As an agent and a local, you know your town or city like the back of your hand. That means you know the best diner for weekend breakfasts, the best beach, and where to hear talks and lectures. Matt Kirkegaard, the founder of Movement Property Group, thinks you should share that information with clients.
Instead of just being a top-notch real estate professional, consider yourself a community advocate and, while selling homes, sell your town as well.
“I always suggest telling clients what I love best about the area, whether that’s a terrific ice cream stand, a hidden gem of a comics shop, or a hole in the wall to hear live bands. Next, find out their interests and tell them all the places in town they’ll enjoy,” said Kirkegaard.
You’re likely in a unique position to do public relations for your town, selling people on buying into the community while they purchase a home.
Improve your community
Kirkegaard, whose Movement Property Group is one of the best-known luxury property firms in Nashville, stakes his reputation on his local knowledge and commitment to making his city the best it can be.
By improving your town or city, you’re making it a more attractive place for people to move to and making essential connections along the way. Whether you volunteer, take a public office, or coach a little league team, you’ll meet like-minded people who can become clients or refer you when their friends are considering moving to town.
For Kirkegaard’s part, he contributes in two ways. First, he donates 10% of all closing profits to Movement’s charitable non-profit, The LiftUp Initiative, which provides rental and mortgage financial assistance to those struggling due to circumstances beyond their control.
He also presents a local TV show, “Selling Nashville,” which highlights the best and brightest hot spots and local attractions in Nashville. Not only does he enjoy making content and constantly learning more about his city, but he also gets to “sell” his city to those considering moving to Nashville.
He considers himself uniquely suited to hosting the show. “I’ve been living in Nashville for more than 15 years. No one knows or loves this city as I do — it’s my favorite place in the world,” he said.
Live life local
Instead of getting your coffee at Starbucks or burgers from Five Guys, make it a point to spend your money at local cafes and restaurants. Not only does this ensure that your town continues to have thriving local businesses, but it also allows you to get to know the businesses better and have more insider knowledge to share with your clients.
“Live like your clients would. Drive around, try new things, pop your head into that ceramics shop or painting studio and say hello. I even like to pick up a gift certificate for my clients if I know it’s a place they would love,” said Kirkegaard.
Put the work in
As Kirkegaard likes to say, you must show up and help. You can’t just sell in your community; you need to contribute to help advocate for your city. Choose a way to help that you enjoy. You can volunteer at your city’s soup kitchen, help out at a local school, build a home with Habitat for Humanity, or even run for public office. Zoning board positions are desirable to agents and allow them to expand on the knowledge they already have.
“Being a city advocate is about more than donating money and going to networking events. You have to get your hands dirty to make the place you love even better. And, you know what, it actually does help sell houses,” he said. “It may sound impossible, but you can take your business further while also helping your community. I know because I’ve done it.”
Find the place where you can do the best, use your unique skills and show up there regularly to help.
Agents across the country would do well to follow Kirkegaard’s lead. It will improve towns and cities across America and make buyers more excited about moving.
About Matt Kirkegaard and Movement Property Group
Movement Property Group (Keller Williams), created by musician and real estate agent Matt Kirkegaard, specializes in luxury and affordable housing throughout most of Tennessee, including East and West Nashville, where the company is headquartered. Kirkegaard is accompanied by Ruben Juarez and Aaron Ammon at Movement Property Group. Kirkegaard and Co. strive to make the home buying and selling processes as efficient and effortless as possible. For more information and to see Movement Property Group’s impressive real estate inventory, please visit https://movementpropertygroup.com/
