Advantages of Working with a Boutique Real Estate Firm

Boutique real estate agent showcasing advantages of buying or selling your home with them.

Finding the right kind of real estate brokerage when buying or selling a home is a huge decision.

Some people opt for large, national brokerages without considering the advantages of working with a localized, boutique real estate firm.

While national firms can offer a lot for their clients, boutique brokerages work directly with buyers and sellers in a collaboration of personal connections and local knowledge.

If you are still trying to decide why an experienced boutique broker is a right choice for you,

What is a Boutique Real Estate Firm?

By definition, “boutique” means a small company that offers highly specialized services. When making one of the most significant financial decisions, a boutique real estate firm offers very localized knowledge and focuses on providing personalized service.

It tends to be more about the relationship in a boutique firm because they do not have national or international name recognition. Boutique real estate agencies must work harder to maintain their reputation and client relationships.

Boutique vs National Firms

Typically, boutique real estate will focus on a better customer service experience rather than the number of transactions closed or money made. Boutique brands are highly specialized in the local market and not looking to expand into multiple markets.

Though boutique firms are smaller than many national franchise firms, they can have a large share of the local market because they only hire full-time local agents.

Agents that are full-time with a local background offer a higher level of care, skill, and diligence.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

While national firms are definitely bigger than boutique real estate agencies, that does not mean bigger is always better.

Boutique brokerages can often move more quickly for their clients because they can problem-solve in-house rather than waiting on the higher powers to approve something or answer a paperwork question.

Individualized Marketing Plans & Community Connections

A boutique agency can offer specialized marketing plans to solve problems creatively and sell your property. Through their deep-rooted connections to the local community, businesses, and other industry professionals, boutique agents can nip issues in the bud, benefiting buyers and sellers.

In a smaller firm, they take continuing education and current market trends very seriously. Knowing what is happening in the community and how it directly affects buyers and sellers is why many agents in local firms are members of local boards, attend government meetings, and stay on top of local news.

Thus, providing boutique agents the ability to share information with their clients regarding things like new construction, changes in local policies, development rules and regulations, road closures, school information, and community events.

Why You Should Use a Boutique Brokerage

Buyers and sellers should opt for a boutique brokerage because their team will collaborate more than just compete for themselves, allowing the client a better overall experience.

Taking the time to find the right broker is essential because it is a connection that lasts longer than just the purchase or sale of a property. Agents in a boutique real estate firm aim to protect your investment, create long-lasting relationships, and build a community.

If these ideals align with you, choosing your local boutique real estate firm is a great way to SHOP LOCAL while making an excellent decision for your future!

About the Author
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I am a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, but I have been in North Carolina since1997 when I moved to Boone to attend Appalachian State University. I earned my degree in Theatre Education and Communications. While at ASU I met my husband, Matt Long, a Boone native and general contractor, and gained a heart for these mountains and my beloved ASU Mountaineers. After graduation, I spent 5 years teaching in Charlotte before being given the opportunity to move back to the High Country. In 2007 I earned my NC Real Estate License and began in full-time brokerage. In 2010 I helped to open a franchise brokerage in the High Country. I gained impactful knowledge and built important relationships during my 8 years there, but began to feel the calling to get back to my roots.

In June of 2018, my dream became a reality when I opened 828 Real Estate. We are a boutique brokerage that is locally focused, community-minded and client-driven. I feel so fortunate to be in a career that I love, have opportunities to serve wonderful clients, and get to work with the best team here at 828 Real Estate.

I am a member of The High Country Association of Realtors, the North Carolina Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors. I am a member the Boone Chamber of Commerce and I am on the board for the Downtown Boone Development Association. I have also completed the Realtor  e-Pro certification that specifically focuses on the technology tools needed in the purchase or sale of a property. Additionally, I have earned my CLHMS Designation. (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) and a qualified LuxuryHomes.com Affiliate. Over the years I have been awarded various Top Producer Awards. I am honored each year to be invited to the Top 50 Brokers in the High Country celebration.

My husband and I reside in downtown Boone and have 2 beautiful children, Sadie Rose and Levi. We attend Alliance Bible Fellowship and stay connected by serving the community and supporting local non-profits like Western Youth Network, The Appalachian Theatre and Valle Crucis Community Park. We love to spend time outside hiking, playing on the river, running with their dog, Emmie Lou, hitting the slopes and making the most of our time in this amazing place we get to call home!