I've done a bit of relocating (not just casual moves but significant distances) so I know a fair amount about what it's like, things you need to think about, and issues that can arise. I know how to move with pets, kids and multiple cars, and how to go about home searching in a community I have never seen before in a different part of the country.
I also write fair amount about relocation: Relocation A to Z. Indeed, relocation is a focus of my real estate business, and the majority of my buyer clients are out of the area and from other states.
Writing a winning blog for relocations is something anyone can do, if you choose to do so AND are interested in specifically working with relocations. Given my own experience, and coupled with the feedback from my relocation clients about my blogs,
I have a few thoughts on what you can do to write a terrific relocation blog AND win clients.
Have a mindset about helping folks relocate. This doesn't mean blab about being a relo expert, yada yada yada. But you need to have in mind that your writing should focus on information that relocating buyers want and need to know. Having the right mindset will be reflected in your writing and your attitude. And they will come to understand you are an expert on relocation and the local area.
Write about housing communities with a diverse perspective. If you don't have a good handle on the various communities in your area and what they offer, go out and research them and learn. Folks from other areas will not know about the housing and prices and that is key information for most. You need to understand the different types of communities and what they offer, since your relocating buyers will have varied wants and needs.
Share what you know about the local community - services, places to visit, shopping, dining, touristy stuff, the art and theater, farmers' markets, and so on. Write your Localism posts with flare. Are there special things about the area relocation folks might be interested in knowing - colleges, public transportation, hospitals, industry, services (child care, medical, wellness).
Focus on being visual. People who are relocating may never have been to the area, but they are interested. So you need to provide them with a visual experience that will be enticing and give them a feel for what it's like to live there. I write about beaches, the weather (good and bad) and much more, and use lots of photos, slide shows and videos. Sadly, I see many posts that just don't impress because there is so little visually happening. Folks from out of the area have asked me for videos and photos, and I have sometimes created customized galleries of pictures and area videos to share with my relo clients. Believe me, it works.
Consider the lifestyles in your area and write about them. Are you in a beach community? A resort? Urban or rural? Is golf popular? Folks coming from other areas often are seeking a particular lifestyle, and if they see that YOU understand they will be attracted to you. And some don't really know what they are getting into, so you can be the lifestyle expert and educate them. Southern California is very focused on the outdoor lifestyle year-round, and I make it a point to talk about what this means.
In summary, you need to convey that YOU are the expert and know the area. THAT'S what relocation buyers need. They are likely hooked up with multiple websites and perhaps not working with a dedicated agent so the playing field is wide open.
At some level they want to know WIIFM (you know, what's in it for me?). If you can clearly demonstrate that you can help them with their home search and educate them about the area, chances are you will be the one they will call for help.
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
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Great info. Thank you for sharing. I will keep all of this in mind for people relocating to Richmond.
Thank you for this post. I will be checking out your localism posts to learn a little more. Many people are moving into the San Antonio area and I need to focus on this.
I was going to say about being the local expert and emphasize that Jeff but you nailed it right there at the end. I in particular like your style with the drive around videos. They always make me feel comfortable like I am riding in your vehicle and seeing the area.
Jeff, this is a great overview of how to build a strong Localism presence and attract relocating buyers. My strong suit in real estate when we lived in Orlando was relocating buyers. I connected with a couple of companies and when you give good service, they refer others to you. It's not just about the house. They need someone who knows the entire area and can discuss pros and cons of each part of town. Thanks!
Yup...it is imperative that we give as much info about the community...visuals (I love to do RES shows for local views) for everyone moving to our area. They want more than stats. :)
I too have done a good bit of relocation as a consumer/corporate relocation. It's interesting to discover the skill disparity in Realtors. Following some negative experiences as a consumer it became my priority to customize my service to each client's needs, but there are some consistencies with relocation clients...and I think you have hit the nail on the head.
The visual tip certainly has resonance. There's only so much you can glean from an average temperature chart, but showing photos of the sunny beach and tornado ravaged cabanas certainly paints two thousand words.
I really really really need to get back to my hyperlocal community posts - at least commit to one a week. Relo's LOVE that!
Agreed Jeff these are all excellent things to write about your local area. Writing these kind of quality posts shows you are a local expert and proud one at that.
Agreed Jeff these are all excellent things to write about your local area. Writing these kind of quality posts shows you are a local expert and proud one at that.
Hi Jeff, Wonderful outline for writing the relocation blogs. It is a night of re-blogs, read this first on Rich's post and he was most complimentary of you and your writing skills. Of course I had to agree. :-)
Jeff- What a great post. Thanks for really laying everything out; I think this was a very successful post.
Jeff... I agree, you did an excellent job on this. I especially think that giving a really good perspective about the area is important, along with good visuals. Something that I bet many don't do in their writings. Again, nice job with this one. Overall, it does come down to quality and easy to understand posts.
Jeff, You and I both learned this through our similar relocating experiences. I love writing about my new home in LKN from the perspective of one who isn't from here but can share why it is so special. You do the same thing so well in your blog posts. I love reading your fresh perspective on the great Carlsbad area!
Jeff - Great post! Thanks for giving me ideas to follow when writing a relocation post.
Jeff thanks for the good information. It gives us a good kick to get this element back inline and updated once again.
Anna Banana www.annabananarealty.com
Jeff, there is no one on the Rain more qualified to write about Relocation than you and Sally Cheeseman in my opinion, and you did not disapoint with the advice you gave in this blog.
Jeff, I appreciate the tips and reminders about what my focus needs to be for relocating buyers, which I find to be some of the most exciting clients to work with. My question is this: I find writing the posts to be interesting and easier for me. It's the visual elements that challenge me, particularly in the time it takes.
I won't steal photos from others but to drive to an area to take a bunch of pictures that probably won't turn out well, just doesn't appeal to me. I've actually considered hiring a high school student, interested in photography to do it for me for $10 an hour. Is that crazy? Should I just suck it up?
Jeff, thanks for the advice! This is a very informative post. I will keep these tips in mind.
Jeff
I've been working on a relocation page on my website, and these tips really help, thanks! Now I'm going to make regular blog posts like you are suggesting and link them to my relocation page.
Great post. I bookmarked it. Not sure if that is a niche I want to get into, but if I do blogging would be the first way.
Great information, Jeff. I never thought about doing videos and posting--wonderful idea that I will have to implement!! Wish me luck!
Good post.
awesome post! Thanks for sharing!
Are you going to RE/MAX International Conference in Vegas in a couple of weeks?
Jeff -- very nice tips. Thank you for sharing out of your expertise. This is something I want to focus more on, and your post will help!
Good post, Jeff. It's all about doing your research and being prepared.
Hi Jeff - You gave me some good ideas. Thanks... Doug
I was just thinking of separating my blog or starting a new one to refocus the content to people moving from out of state. I spent the weekend with out of state buyers and paid attention to what their concerns about an area are and what they are looking for. Thanks for the helpful info!
Jeff: Thanks for the great ideas. In this market every tip is helpful and appreciated. Take care.
Good stuff, Jeff... Although I'm not in a resort area, beach area or even a large city, you've got lots of ideas swirling around in my head. Thanks!
Great ideas! I touch upon some of this stuff but I apreciate the reminder to step it up. :)
Jeff, You are one of the best writers here in Active Rain, hands down. I read most of your Localism posts and try to get some "mojo" for my blog, lol. These are all great tips and I"m going to bookmark this. I was away from AR for a couple of days and missed this post...just found it over at Rich's place:) Thanks for taking the time to share with all of us!