How Realtors Can Grow Their Business by Partnering with the Habitat ReStore

Blog Posted by Karen Moore, ReStore Materials Acquisitions Manager

So, they’re calling the housing market in Los Angeles a “mini-bubble.”  Housing prices are going through the roof again. According to Redfin, over 90% of the houses for sale are generating multiple offers and the majority of them are getting asking price or more.  What’s driving the frenzy? Low inventory, low interest rates and all-cash offers from investors are driving up the prices. Seems like this would be an awesome time to be a realtor, right? Well, maybe. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that higher prices equal higher commissions. But the competition can be fierce.  Good luck getting a homeowner to list with you versus your competition.

Personally, it’s rare that a week goes by that we don’t find some postcard or flyer from a local realtor trying to prove that they are THE specialist in our neighborhood… and we should list with them if we ever want to sell our home.


As a realtor, how do you set yourself apart from the rest? Build relationships. I know, sounds like a tip from a Tony Robbins course. But it’s true. Everyone wants to do business with people they know, like and respect.  Establishing a common interest or goal and providing a value service are two great ways to build relationships (I believe realtors call it “farming for leads”.)

Instead of sending out the typical post card that shows all of the houses you’ve sold in the past 30 days, try providing a valuable service to those who may be moving in the future.  Help them get rid of all of that STUFF that they’ve accumulated over the years. 

Be the one who tells them about Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, a home-improvement thrift store in their area that will take their household items off their hands.  Not only will the ReStore pick-up those items, but it is a terrific tax deduction for the donor (or shall I say, “YOUR FUTURE CLIENT!”) You may even want to be the main point of contact to help them schedule a pick-up with us.  And as we are nearing the end of the year, everyone is looking for that last minute tax-write off.

To learn how you can partner with your local Habitat ReStore to help build your business, email me or visit the Los Angeles ReStores online.  To schedule a donation pick-up, please call 424-246-3637. If you are outside the LA metro area, you can find the nearest ReStore by zip code here.

Related Posts:
World Habitat Day
Deconstructing With Ed Begley, Jr.
Let The Restore Save You Time and Money on your Next Home Renovation Project


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