How local do you have to be?
I have had several experiences as a Realtor in the last 6 months where I am one of two agents trying to help buyers frind a home. It seems to have more to do with where the buyer wants to find a home, and their indecision about that (usually related to what they can afford, or think they can afford) than wanting to have two agents. In all cases, there has been no deception, which I really appreciate --- the buyers have been really upfront, both with their needs and where else they are looking concurrent to our search.
It is important, I think, to have a "local" agent. How local is my question. I have decided that the best way to serve my clients' needs is to sell in the areas that I really know, and where I have made serious efforts to educated myself, and refer in other areas that I know less well, even if they are just 25 miles 'up the road'. I want to be able to offer advice with confidence about the schools, the flavor of the neighborhood, city government, what fun things happen there and on and on.
Do any of you have thoughts or suggestions about this topic? How do you handle clients' requests that you represent them in your area if you know there is another agent somewhere else? (I'm not talking about Denver vs. St. Louis, I mean one town vs. a near by middle sized city).
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