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You can try to be an expert in many phases of real estate, or you can specialize in a niche market and become the authority in that market.

There are many highly successful real estate agents and brokers that have narrowed their real estate marketing niche focus to a specific geographical area, a type of property or a category of consumer. Recognizing the opportunities that are out there and selecting a niche that appeals to you can be a lucrative strategy.

1. For Sale By Owner Properties (FSBO’s)

Don’t discount the for sale by owner property as not worth your time. These sellers will, in many cases, find that they really don’t have the ability to successfully market their home and decide to list with a real estate professional.

Structure a marketing plan around helping these sellers to learn what they need to know to market their property and they will frequently see the complexity of the task and make a decision to list. If you’ve been their adviser, you’ll likely get the business.

2. Resort and Vacation Homes

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area that appeals to vacationers and those looking for getaway properties, this can be a very successful niche market for you.

With most of the prospects coming from outside the area, a good internet marketing strategy can position you as the area expert and cut down significantly on the competition. Providing usable information to out-of-area buyers will get you business, and at some point they’ll likely be your sellers also.

3. Hispanics are a growing home-buying group.

The Census Bureau places Hispanics as the nation’s largest minority group, with more than 42 million in the United States.

With a median age of 27 years, this group is highly likely to comprise a large chunk of the first-time home buying market. Look at marketing venues that will attract this group and determine their needs and fill them.

4. More and more Singles are buying homes every year.

With almost 90 million unmarried and single Americans, this is a group you just cannot ignore. 55 Million households are headed by unmarried individuals.

Women make up about 54% of this group according to the Census Bureau. Real estate professionals that can embrace the differing needs of these heads of households will surely find a wealth of opportunity.

5. Baby boomers, or Seniors are a huge market influence.

Different income considerations, as well as sometimes special housing requirements, make this group a great niche market. Determine their needs and develop marketing and services that are tailored to them.

Look into the SRES Designation (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) to position yourself as a specially trained professional serving the needs of this age group.

6. Luxury Homes — A market requiring specialized skills and money.

The luxury home niche looks quite inviting, with the high home prices usually generating correspondingly high commissions to the agents. They do result in a higher per-transaction commission, but don’t think that there aren’t some trade-offs.

Luxury homes require special marketing venues that generally require larger investment on the part of the listing brokerage. Overall, the percentage of net profit after marketing can be similar to lower priced homes. It’s a great niche for some though.

7. Helping first-time buyers is fulfilling and profitable.

First-time buyers are new to the entire process, with anxieties about financing, inspections and just about every facet of the transaction. They want and need our help.

It’s a great feeling helping them into their first home, and this niche market is a large one. Develop marketing and transaction information materials that will help them to understand the process and view you as the expert they need to carry them through it. They’ll be a huge source of future repeat business and referrals.

8. Condominium buyers and sellers offer a great niche opportunity.