Different clients have different priorities for neighborhoods, and they’re not always what you might expect. For example: How effective is it to market a neighborhood with “good schools” to a couple that has decided not to have kids? Is a house near the airport really a detractor to a salesperson who’s on the road 80 percent of the time? The sheer convenience could easily outweigh the cons of noise and traffic.
Try to avoid applying your own bias to your listings. It’s far more effective to understand your clients’ preferences and package listings based on those desires. For example: Can you cite the number of farmer’s markets within walking distance? What’s the density of coffee shops in the area? What’s your client’s opinion on big box retailers and fast food franchises? Is a Walmart nearby a pro or a con? If there are restaurants within walking distance, are they the type of restaurants your client can afford to enjoy?
Ask your clients what sort of qualities they don’t like in a neighborhood and you’re likely to learn a bit more about what they do like. Ask them what they loved/hated about their old neighborhood. See if they can rank their preferences as well, as almost any home will likely come with some compromise.
