As a follow-up to my farming post, I hope you all received a copy of the newsletter if you requested it.   I have to say the response was overwhelming and the questions were too.   But I want to thank you ALL for your interest in MY opinion.   A gal living in Jersey always has an opinion. <grin>

To make it easy (on me) after sending out almost 200 copies of my newsletter, I decided to just do a generic post and answer some of your questions.

If I forgot anything please drop me another note and I’d be happy to address it.

So Farming….

Question:   How did I pick my farm area   

Everyone wants to farm the “prettiest” communities and the “most expensive”.   Well neither of those played a roll in my choice.    I learned early on you want to list product that sells.   So of course you want to farm product that sells.

Do your research.    Look at the sold history in your cities and counties.   What price range has the most sales?   Then break that down into where in that price range is the product.   

You should see some consistence in those numbers.   And I wouldn’t hesitate to go back a couple of years.  And don’t forget new construction sites.   If a new housing development is selling, especially in this adjusted market place, why not start there?   Catch the community while it’s young and fresh and before someone else gets a foothold on it.

Question:  How long did it take to see results

I have to be honest I’ve been doing this a long long time … so to be specific would be a fib.   I would say safely that at least six months of consistent farming and you should see some results. 

Farming is NOT to make a quick buck, it’s a way to grow and cultivate your business every year.   Look at this… if you start now….. by the time the spring market hits next year you should be that communities expert.  

Question:  Do you mail other items

I do mail just listed and just sold cards …. Not on every property.   I primarily do it in my farm area and some of the surrounding towns.    You can’t rely solely on the newsletter, you MUST be creative and you must give the public what they want.

I think the statistics on the newsletter are the key.    The homeowners want to know what the area they live in is worth.    I caught a lot of flack in the beginning from my competitors and colleagues for putting all the information on the newsletter.   

 “Why would you give the home owners ALL the information, they have no reason to call you”

Well my statistic will prove otherwise.    My sales have dominated in my farm area for several years almost 2-1.    And oh by the way, I remember the majority of the agents that made those remarks too me…   they aren’t selling real estate anymore <grin>  

Okay and with that I think I answered most ….   If I get enough additional questions I will continue on this topic.

Good luck and happy farming!!!  

Photos courtesy of Flickr