I own a 1987 BMW M6, aka the Bavarian Ferrari. The car had a right front brake caliper problem. A friend who is a mechanic at an area Lexus dealership said to bring it in and he would take care of it. Another mechanic friend at a Jaguar dealership gave me the name and phone number of a mech he knows who specializes in classic BMWs. Which is my true friend? Your friends who are Realtors and who say they will sell your home - your most valuable possession ever - are they a specialist in your neighborhood or are they just mining your friendship for a pay check?
At Engel & Voelkers, market segmentation and specialization is Task #1
Customer service is nothing without knowledge; exacting and specific. There is only one way to obtain the knowledge necessary to truely serve the seller of real estate - to know the seller's neighborhood even better then they do.
The FIRST Marketing task for the License Partners (LP) and Brokers of an Engel & Voelkers shop is focused DIRECTLY on customer service. The LP divides the assigned license area into specific FARMING areas of roughly equal income potential, and assigns a Realtor and only that Realtor to that Farming area. It then becomes the GOAL of that Realtor to become THE go-to person for that Farming area - that neighborhood.
Dividing the licence area into farming areas with equal income potential allows the assigned Realtor to study and obtain exact and specific market knowledge, establish presence in the neighborhood and provide unparalleled service to any sellers.
An Engel & Voelkers Realtor knows exactly what is happening in his Farm area (sales, rentals, empty homes, planned new constructions, etc.) and is aware of the competitive situation. His marketing material; E&V corporate and office specific, internet, social media and face-to-face, is tailored to the neighborhood that is his and the property owners he is dedicated to serve. His office colleagues not only contact him for questions relating to his farming area, BUT ...
... In most Engel & Voelkers offices if I learn that a friend or acquaintance or total stranger wants to sell their house in a Farm area other than mine - I connect that seller to the Realtor in my office whose Farm area IS where that seller lives. To do otherwise would be to shortchange the quality of service to the seller and to totally disrespect the customer service strategy of Engel & Voelkers. It would also be selfish.
In no way am I bothered to send business to a colleague as I know that not only will the customer be better served but that our office will prosper and that office prosperity translates into business for everyone.
I know of NO OTHER real estate company with such a strategy, where customer service is truly and totally at the center point of business. Put the interest of others ahead of your own, and your interests will always be served.
Need proof?
In Spring 2014 over 250 real estate companies in Germany competed in the Property Industry Brand Award (German: Marken Award der Immobilienbranche) for Best Company Brand. Engel & Voelkers took top honors in all of Germany due to the "range and quality of media and communications" employed - Kategorie 1 Zum Gewinner.
This quality of media and communication has but one purpose, to provide the seller with unparalleled expertise and representation.
The combination of Engel & Voelkers corporate branding and marketing plus Realtor specialization provides an unbeatable 1 - 2 punch in service and sales.
Conclusion
My area of expertise is Old Town Key West. I have been covering this neighborhood since I began in real estate in 2001. I live in Old Town, I walk, pedal, eat and drink in Old Town. Every month I write a detailed report on year-to-date sales for Old Town.
You need help in Old Town - I am your go-to person. If you need help anyplace else in Key West and I will gladly connect you to the best Realtor for that area.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact me here.
Good luck!
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