VIDEO BLOG
Recently, I found myself working on listings in three towns I had never visited. I hadn’t represented a buyer or seller in any of them. I hadn’t even shown a home there.
That meant more preparation, more research, and more time on the road. It also opened the door to opportunities I could have missed.
One of those listings was a 62-acre homestead about an hour and 20 minutes from my usual market. Listed just under $2 million, the property included a main residence, a guest house, a collector’s garage, and additional buildings.
Another opportunity came through an agent in Wisconsin who referred a seller in Belvidere, Illinois.
The third was a log home on five acres. Over the years, I’ve marketed plenty of unusual properties, including converted churches. But a log home was a first for me.
Each opportunity required me to stretch. That’s part of growing as an agent.
Taking a listing outside your usual territory comes with responsibilities.
Great photography, video, and 3D tours help tell a property’s story. You also need to understand the market surrounding it.
Before marketing a home in an unfamiliar area, do your homework:
Study comparable properties and local pricing.
Research the community and verify school information.
Understand the features that make the property distinctive.
Arrange reliable local support for showings when needed.
Gather the information buyers will need to evaluate the home.
Your marketing skills can travel with you. Your local knowledge needs to catch up.
The goal is to prepare thoroughly enough to serve the seller with confidence.
Another opportunity for growth is sitting right in front of many agents: asking for reviews.
In the video, I shared a goal of growing my Google reviews from roughly 32 or 33 to 100 by Halloween. Reaching a goal like that requires intentional outreach.
Start with people you’ve helped. Past clients can describe their transaction experience. Others may be able to speak honestly about advice you provided or their professional experience working with you.
Be specific in your request. Ask them to share what was helpful and what stood out. Let their experience guide their words.
Here’s a simple lesson from my own experience.
After having my driveway sealed, the contractor asked me for a Yelp review. I was happy to help, but he didn’t send a direct link. I had to search for the business and find the right page myself.
Those extra steps created friction.
That’s why I purchased a memorable web address that redirects directly to my review page. You can apply the same idea to your business: send people straight to the place where they can leave their feedback.
When someone agrees to help, make following through easy.
Think about an opportunity you’ve been hesitating to pursue. It might be a listing in a new community, an unfamiliar property type, or a conversation you’ve been putting off.
Identify what you need to learn, prepare, and take the next step.
You don’t have to feel completely comfortable to move forward. You do need to be willing to do the work.
Who you work with matters. Give people more reasons to choose you.
