During the housing boom from about 2000-2005, thousands of people saw how much money real estate agents were making and decided to join in on the trend.

Fast forward to 2007 and we see a completely different housing market.

Many agents who joined the market during the heydays are now turning around and looking for work in a different industry. Only those that really know what they are doing and have established a reputable reputation and list of clientele are able to survive in a down market.

And agents who specialize in a particular type of housing style or property are finding they are doing especially well.

With the advent of technology like the Internet becoming so prominent in the real estate industry, agents are able to advertise to a particular type of clientele, and advertise any special knowledge or expertise they may have about a certain type of property.

In this day and age, where people expect the best, most personalized service; many agents are finding it to be there advantage to specialize in a certain type of property.

A recent article by Gayle Pollard-Terry of The Los Angeles Times, “Hitched to a niche,” discusses how agents who specialize in certain properties, like ones for people with horses, are flourishing in today’s marketplace.

There are many types of agents who specialize in their own little “niche” of the real estate world.

“Real estate agent Christine Lloyd-Maddocks doesn't sing or play an instrument. But she is fluent in a lingo that's foreign to most people outside the music industry: She represents sellers of houses with music studios — or the potential for one — and the buyers who want them. Agents often specialize in niche markets, whether they are musicians or, in the case of Donna Tritten, equestrians. A horse person herself, she knows what a property needs to stable a horse.”

“Eva Rosenberg also is a member of her niche target group. Seventy-five percent of the Realtor's clients are baby boomers who may have empty nests and/or aging parents, and many find her through her website, http://www.babyboomersbroker.com .”

The reason why these types of “specialty agents” are probably doing so well right now is because it makes things easier for both the person who wants to buy a “special” kind of property and those looking to sell them; not to mention the great amount of referrals that are generated.

The National Association of Realtors is one of the proponents behind the growing number of specialty agents.
“Although most agents still base their market on a geographic area, an increasing number are deciding to add a little something extra. Members of the National Assn. of Realtors specialize in ‘housing types, historic properties, luxury homes or condos,’ said NAR spokeswoman Stephanie Singer, pointing out a few niches. The trade group also provides training for agents who focus on selling to first-time buyers or working with seniors.”

“Whether the niche is immigrants, the hearing impaired, minorities, single women or people looking to buy or sell fixers, the Realtors association's website offers guidance on how agents can cater to one audience without violating fair housing laws. ‘The key,’ Singer said, ‘is not to exclude people that fall outside of the niche.’”