Two good areas, one budget
When you can’t afford to market everywhere, compare areas on the same measures. This tool lines up to four ZIP codes on price, sales, turnover, commission, speed and renter counts.
Which row to weigh
- For a mail farm, commission per home. You pay for every home you mail, so what matters is what the average home pays out in commissions per year: turnover × price × the commission on both sides.
- For online ads or a ZIP sponsorship, the total pool. The cost doesn’t rise with the number of homes, so a bigger market gives you more chances for the same money.
- For buyer business, renter households and median rent. More renters, and rents close to what a mortgage would cost, mean more people weighing a first purchase.
- For how hard the work will be, days on market and supply. Fast markets reward agents who respond quickly.
What the comparison can’t see
It doesn’t know who already dominates each area, whether you live there, or how far you’d drive. Check listing counts by agent in your MLS, and favor the area you know. How to choose a farm area covers competition and fit.
Questions agents ask
How do I compare two farm areas?
Compare turnover, median price, the commission each home pays per year, and how much of the area one agent already controls. Then weigh how well you know each one.
Is a higher-priced area always better to farm?
No. A cheaper area where homes sell twice as often can pay more per home mailed. Multiply turnover by price to compare.
How many ZIP codes should I advertise in?
As many as you can serve well and afford to stay in for a year or more. Consistency in two areas usually beats thin coverage of six.