It is estimated that there are roughly 1.2 million members of the National Association of Realtors®, plus an additional 1 to 1.5 million unlicensed real estate agents in the United States. Based on these figures, there are approximately 2.5 million real estate agents across the country.

Although only about 10 percent of these agents make up more than 90 percent of total real estate sales each year, records indicate one thing; there are too many real estate agents out there! Even though a large portion of these agents may practice real estate as only a hobby or part-time job, competition can be fierce among agents.

With so many real estate agents out there today, it seems that just about anybody can sell a house – or at least they think they can. In order to be able to compete in this market, you have to differentiate yourself from the crowd. If anyone can sell a house, what makes you special?

Being the Go-To Agent

Nature has driven humankind to specialize in certain traits in order to become successful. Being a Renaissance Man is no longer the path to success. These days it pays to specialize in every market – including real estate.

Being a real estate specialist means that instead of being the go-to agent for any property on the market, you set yourself apart from the competition by being the go-to agent for a specific type of property. Some of the top niche markets for real estate specialists include:

• Condominiums
• First-Time Buyers
• Relocation
• Short Sales
• Investment Properties
• Resort & Vacation Homes
• Luxury Homes