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.
********************************
Subscribe in a reader
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
