I thought about my target market recently, and I really have two, the first being family and the second is first time home buyers. Both of these groups involve more work, but the work to me is more satisfying.
You see, with kids I get the enjoyment of getting them to smile, as they know they are just as much a part of this as mom and dad. The first time home buyer is someone who I get to educate and teach the ins and outs of the home buying process.
I've targeted these two groups and I really enjoy them. But it also means I have to target a certain kind of seller. I work to find great homes for first time home buyers and families. These homes usually aren't in upper end neighborhoods, but at the same time they are not in bad parts of town, in my opinion.
I have sellers who call me and tell me they want to list with me, but when I find out where they live, or see their home, I have to turn down the listing. Not because I don't like the home or the area, but I truly feel that my advertising, and the buyers I market to, are not going to call for that type of home or that area.
Now, if someone does call me and I just don't feel I can't do the best job for them, I am going to refer them to another agent that I know specializes in that area or that type of home. I've heard from others that I should take any and all listings, no matter the area or the price, and I just can't agree with that.
I truly believe each and every one of my clients is special and if I can't help them, then I'm doing a disservice to them and my family. If you are a seller, and you think your home is special and would be great for a family or a first time home buyer, please give me a call. I would love to see if I can create a match made in heaven with one of my hundreds of buyers that call every month.
Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)746-9573
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard. All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.
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Todd,
And isn't it gratifying when you hit the target??? Thanks, Fran
Todd, sounds like you having great sucess with this approach. I'm having a tough time focousing on specific niche.
I know this may be to much to ask but I was wondering if I can give you a call one of these days to discuss some ideas? Thanks in advance.
Todd,
It is great that you are doing this with your listings as well. It would be an injustice to your sellers if they did not get your 100% and by turning them down and allowing them to find the right agent for them shows your true intent is not greed! Kudos to you!
This is really a good information. Thanks for taking time to make this post on Target Market.
This is a great point. I have blogged before about trying to be all things to all people and you just can't. Don't spread yourself too thin. I need a reminder sometimes because it is tempting to stray.
Fran - I love my target audience, it bring such satisfaction when I can get a first time home buyer in their first home where they can possible start to raise a family.
Jennifer - If you don't turn away business you can't do what you enjoy and I do enjoy what I'm doing. They day I stop enjoying this business, I'm going to get out of it.
Jeff - The experiment is going off and on. I had the logo, business increased, brought the photo back for Jennifer, then had the logo back again and then a family photo which actually did pretty good for business, but now, I'm trying the logo again. Does that make sense. (LOL)
Judy - I have to have that target market if my buying clients are going to be looking for the same homes I'm selling.
Lu - If my two niches didn't work together than I would have buyers that can't sell and buyers who can't buy. Just doubling my workload and not getting paid, why would I do that to myself?
Virginia - Try it, you will be amazed at the results.
Venancio - I'm sorry I missed your comments everyone. I went on vaction the day after I posted this and never got back to it. I'll call you in the next week or so.
Sharon - Oh, to me they aren't draining it at all! Once I hand them those keys it is like a ray of sunshine hitting my shoulders.
Chris - I do refer the ones out that don't hit my target audience.
Misty - My intent is to take one family home and find a new family for it.
Paddy - I would love to be thinner, but that hasn't worked out lately (LOL)