Promoting a neighborhood is an essential part of a real estate local marketing strategy. Your clients aren’t only buying a property but becoming a part of the local community which they are anxious to get to know better before committing themselves to anything.
For this reason, expect a flood of questions about the local neighborhoods from your buyers. Whether you’ll be able to provide a wealth of fair and concise info will literally make or break your deal. The crucial goal here is to show that you really are a local go-to expert and know what you’re talking about when it comes to schools, enternainment and medicare.
Luckily, while communities differ greatly from one another, the questions that buyers keep asking about them are all the same. Prepare for the neighborhood Q&A session by reviewing the most frequent requests.
Real Estate Local Marketing: 10 Neighborhood FAQs Buyers Always Ask
1. How does it feel to live in the neighborhood and who already lives here?
You probably know the mantra that “agents don’t sell properties, they sell lifestyles” all too well and that it should be a starting point in your real estate local marketing strategy. Knowing the demographics and lifestyle of each particular neighbourhood – as well as your buyers’ lifestyle choices – is crucial to bring the best offers to the table.
Make sure that you can provide an illuminating description of the local area and things that make it unique. Also, it might help to give a glimpse of its recent history and development to explain why certain demographics are so keen to live here.
2. Is a sense of ownership strong in the area?
Areas with high homeownership rates are generally believed to be more prosperous, safe and appealing to families. Home owners, as opposed to temporary renters, try harder to maintain the neighborhood’s good looks and invest in its long-term improvement.
3. Are the schools and medicare good?
The search of a better school education is a common reason for a family relocation. Make sure you know everything about the network of public and private schools in your area. Resources like Great Schools, Area Vibes, School Digger or SchoolGrades.org can be very helpful. Also, providing an interactive map of your area with properties as well as schools and hospitals is a great real estate local marketing idea.
4. Is there a community association that creates the rules I’ll have to comply with?
Community associations often rule what residents can and cannot do in the area, for example forbidding to paint their house bright green or keep a bike on the street. Sometimes, community associations gather some fees for community needs.
As an agent, find all of this in advance to give your buyers accurate info.
5. Any taxes I have to be aware of?
Tax issues may be particularly hard to grasp when moving to a different city or municipality. Don’t be caught off guard and help your clients out by giving them a breakdown of applicable taxes.
6. What about walkability?
Some neighborhoods have such a great infrastructure that its residents might as well abandon their cars. Being able to walk to a restaurant or a library and commute to work in minutes, not hours, is a valuable benefit that will make your buyers vote in favor of the area. Fewer cars mean less noise, more bike lanes, wider sidewalks and lower pollution which are all powerful and positive signals.
7. What can you tell about the noise and light?
Some people like to live in the midst of the sweeping city lights and noises and some don’t. Be prepared to answer all sorts of questions from your light- and noise-sensitive buyers, from the streetlights to public transport routes and nightlife.
8. What are the crime rates?
This is an easy statistical data to uncover. Just check out the local authorities’ website as well as a resource like Area Vibes for the recent figures. Don’t forget to compare this number with nearby areas.
9. How about the restaurant scene?
Mention the best local restaurants, breweries, chocolate bars, etc. which is obviously a much easier task if your area offers a lively dining scene.
10. What are the outdoor opportunities?
It’s a winning combination if the area abounds with parks and provides easy access to places to run and work out, swimming pools, golf courses, etc. Just like with the local restaurants, refer your clients to the local gyms and its owners will be sure to return the favor (here’s a quick guide: 3 Ways to Create a Real Estate Referral Program with Local Businesses).
