Home > Blogs > Sheila Rasak > Sheila Rasak's (sheilarasak) Blog

Important questions that only a professional Realtor can answer...

By Sheila Rasak

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty-California Coast Property Group

August 30, 2010 10:41 AM

I've been in the business long enough to know what works and what doesn't...BUT find myself at a total loss when it comes to strict HOA rules relating to Realtor marketing and how to break through the proverbial glass ceiling.

Here's the dilemma, I've got a beautiful condomium complex located steps from the beach in Oxnard, CA. I want one of those listings so bad that I can taste it. Why? Because I live there! I know the values like the back of my hand, love living life there where the air is clean as well as the beaches. I enjoy all the area offers and would love to see other people enjoying this lifestyle.

Here are the basics...NO door knocking. Okay, I'm good with that one as I've always felt that rap rap rap on the door is intrusive. I have no problem greeting neighbors and telling them where I live and what I do if I see or meet someone in my community. Next rule, NO drop off solicitations...say "goodbye" to that notepad that can stay in their home approx. 30 days unless you're willing to pay the postage to the entire farm (I narrowed it down to 200) @ .86 cents a piece (not include cost of notepad) and you're looking at almost $200 each mailing. Forget door hangers or open house announcements that are dropped; again they must be mailed.

The obvious would be postcards...but then what? We all know the standard rule of thumb when it comes to getting ourselves into a geographical farm, first being face recognition and building trust that you're the best of the best with proven results. But this leads to: What piece of this puzzle am I missing? What else can I do? What do other Realtors do?

I would love to and would appreciate your thoughts on this...Let's open some doors!

THIS WOMAN APPEARS VERY PERPLEXED...SOS

Oxnard Realtor

Re-Blog

Comments(9)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Joan Mirantz

Homequest Real Estate - Concord, NH

Realtor, GRI, CBR, SRES - Concord New Hampshire

How about a "get to know your neighbors" wine and cheese?

If you know any of the people in your association, make up a slew of postcard invitations.
Pass them out to those you know....with extras for people they know etc.

On the post cards ask for RSVP by email or phone. If they use email you have captured some addresses.
You might make a small in-road and the word could get out that you have fun getogethers!

Aug 30, 2010 10:49 AM

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team at Keller Williams in Stockton

The Nines Team At Keller Williams - Stockton, CA

The Nines Team at Keller Williams in Stockton

Sheila: Sounds like there are some barriers, but if they apply to you then they should apply to everyone. You live there ... that should give you a tremendous advantage.

May I suggest, that you take the long view approach - rather than mailing the whole farm, pick 20 names that sound fun, and mail them invitations to your home for a cocktail mixer. Invite an additional few folks that you know who also live in the development. If what you have to offer has value, then they will talk to the other people in the development they know.

Yes it takes longer .... but who knows; you might also build rapport as the "resident expert" and start of special website for the development - sponsored by you of course - but for their continuing benefit.

Just an idea ....

Aug 30, 2010 10:52 AM

The Elise Bickel Team

ReMax Select Realty - Pittsburgh, PA

Leasing, Property Management and Sales

HOA does have some barriers but the brilliant thing is...Other agents(who aren't determined) will be scared away from these rules. Set yourself apart. have a neighbor luncheon or dinner where you aren't saying "I'm a realtor, come and meet me so I can sell you something," but instead "My name is Sheila and I am your neighbor and I like being involved with my community." Now, all you have to pay for is the postage for a standard first class letter and the luncheon food. Unlike sending monthly mailings, you can do this once or twice a year, spend less in the long run, and get to know people better. You are no longer a name and a face on a postcard, but a friend that lives in the communit....that also happens to be a great real estate agent.

Good luck!

Aug 30, 2010 11:36 AM

Sheila Rasak

Keller Williams Realty-California Coast Property Group - Camarillo, CA

Joan, Jack & Weber Team! You guys must stand out in your class, I was having trouble thinking outside the box and all of you hit a great home run with me. Thank you for your insight. I'll try to do a follow up blog on your suggestions as I love these ideas and they didn't occur to me as i had such a brain freeze on the subject. Thank you for sharing these excellent ideas.

Aug 30, 2010 12:12 PM

Brenda Mullen

RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX

Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

Hi Sheila- I was about the suggest some what of the same thing. Throw a little get to know your neighbor BBQ and just make it a social thing. Keep at it and eventually someone will know to come to you when they need a listing agent! Lots of luck!

Aug 30, 2010 12:31 PM

Donne Knudsen

Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA

CalState Realty Services

Sheila - Before I even read all of your comments, I was thinking "PARTY" (I've never needed a reason to have/attend a party). This is the best advantage that you have over outside agents - YOU LIVE THERE! Hopefully, you already know some neighbors, ask those neighbors who they know and go from there. JHO

Aug 30, 2010 01:00 PM

Brenda & Donne,

Yes & yes! It will also give me a better chance at actually knowing my neighbors rather than the casual waves as we trot off to work or are on our daily walks.

I'm thinking of doing this with my upstairs neighbor as she's a doll and knows so many people here. This is a great answer that is much appreciated!

Aug 31, 2010 12:45 AM

Shiela- Here is a link to Jennifer Allan's post about prospecting with soul, (she is the author of sell with soul). I think that you may benefit from this course and if you have never read her stuff, look it up. I think this may be right up your alley :)!

Aug 31, 2010 01:21 AM

Sheila - LOVE JA! She is such a smart cookie as well as a little kooky, which is probably why I like her and am a devoted fan and subscriber. :)

Aug 31, 2010 05:09 AM

Important questions that only a professional Realtor can answer...

Comments(9)

Sheila Rasak

Real Estate Resources

Recent Posts