is FARMING still paying off?

[tnguyen24]

im just curious if there were any members on the board that still farm. Im planning to start in about 2 weeks and just want to know how much does it pay off?

[judyo]

I've done it in the past but have never kept it up long-term. I keep wanting to start again. Easier to say than do when you're busy. I do believe that if it's done with some thought (in a good area that has high turnover - especially if you've had some activity in the area & they've seen your signs, etc.) it will work.

You need to keep up with it on a monthly basis. You can't expect instant returns. I recently read an article (I believe in NAR magazine, maybe it was IAR, can't remember) where a now top producing agent started farming an area & it took 2 yrs. before she got anything. However, now she "owns" that territory & is a very successful young agent.

She claims she only sends Just Listed & Just Sold cards now since she's so well known in her area.

[Nashvegas]

Farming costs us about $20,000 a year and in return, we usually earn about $75,000 in commissions from that campaign. It pays for itself, but not a huge return. For reference, we farm an area with 950 high end homes.

[ResaleBroker]

What does "farming" mean to "you"?

[Nashvegas]

unsolicited mailings, door to door, non-client relationship.