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Diversifying Yourself in Today's Real Estate Market - Which Way is the Right Way?

By
Real Estate Agent with Weichert Realtors - Hibble & Associates

As a Real Estate agent, you always hear "find your niche" whether it be a market area, (Scranton, Clarks Summit for me) a type of client, (investor, first time homebuyer) or maybe even a property type (lake house, multi-family). Whatever it is, each successful agent tends to find something that works and sticks with it.

What do those of you out there, agents and others, think about diversifying what you do...???

Let me explain.

My prime objective is to sell homes. I have recently started wearing some other hats to help in that goal. I now have taken classes and found an apprenticeship with a local appraiser in my market area. Secondly, I have obtained my license for accident, life, and health insurance, and I am currently on my way to obtaining my license for property and casualty insurance.

Some may say this is taking away from my real estate business and clients. I say just the opposite. I build a relationship with my clients. Not only can I help them with selling their home, but now I can assist them with their life insurance, etc. My clients are my walking billboards. The more I can help them with, the more they think of me and may share my name with others.

I am curious to hear what others think on this topic. What are you doing to diversify yourself??

Posted by

Todd Jones - Associate Broker/Office Manager

Semian Real Estate Group

570-878-4739 - Cell

570-344-6880 Ext 237 - Office

Jennifer Esposito
JenRan Realty, LLC - Woodstock, CT
Right now I'm in the process of 'branching out' into MA. 
Oct 18, 2007 08:52 AM
Todd Jones
Weichert Realtors - Hibble & Associates - Clarks Summit, PA

Jennifer,

I don't believe I am familiar with MA. Or, maybe I am and just don't know the abbreviation. Can you explain??

Oct 20, 2007 01:43 AM
Jennifer Esposito
JenRan Realty, LLC - Woodstock, CT

MA-Massachusetts

Right now I'm sort of stuck in the Northeast corner of CT up by Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  I'm probably the only broker in my area licensed in just one state. I can walk to the Mass line its that close.  Of course I will have to get agents who specialize in the areas I am not familiar with. 

Oct 20, 2007 12:29 PM
Mike Klijanowicz
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD
Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors
HMMM!  I wonder if wearing all of those hats is a conflict of interest?  I mean if you are the real estate agent and the appraiser on the same transaction, that doesn't look too good does it?  As for my niche, I prefer listings!  I also really like expired and withdrawn listings because when you help these people out they think you are a real estate GOD!  Because they had an agent before you who didn't deliver on his/her promise!
Oct 25, 2007 01:14 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Michael,

 

Let me clarify...I don't wear all of these hats at the same time/transaction. No conflict of interest here. I also agree with you on the expired listings. You get the expired listing sold and the sellers tell everyone about you.

Oct 26, 2007 02:10 AM
#5
Universal Funding Partners
Universal Funding Partners - Scranton, PA

I've been honing in on the Investor market here in NEPA.  It's a niche ready to explode.  People in NY and NJ are starting to see the area as an opportunity.  They can buy properties here dirt cheap comparatively. 

Here's an article I wrote about the logical choice of investing in multi-units in this market.

Nov 10, 2007 01:02 PM