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Discovering my Niche – Or Did it Discover Me?

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

Discovering my Relocation Niche

Or Did it Discover Me?

 

When I think of those who advise, backed by experience, on the value of having a niche, or maybe more than one, I first think of  Liz and Bill Spear  (aka BLiz) in Ohio. If you are not already following this AR Ambassador (Bill) for the wisdom he shares in each weekly Ask an Ambassador post, you really should. Now!

 

Bill and Liz are successful Realtors in Ohio north of Cincinnati, and they certainly know their market, and the patio home niche they blog about and service. It’s good learning for us all! Bill has posted about having a niche multiple times, and he has plenty of success to back-up what he’s talking about.

 

Relocation is not for DummiesI’ve had 4 major relocations (in addition to multiple smaller moves locally and regionally) – Michigan to Boston, Boston to the Twin Cities, the Twin Cities back to Boston, and Boston to Carlsbad CA.

 

Perhaps more than some of you, but not nearly as many as others. But the number of moves doesn’t matter.

 

My move in 2005 from Boston to Carlsbad evolved into a focus on relocation as a niche, having moved multiple times with changing jobs, working with relocation companies, moving kids, pets and cars, plus buying and selling simultaneously, or trying to.  All are issues those who are relocating have to deal with.

 

These days relocating buyers have to cope with intense competition around the country…tough enough to handle as a buyer if you live locally, but even more challenging dealing with from a distance.

 

As a former Human Resources professional in the corporate world for 15 years I dealt with relocation issues for employees on multiple occasions. As a result I understand many of the practical issues people who are relocating deal with as far as changing jobs, but appreciate the issues anyone who is relocating has to cope with – managing a myriad of tasks, coordinating buying and selling (or renting) from a distance, preparing for the move, hiring movers, learning about a new community, and the list goes on.

 

Relocation can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve not done it before. But even if you have relocated each situation is different and presents its own challenges, especially on the house hunting side!

 

Timing can be a big issue. Sometimes a relocation may have to happen fairly quickly due to a new job, or perhaps other circumstances. For some, it’s more dependent on finding the right home and community – that could take months or perhaps longer depending on the reasons prompting the move, and other personal and financial circumstances (e.g., selling the current home).

 

Map of the USAI enjoy working with relocations a great deal (most have been in-bound), and it was a natural progression when I moved here to Carlsbad from Boston, given the life decisions we had made to relocate our family multiple times over the years.

 

Those experiences, coupled with my experience in the corporate world, readily lead to a focus on relocations...but of course I help lots of local buyers and sellers, too.

 

As a result of my relocation niche focus I developed a 5-page Relocation Checklist that I share with clients, a checklist of questions to ask movers, provide a range of relocation services, and created a video series of Relocation Tips and Advice for those who are relocating to my area.

 

My vast network of Realtors around the country from the ActiveRain community and my Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) connections allow me to help buyers and sellers all over the country with their buying, selling, and relocation needs. I can help either directly if moving here or leaving my area, or indirectly with referrals to qualified agents I know. How can I help YOU or someone you know?

 

If you have questions or need any assistance with YOUR relocation, or if you are just thinking about a big move in the future, please reach out to me, the #SouthernCaliforniaRelocationDude, at (760) 840-1360 directly or via text. 

 

What niche(s) do YOU serve?

Did you discover your niche or did it discover you?

 

Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Comments (42)

Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Jeff Dowler, CRS  I always loved your market reports and I really think they had so much to do with your relo business.  I know you always inspired me to write my reports anyone looking to move to your area would see that you stood out . I always considered you one of my AR Guru's 

Dec 30, 2021 05:51 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

That is quite a cross country move! Have a really Happy New Year and a great 2022!

Dec 30, 2021 07:49 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thank you Dorie Dillard Austin TX I appreciate the kind words.

Thanks for the nice compliment Hannah Williams I'm flattered!

Jeff

Dec 30, 2021 08:07 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It WAS a pretty big move Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty and a lot to coordinate. Still miss Boston...but not the winters!

Jeff

Dec 30, 2021 08:09 AM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

If your niche comes to you...it is a natural thing.  If you have to create it...I think it is harder..

Dec 30, 2021 12:02 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Ginger Harper  I think that's a good point!

Happy New Year 2022!

Jeff

Dec 30, 2021 12:50 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

I am a believer that the niche finds us entirely based on the life situations we encounter. Your relocation expertise came the hard way with all the moves, but it enables you to make that move easier for others.

Dec 30, 2021 04:14 PM
Kris Collis, Associate Broker
Smart Way America Realty - East Stroudsburg, PA
Professional Results you Expect 570-801-5525

Jeff, sounds like your professional life in Human Resources prepared your niche in Relocation. Great on the job experience for your real estate career.

Dec 30, 2021 05:57 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Ed Silva 

Good point! We learned a lot from our moves, and each helped with the next. I'm glad I can bring that experience to others!

Jeff

Dec 30, 2021 08:10 PM
Scott Seaton Jr. SLS Home Insp
SLS Home Inspections-Kankakee Will Iroquois Grundy Counties - Bourbonnais, IL
The Home Inspector With a Heart!

I have about 5 major businesses in our market and they are all in constant relocation with their new hires. A large portion of my annual business is from these 5 big dogs.

Dec 31, 2021 06:09 AM
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

Nice blog Jeff! I too specialize in relocation. We went through a corporate relocation from FL to NC. I've learned about the different relocation packages companies offer. Most importantly, I've learned what is important to those relocating. I take a lot of care to help my clients moving to the area. Happy New Year to you!

Dec 31, 2021 06:54 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

HR was definitely helpful Kris Collis, Associate Broker along with my own personal relocation experiences. And I learn with every relocating client I work with.

Jeff

Dec 31, 2021 08:59 AM
Kris Collis, Associate Broker

Jeff Dowler, CRS We share relocation personally and professionally in common.  East Stroudsburg is minutes from New Jersey. Growth here since 2000 has been fueled by NJ/NY buyers and events since 2020 has added to the momentum.

Dec 31, 2021 06:45 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Good for you Scott Seaton Jr. Bourbonnais Kankakee IL Home Inspector  to have those relationships. No doubt it's a challenging time for relocations.

Jeff

Dec 31, 2021 09:51 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Carla Freund  No doubt your personal relocation experience and knowledge is a big help to your clients. I've found that companies do all sorts of things for employees they are relocating.

Happy New Year 2022!

Jeff 

Dec 31, 2021 12:09 PM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

There are many niches in real estate and relocation is defiantly a specialty and you have all the bases covered with first hand experiences Jeff Dowler, CRS .

Dec 31, 2021 04:07 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thank you Buzz Mackintosh No doubt you have a niche or two of your own!

Happy New Year 2022!

Jeff

Dec 31, 2021 05:17 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Jeff - I can see how this niche was a natural for you and that is why you are successful.  My niche involve my HR experience too.  I loved it and still love it and that is why it works for me too.

Jan 01, 2022 03:44 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Jeff, for sharing your personal experience and your advice.

Best wishes to you and your family for a Very Happy New Year!

Jan 01, 2022 05:24 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Grant Schneider 

Happy New Year! 

It's certainly important to love what we do, isn't it?

Jeff

Jan 01, 2022 10:55 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Roy Kelley 

Thank you!

Happy New Year 2022 to you and Delores!

Jeff

Jan 01, 2022 10:56 AM