Opinion

Farm Your Neighborhood Like RE Agents Do

Some of the most successful real estate agents will tell you that they get a huge chunk of their business from “farming” certain real estate areas, subdivisions, the neighborhood that they live in. The side benefit is that if they “own” their farm area, they get a ton of referrals and end up selling homes in other areas of their community. 

So, why not copy what they are doing? Get out and meet the neighbors. Talk with them. Even sponsor a neighborhood block party (but that’s another topic). 

Victoria DelFrate, a business coach whose website is www.ICanCoaching.Net, has shared a great “To My Neighbor” letter and has given me permission to share it with you. Download it. Read it. Change it to fit your personality.  

Stuff the letters into neon-colored envelopes (you can get them at Walmart) and handwrite “To My Neighbor” on the outside. This will give your letter a more personal touch and increase the chances of it getting opened.

Just a reminder–one introductory letter is just the start. 

About once every two months, distribute a newsletter and add something personal about you and your family—so they get to know you on that level as well. 

Here is a sample of the letter; feel free to swipe it.

 

Hi Neighbor!

Sorry I missed you. My name is ________and I happen to live in the neighborhood on ___________Street. I’m leaving this letter on your doorstep so that you are aware that you have a trusted mortgage professional right around the corner from you. Why should you care, you ask? For several very important reasons:

1.     You or someone near and dear to you might need my expert advice regarding their current mortgage loan. (The fact is that most people never even think to call their mortgage professional when they are faced with financial challenges due to their current loan program.)

2.     Statistics show that hundreds of thousands of mortgage professionals around the country have left the industry–which, in most cases, is a good thing because much of the unsavory lending practices disappeared right along with them. (Have you checked to see if your mortgage professional’s business number still works?)

3.     As part of my business model, I offer FREE Mortgage Check-ups. I will review your current mortgage loan situation for FREE. You can feel confident that I will give you direction and counsel that is both expert and honest. After all, we’re neighbors!

4.     Giving me a call could mean saving yourself from financial strife surrounding your mortgage.  (It’s better to be safe than sorry–plus, there’s no strings attached.)

Also, I have included a financial newsletter that I believe you will find educational and interesting.  It’s just one piece of a mosaic of other special offers, timely information and free services that I provide to my current, loyal clients.

Please call me directly at (555) 555-1958 to take advantage of my FREE Mortgage Check-up.

I’m never too busy to help a neighbor.

Most importantly, because we are neighbors and I respect your privacy, I want you to feel free to let me know if you would prefer that I do not reach out to you in the future concerning your mortgage needs.

 

Respectfully,

Your Name

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