And how far is that? Sometimes I will have a potential client look for a home outside of my marketing area. What makes it outside of my area? Usually distance. I try not to be any more than an hour from my home. Within that range I still have a pretty good idea of what is going on. Outside that area, I will refer to a local agent.
You see, beyond an hours drive, the landscape changes. Not just hills and valleys, but the Real Estate landscape. There are things going on that I will not be privy too. Where shopping centers are going in, which schools are doing the best, where the morning traffic is the worst. These are all things I need to be aware of so that I can best help my clients.
For sellers, this range is significantly smaller. I need to be able to show the home to a buyer when they want to see it. I need to check on the home weekly, and I need to be able to replenish flyers and home books. For sellers, I like to be within 30-45 minutes tops, with 5-10 minutes being optimal.
Every agent is different when it comes to their marketing areas. Where they are comfortable and where they have knowledge is important.