Creative Ways to Sell Your Community

BY LEE NELSON

Selling real estate is more than just selling homes. As Realtors® , it’s about connecting people and being involved with the community.

“I help people find their place in the world,” said Jason Levine, who co-owns ONE94 Real Estate Group in New Milford. “Business comes from relationships, and relationships come from shared experiences–a phone call, pushing the elevator button at the same time, a cup of coffee together, or a game of golf.”

Levine was born and raised in the same town he now works, and does as much as he can to help his community thrive. He volunteers with the local government and his town’s Little League. Levine also produces videos of local businesses to help new residents meet some of the best townsfolk.

Selling one’s community in innovative and authentic ways involving local businesses and individuals has been many New Jersey Realtors®’ biggest strengths. Realtors® across the state have found their own unique approaches to boosting or enticing others to visit or come live in their cities and towns. They become unofficial ambassadors where they live, work, and play.

Levine began a Facebook group during the height of the pandemic called We Are New Milford, and it continues to grow. He invites his clients, even those who haven’t bought a house yet, to join. It connects people with local attorneys, financial advisors, small business owners, and so many more to help them feel they belong and have friends.

“It’s has over 2,000 residents involved. It’s non-political and nonbullying. We celebrate wins and share community events,” said Levine.

He believes when people get to know Mike at the bagel store or Jerry at the local mechanic shop, people begin to understand knowing these people is a bridge to knowing more people.

“It offers tons of value and gives a community feel,” said Levine.

Nikunj (Nikki) Shah is a Realtor® and used to host client appreciation parties every year. Since COVID-19 put a hold on those, he decided to invite small groups each weekend to his backyard oasis for small barbecues to help people meet others.

“They become friends. Most are new here, and that’s how we get connected,” said Shah, Realtor® at Long & Foster Realty, Cherry Hill. “We have the pool, drinks, and food. They call me Mr. Connector in South Jersey.”

Shah also is very active on social media, and has grown his group on Telegram, an instant messgage platform, to over 3,000 members.

“When a new buyer or seller comes in, I add them to the group,” said Shah. “It’s like one big family. We help each other out.”

If someone needs a good dentist or is looking for a plumber, he stops what he is doing four times a day for about 15-20 minutes each time to answer the questions.

“I choose to make my clients my family in this business,” said Shah.

Consumers need to know who you are as a Realtor®, according to Judith Weiniger, founder and broker at Weiniger Realty.

“They want to work with you if they know you, like you, and trust you,” said Weiniger. She recomends posting videos on Instagram stories.

Before someone picks out a house to live in, they usually choose a community to live in so, in 2012, Weiniger began creating business community videos.

“I wanted to highlight small businesses to get their name out there because many of them didn’t know how to do it, said Weiniger, “It’s was all about how I can show what it’s like to live in Warren — the restaurants, shops, and parks.”

She’s collaborated with the School Board of Education to create videos about Warren schools.

“It was a smart business decision and a human decision. We are all in this together,” said Weiniger.

She paused creating videos during the pandemic, but she has 12 new videos about her community coming out soon. In her videos, she highlights some of the best neighborhoods, areas with new construction, luxury neighborhoods, and so much more.

“It’s all very local and very detailed,” said Weiniger. She feels all Realtors® can just take their own smartphone, find a good video app, and start filming.

“The best way for a Realtor® to get to know people in their community is to get involved,” said Weiniger. “Be that community expert.”

After growing up in Israel, Keren Gonen has moved 28 times, so she understands the stress of moving and selling on a very personal level, and tries to be a steady and tranquil source during their selling or buying experiences.

“One of my clients said, ‘Just seeing your name on my phone calms me down,” said Gonen, Realtor® with the Better Home and Gardens Real Estate Green Team of New Jersey Realty.

As a member of the Economic Advisory Committee in Vernon Township, Gonen recognized the need for more business in her town.

Gonen also serves on the town’s Beautification Committee. There are only five citizens on it, and “we do everything together,” said Gonen. “We make Vernon more pleasing to the eye, and hopefully, other people will want to move here.”

She suggests putting together a list of local businesses in the area so you have recommendations to provide your clients.

“If they want a bee keeper, I even have a bee keeper that I direct them to,” said Gonen.

She also keeps a long list of painters, dentists, restaurants, inspectors, and more.

Making connections and becoming the go-to community expert in your town can help your business and your community thrive.