Special offer

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Why would you think that? I cover a 50-60 mile radius around Charlotte in two states and half a dozen counties.

Sep 18, 2018 06:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

You limitation is your area of specialty-at some point, you no longer know enough about an area to be a benefit to the client. But, until you get to that distance" you're well within your fiduciary duty to serve clients. If you are out of your depths, it's time to refer it to the local expert and put the client first.

I work a 35 mile radius and refer the rest to my team members who live and work in the areas outside my geographic specialty and expertise.

Sep 18, 2018 06:43 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I say yes, others you will find out do not agree. I always look at it like how much territory can you really know?

Then they say ... describe 'really know'? Say as an example, the entire northern 1/2 of Illinois is too much territory.

 

Sep 18, 2018 07:10 AM
Rainmaker
5,215,488
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

How big an area? What is the density? How much opportunity do you want?

Sep 18, 2018 06:20 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Opportunity knows no bounds....Richfuscious

Sep 18, 2018 08:09 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I don't farm an area, and work buyers in 5 counties. I can speak intelligently about  the RE in all the counties...yes, it takes effort.  When my client makes an offer, I usually know more than the listing agent, because I know how to dig for imformation.

I am also a registered appraiser, so figuring out property value is not difficult.  I had a client pay me to go out of state to evaluate some land they were planning on buying.  I went there, did the research and told them not to buy...

I think that if you are working buyers you need to become knowledgable about the surrounding areas, if you don't, you are doing buyers a diservice.

I find that agents that farm an area know "0" about what else is out there, so they talk the buyer into thinking that their farm area is the best.  Usually it is not, and there are better options for buyers elsewhere. 

Eve

Sep 18, 2018 07:36 AM
Rainmaker
757,885
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

I cover a larger area for Sellers than I do for Buyers. I will list anything in Fairfield County, Litchfield County or New Haven County. That can be as much as an hours drive from me. For buyers I stick with my primary Connecticut towns- Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Sherman, New Milford, Ridgefield & Newtown. 

Sep 18, 2018 07:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

We work in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach counties in Florida. 

But if I have somebody for North Florida - I will fly, drive - you name it. There is no limit or distance when you have a customer. 

Sep 18, 2018 01:20 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Kathryn. 

Because you will know the area and the market trends. 

By the way, some agent from North Florida sometimes bring the customers to Miami. It is possible to. 

Good luck.

 

Sep 18, 2018 01:14 PM
Ambassador
5,229,243
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I cover a larger territory for sellers. Buyers, we have 12 counties in the two states in our 'territory' and I don't think we can serve our buyers well by trying to cover the entire area.

Some are 1.5 hours from me and I don't think we can serve our clients well that far away... I'm not doing that. Others will though, just to make a buck!

Sep 18, 2018 10:12 AM
Rainmaker
4,571,456
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

You, as the local expert, should know best.

Sep 18, 2018 09:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Depends on the area you live in.  Denver has 6 counties that are all with in 45 minutes so we can cover lots but for farming sooner be close to my home to know more people.

 

Sep 18, 2018 09:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,711,988
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

I could sell anywhere in the state of FL but that's not realistic for me. It's a 4hr drive(each way) to Miami and I don't even know the area. However, I will go anywhere in Central FL, some counties are an hour away from me. 

Sep 18, 2018 08:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,310,972
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

We go where our clients want us to go. Mostly, they want us to go nearby but that are some exceptions. Of course, referrals also make sense when the distance does not.

Sep 18, 2018 08:20 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I just set a max drive time of 2 hours usually.  I'll go farther sometimes. It's a 20 minute drive for me to surrounding towns of Leesburg and Purcellville, so a hour drive in this area is the norm.

Sep 18, 2018 07:28 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,010
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Yes, EARTH! When you think about it that's pretty centralized considering the size of the universe Kathryn Messina .

Sep 18, 2018 06:54 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I say NO. But it does depend. Like here in NH we have many small towns surrounding my city. I can be in 10 plus town in less than 15 minutes. I make sure i know the area, know the market, know teh available listings and i thrive

Sep 18, 2018 06:50 AM
Ambassador
3,854,786
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

It the house is unique and I really like the sellers, yes I go a good distance.

Sep 18, 2018 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

With GPS, internet there is no reason to stick around in your neighborhood. In my small rural community threre are over 3000 agents competng for perhaps 50 listings. Over 50 mile distance, I tell people I do not know the schools that well. Only take listings. 

Sep 18, 2018 08:46 AM
Ambassador
5,048,708
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It depends on the size of the market, and what you know or can learn so you can benefit buyers and sellers.

Sep 18, 2018 07:50 AM
Rainmaker
531,677
Marie Story
Coldwell Banker - Pinecrest (Miami) - Pinecrest, FL
Broker Associate, Pinecrest (Miami) Specialist

I specialize in Pinecrest, Florida; this is my niche.  It is a 7 1/2  square mile area within Miami-Dade county; average sale price $1M.  I am very well know in my area and not much happens in Pinecrest that I don't know about.  Pinecrest sellers have told me that they appreciate I specialize in their area.

I spend very little time on the road; it works for me.  So yes, I do believe in niche farming.

Sep 18, 2018 07:03 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

There are many variables Kathryn Messina - what a great question!  Are you in a large city or are there many small towns around you?  We work a niche that is in three different areas, all close by, though not in the same town.  If we were to work in the large city we are near, it has many areas and different types of homes, and different neighborhoods.  There is a lot to learn, and it's fascinating!  Good Luck at deciding what area(s) you are interested in, and sometimes you do not know immediately.

Sep 18, 2018 06:06 PM
Rainmaker
969,858
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

Up to 2 hours away, it just my market. 

Sep 18, 2018 03:51 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

we are listing agents, and I've always focused on local listings.... with the very thin inventory, we are NOW far reaching.... and we have a new client who feeds us business throughout Massachusetts... we go... we list and sell them.... we've done 10 in the past 2 months...list, pending and starting our closings this week.... YES, FAR REACHING....

Sep 18, 2018 11:11 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

No shoulds in real estate.  It depends on your marketplace...A

Sep 18, 2018 10:09 AM
Rainmaker
4,881,737
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

It boils down to competency.

Sep 18, 2018 08:22 AM
Rainer
427,147
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

 Depends on the area you are focusing. I think it is seriously limiting your potential and reach. Maybe when you are in the twilight of your career, but get what you can, while you can.

Sep 18, 2018 07:41 AM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am a fan of niche.  I work in one county. That is my choice.  Can I sell anywhere in the state - Yes.  I choose not to for many reasons.  

Sep 18, 2018 07:27 AM
Rainmaker
7,834,950
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Do what is best to build your business. 

Sep 18, 2018 07:17 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

I guess it depends.   I service areas North of Dallas but it is a big area.

Sep 18, 2018 06:47 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

You should do several of the those - the more the merrier ;)

Sep 18, 2018 03:11 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

No.  See the detailed answer from Eve of Mike & Eve Alexander 

 

 

Sep 18, 2018 07:31 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

You mean a 'farm' as we say in the biz?

Sep 18, 2018 05:26 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

I don't, Kathryn Messina

Sep 18, 2018 03:18 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

No

Sep 18, 2018 07:20 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

You go where business takes you.

At some point 'windshield' time will become to expensive and centralizing may prove beneficial.

Ahh, but some would argue, "How can you be and EXPERT in far-flung areas?"

ANSWER: Knowing what the buyer/seller REALLY wants NOT what agents have been trained to 'sell' them.

Sep 18, 2018 06:12 AM
Ambassador
6,392,889
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Stick to the areas where you are qualified.

Sep 18, 2018 07:34 PM
Rainmaker
711,752
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Whatever you do, you should be an expert.  If you can be an expert in more than one area, that broadens your opportunities.

Sep 18, 2018 06:43 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Depends on a persons location.  How big is the centralized area?

Mine is about a 60 mile radius.  Anything less than that I may not survive

Sep 18, 2018 05:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Not in the internet age.

Sep 18, 2018 02:15 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

You should have a laser focus as to where you attempt to BRAND your Real Estate ID to (rather than scatter it all over )

Sep 19, 2018 10:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Why?

Sep 18, 2018 11:27 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I work the Denver metro area, and is quite large - about an 1.5 from one end to the other.

Sep 22, 2018 07:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Do what is comfortable for you.  My "central area" is about a 2 hour drive from my house to the east and a 45 mintue drive to the west.

Sep 19, 2018 08:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

It depends on your area.

Sep 19, 2018 06:31 AM