Stuck in Place
I wouldn’t say we’re there yet, but . . . if Twin Cities traffic congestion continues to worsen, I see some side effects for the local housing market, and 
in particular, successful area Realtors who want to stay that way.
Namely, it will (once again) be smart — and more lucrative — to focus on a specific neighborhood.**
Why’s that?
In a word: “time.”
The Lowry Tunnel Bottleneck
As recently as 5 years ago, it was possible to move around on Twin Cities highways during the day (i.e., not at rush hour) at an average 50 miles per hour (my estimate, at least).
Today?
That speed has dropped dramatically — perhaps to 20 mph — or, if you’re trying to get through the Lowry Tunnel almost any time of day — 5 mph.
Or zero.
As a result, I know that more Realtors are spending more of their time stuck in traffic.
While cell phones help avoid wasting that time completely, an even easier strategy is to have a more geographically concentrated clientele.
**In Realtor-speak, that’s referred to as a “geographic farm.” Agents can also market to other, specific audiences, including (former) professional colleagues, their social sphere, and existing and past clients.
Cumulatively, the people in any given Realtor’s orbit constitutes their “sphere of influence.”
See also, “Twin Cities Traffic Bottlenecks ” Updated.”
