FARMS: Tips on setting up a farm

You can develop stream of new listings and referrals by working a specific neighborhood, type of property, or client base. Pick your “farm” based on your preferences so that it naturally holds your interest and augments your enthusiasm – then become the most accessible expert on that area of expertise. Design your farm so that you can afford to contact each member by frequently and visit each property periodically. Start small and manageable – you can always grow the territory and you begin to reap results.

Create an owner’s profile for each member of your farm. The following abbreviations may help to simplify the process.

AO – Absentee Owner
  • Contact by mail or email with community updates.
  • Send comparable sales information periodically.
  • Offer to refer renters or assist in renting the property
TN – Tenant
Meet and greet, could be a potential buyer at some point.
NO – New Owner
Here’s an opportunity to share your expertise and build a relationship. Give them the community and school information you’ve developed and offer assist their friends interested in moving into the neighborhood.
EO – Equity Owner
The longer an individual has owned a home, the more likely their personal situation will change and influence a move up or down. Nationally people tend to move every seven years. Be in a position to assist these long residents in their next move or real property investment.
Tax Tips – Homeowner’s Exemption

New homeowners automatically receive an application for the Homeowner’s Exemption of $7,000 off their assessed value. If any homeowner in your farm has failed to file for this tax deduction, provide them with the claim form.

There is also the Disabled Veteran’s Exemption (or an unmarried widow of a such veteran) of up to $150,000 off of the assessed value of their principal residence. Call the Tax Assessor office for information on how to file a claim.

Parent & Child Exclusion Proposition 58

Grandparent/Grandchild Exclusion
Proposition193

The transfer of real property between parents and children or from grandparents to grandchildren may be excluded from reappraisal for property tax purposes. A claim must be filed. Call (213) 893-1239 for additional information.

Propositions 60 & 90

A senior citizen over 55 years of age, who buys a residence of equal or lesser value than the prior residence, may be able to have his/her old assessed value transferred to the new home. A claim must be filed.

Severely and Permanently Disabled Exclusion
Proposition 110

A severely and permanently disabled person, who buys a new home, may be able to have his/her old assessed value transferred to the new home. A claim must be filed.