5 Ways to Market the Neighborhoods You Serve

Real estate professionals have heard so much about becoming a "local expert," that by now it's become a cliche. However, the reason agents are so frequently offered this advice is because it fulfills a consumer need--the need for neighborhood specific information.

It makes sense when you think about it. Before a consumer zeroes in on the home they want to buy, they already have an idea of the neighborhood they'd like to live in. They may be attracted to the schools of a particular area, its proximity to work, or the lifestyle it offers.

Regardless of what interests prospects about an area, it's to your benefit to provide as much information as possible. Focused local content is a potent lead generator because it gives buyers exactly what they want. What's more, it helps you edge out the big portal sites, thanks to their inability to offer this kind of information.

If you're stumped on where to start, we've got a few ideas to get you going:

• Community Information and Demographics - If you offer nothing else, make sure you provide web visitors with basic information about a neighborhood. This can include population size, median home price, and school district information. If there's a predominant style of architecture in your area (ranches, mid-century, Victorians with mature trees), mention that. Links to community resources like newspapers and attractions are helpful, too.
• Information Rich Maps - When buyers are trying to get a sense of an area, they often want to know what's nearby. Is it convenient to restaurants and shopping? Does it have easy access to freeways for easier commuting? The more information a map provides, the more useful it is. Does it offer street-level view? Can prospects see and click on all active listings on your map? These are all questions to consider when choosing a map solution.