Door knocking in Redford, MI

[Ashley Streufert]

Hi everyone! I earned my agent's license earlier this year in February, married my husband in April, and we moved into our first fixer-upper home the end of July! I'm jumping into real estate agent work full-time, and would love some input on marketing to our neighborhood.

We have moved into a neighborhood in southern Redford Charter Township (south of I96/Jeffries Fwy, and west of Telegraph Road). There's about 500 houses in the neighborhood. We would like to find off-market properties to either 1) purchase and turn into rental properties, or 2) I can serve as their agent when they want to sell their home, and grow my personal contact network. 

What advise do you have about marketing to your local neighborhood? Is doorknocking/talking on their porch the way to start? Or is it more considerate to leave doorknob fliers as your first contact in your neighborhood? Mail out "neighborhood updates" once a month? 

Do you throw a party at your house and give everyone cookies you baked from scratch??? (my husband can confirm I have a crazy sweet tooth, and I do love cooking!)

I know the sky's the limit with self-marketing, and I'd love some experienced insight. :) Let the chatting begin!