Where Should We Work?

January 27, 2009 · Kathy Wall

Over the years, one of the big controversies in the real estate world has been where we should work…what territories should we cover? Should we stick only to the areas near our office or home or should we branch out and sell properties in other areas? After all, our real estate license is for the entire State of California.

When my office was in Pacifica, there were many agents who would, literally, refer out any listings or sales that weren’t on the Coast. They wouldn’t “go over the hill.” I know that this is true for many agents in other areas, as well. Personally, I have always been of the mindset that “have license, will travel.” I have sold homes in Fremont, Hayward, Oakland, Sunnyvale and San Jose and several other communities that I can’t think of at the moment. Sometimes, when a home search for a buyer takes longer than anticipated or, (Heaven forbid!) they don’t buy at all, I have regretted making that decision. But, overall, I feel that it has helped to keep my career interesting, because I am always having to research new neighborhoods and learn about areas that were previously unfamiliar to me.

Nowadays, with the emergence of shared Multiple Listing information, the field is wide open. In the past, there were areas such as Marin and Sonoma Counties for which we had little or no information. Now, that is all available with the click of a button. And, for good or bad, I think that this new easy information will change the face of real estate as we know it.

As for me, while I especially love selling homes in my favorite communities…Brisbane, Pacifica, San Bruno, Millbrae and San Francisco….I will continue to travel wherever my clients want me to go. I appreciate their loyalty to me and will do my very best to help them, even if it takes me out of my comfort zone.

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5 Responses to “Where Should We Work?”

Michael Monozon on January 27th, 2009 10:30 am

I agree kathy, as you know way back when the information was much more difficult to access. Even going to great effort to research other market areas often left us unprepared. Today the combined data bases allows a Realtor the opportunity to provide great service whereever the client wishes to purchase. But it takes lots of extra effort to lean about a neighborhood or city in another part of the bay area.
Larry Franzella on January 27th, 2009 11:34 am

The ability to serve a much larger region is much easier today than it was in the past, as the inofrmation is readily available to us. It gives us the opportunity to build lasting relationships with our clients without having to refer them to others for fear we do not have the neighborhood knowledge.
Karin C on January 27th, 2009 12:52 pm

Here! Here, Kathy! I am all for “have license, will travel” for those who want to! Half of my business is in the East Bay because homes are more affordable. There are some great opportunities to buy in Hayward, Fremont, San Leandro even upwards in Richmond, Hercules, Pittsburg and Antioch! I love showing property in other cities! It builds knowledge and character!
Adam Chinn on January 27th, 2009 2:13 pm

Hi Kathy,
I love the thinking of “have license, will travel”. As both you and Karin mentioned, I also go where my clients want to go. I feel the same as you said, “I appreciate their loyalty to me and will do my very best to help them, even if it takes me out of my comfort zone.”. I take it as an opportunity to learn and broaden my knowledge. Thanks again for another great post.
Julie Cleland on January 28th, 2009 2:16 pm

I’m with you Kathy…going beyond your comfort zone keeps things interesting. In addition, the qualities that make a good Realtor, those such as honest, integrity and the ability to return phones, are portable and will serve the client well no matter what the address of the home.