As a realtor, you know what your clients want — what type of house, the amenities that they need in and around the house, and more. You also know what sells a home — curb appeal, removing clutter, light, and more. You can help your clients understand where there are current limitations and help imagine what it would look like with their special touches. In fact, you do that every time you walk into a house with your client.
But what can also make a difference is a neighborhood? Having a sense of community. Seeing other kids playing, meeting neighbors, knowing when the block party is — these all make newcomers feel welcome. Why? It’s all about overcoming the obstacles that make life transitions harder — not just mortgages and debt.
In this competitive market, knowing who’s in the neighborhood, what things there are to do in the area, and more can help you get your clients to buy quicker. If you’re looking for ideas to put your home buyers at ease, we have five of our favorites.
1. Meet the neighbors; give them your time
The neighbors in the area where your client is interested in buying a house is important. For one, they’re seeing a lot of people coming and going — including parking — in front of their houses. Introduce yourself and let them know you love their neighborhood and want to get them a great neighbor. Another reason they’re vital – they may cause your client to run in fear or be more excited to move!
If they have things in common with your potential homebuyer, let them know … and let your client know, too. For example, your clients and the neighbors will be excited if they both work at the same company. There may even be carpool opportunities.
Kids
While you’re at it, notice the kids in the neighborhood. Families typically want to move into areas where their children will have ready-made playmates and friends. Talking, in general, about the neighborhood kids helps ease anxieties about transition for their children.
Parties
Don’t see the neighbors out while you’re investigating the area? Throw a block party! Parties are great ways to build good will and network. Block parties can even be done inexpensively. You don’t even have to worry about where to have it – many places will shut down a street, where you can set up food and drinks, for the festivities. You can even invite your client(s) to meet the families who live there.
Community gift
If a party is out of your budget, maybe there’s something else the neighborhood needs such as a lending library or plants for the neighbors. (It adds to their curb appeal, too!)
Throwing a party or adding a needed item to the block is an especially good idea if the neighborhood is a territory of yours. You’ll realize it’s an inexpensive way to market. Maybe with your newfound connections, not only will you sell a house, but gain new clients.
2. Provide parks and park events
Everyone loves parks, not just families with kids. Many adults use parks to run or walk their dogs. Some people love being able to escape into nature, just sitting under shade. Others want to hold barbecues or picnics with friends. It’s for all these reasons that you should be able to list the nearest parks to help sell a home.
Summer often includes free park concerts. In Denver, for example, bands play at various parks for free in various styles of music — from classical to jazz and soul. Having flyers with that information or knowing a few dates your clients can see what’s happening will help them feel more at home.
That goes to other events in parks — yoga, dance, soccer, mom walking groups, and more. The more you know about the events in your neighborhood park, the more your clients will be interested in that location.
3. Understand the restaurants and things to do
Everyone needs to go to the grocery store. People love going out to eat. Sometimes they want to meet friends for drinks at a neighborhood bar. Some neighborhoods even have historic or interesting things to do with lovely gardens or museums.
Get the lowdown on what makes a neighborhood special and discuss that with your clients. Tell them about the local grocery stores, including which one has the best produce or best prices. Provide a list of top-notch or just plain fun restaurants and bars, too. Maybe even get them a gift certificate to the nearest garden or museum.
If they’re having fun in the area, they’re more likely to have a good impression of the neighborhood and buy that house.
4. Know the local recreation centers
The weather isn’t always great. And sometimes people need to travel to get a few classes. Local recreation (or rec) centers have a variety of classes, including sometimes art and language classes. Understand where they are and what the offer — reduced classes for seniors, date night babysitting, etc. Drop by and pick up a schedule. Maybe as you flip through it, you’ll see a few things your client would be interested in. For example, some families would be thrilled if the rec center has a pool!
Next time with you’re with that client, talk about the rec center options. You’ll help them visualize a life where they’re going.
5. Provide ideas that fit in with their hobbies
Knowing your clients’ hobbies may also help make a sale especially if something they love is close by. For example, if you are representing people who love to knit and there’s a local yarn store around, point it out. Maybe even drop by. Have a crafty person you’re dealing with — show them how close Michaels is.
Again, you’re helping them think about their new routines. And accepting those new routines enables you to close the deal faster.
Summary – It’s all about easing transition
Part of the job of a real estate agent is playing psychologist. You’re helping your client make a transition — even if they aren’t buying their first house, they’re having to accept change. (Change is hard!)
They’re moving away from friends and routines. They’re accepting – in a way – a new life. And most people are taking on considerable debt to do so. Easing the transitions, including meeting new friends, makes it easier for your client to make the right decision.
Feeling accepted, understood, and even welcomed increases the likelihood that your client will buy a house. And these days, with competition for housing rising as prices drop, it’s more important to help clients with that transition. When you help your home buyer see themselves in the community, doing the fun things around the neighborhood, enjoying their hobbies, and more — you’re doing more than selling a home, you’re selling a life.
Interested in content you can send to people looking to buy a home? Try SwiftAgent, we have free ideas and content around what your home buyers can do in their neighborhoods.