request a week for the book and it brings me clients. I am going to have to find the time to update the book.

The other thing about a Niche is you learn to talk the language of your client. How to address their concerns. How to educate them. I am a much better sales man while working my niche. You begin to understand the concerns of your clients much better. When your client sees you understand the Niche they will be loyal and recommend you their friends.

One thing I have heard many people say is to be focused in Real Estate. To some extent I think this is true. However, you should have several Niches. Not every niche is going to be working at one time and it takes time to really develop a niche.

Pick you niches based on your skills and knowledge, where you think the market will be hot, and if you can spot an under served area this can be a great niche.

Remember “Rome was not built in a day.” Build your Real Estate Empire one niche at a time.

David W. Hughes
Home Realtors 208-870-5133 - Nampa, ID
Designated Broker at Home Realtors of Idaho

I agree. Staying focused is so easy to say, but is vital. I catch myself getting distracted sometimes and then I realize something I should be focusing on is right in front of me.(Niche wise) Like a splash of cold water to the face! Thanks for sharing!

May 09, 2012 03:50 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Gene, Here's the results for us. ALL actual business and consumer calls related to real estate have come from our 30+ posts dedicated to our niche Outside AR blog.  The other 1000+ posts have gained us friendships, attempted referrals, but no actual checks.  Results are from giving the consumers EXACTLY what they want and can't find elsewhere.

May 09, 2012 03:51 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Home Realtors - If you are not focused on a niche you are just headed in too many directions.

Liz and Bill - I have 3 niches - one strong the other two in development.  80% of my business if from the main niche.  The other two are generating lots of leads, no business yet.

May 09, 2012 04:05 AM
marti garaughty
garaughty.com - Montreal, QC
a highly caffeinated creative type...

garaughty, abstract art, graphic design, WordPress designer, branding consultant, creative strategist

May 09, 2012 04:48 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

One of the most important things you've said here is:

Try to match your niche to your personality.

I talk to SO many agents who are going after a niche based on the money it can generate per closing, and that's the wrong way to go about it.

If you do what matches your personality, you'll enjoy your work, enjoy the paople you're working with, and make MORE money.

May 09, 2012 07:16 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

P.S. Since this is something I harp about in my real estate ezine and blogs, and since you've said it all so well - I was going to reblog it. Phooey! It's not "reblogable."

So I hit suggest...

May 09, 2012 07:17 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Gene.....my niche has been new construction for 25 years.... I have my builders license and have listed and sold 40 subdivisions....it's a real passion for me.

May 09, 2012 10:40 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

We agree Gene that having more than one niche is a good idea. We have a nice luxury market that we cover, but we also are well known for our condo market too...this works well for us! 

May 09, 2012 09:18 PM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Barbara, Larry, Sheila - you guys have worked much harder and longer than me at this, but I am building a good reputation and I love it.

May 10, 2012 09:52 AM