Special offer

Know Your Neighborhoods June Challenge

By
Real Estate Agent with Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com SAL.2002007747

Homes for sale, or maybe they will be

You know the best way we've found for blogging to make our phone ring & email inquiries to hit our Inbox?  Giving area home buyers and sellers SPECIFIC, LOCAL real estate related information that they can't find elsewhere.  Niche blogging is the gap that Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and the rest of the big websites can't cover.  It's the realm of the agents on the street, all of us, the bloggers of Active Rain! 

And with it being June, it's the perfect time to get out in your neighborhoods and get to know them better, and share that knowledge!  Trees are green, flowers are blooming, and there aren't any major holidays that will date your photos with jack o' lanterns and inflatable Santas!  Wait, photos you say?  That's right, to get points for the Know Your Neighborhoods challenge, you (or your hired mercenaries assistants) need to get out into your neighborhoods and provide some LOCAL photos particular to that neighborhood.  And to be clear, just a photo of the housing entrance facade isn't going to cut it.  No one lives in the entrance, buyers don't buy the entrance no matter how attractive.  You're welcome to include that entrance photo, but we want house/condo pictures because that's what buyers want to see!  And if those communities have pools, clubhouses and parks, go for it (but not mandatory)!  Slideshows and videos count too if that's your preference!

These posts can be working for you for YEARS!!  Especially if you've got the ability to add a live link for searching for homes for that community!

And did we mention that Active Rain has made this challenge SOOOOOOO easy that even a caveman can do it?  That's right, they've provided TEMPLATES!  Now you don't have to use them, but we kind of think Bob and company know a thing or two about blogging and making your phone ring.  So if you want the NEIGHBORHOOD BLOGGING TEMPLATE, just click the link and look for the two links under the video for the html code and a link to a sample neighborhood post so you can see exactly how it's done! 

So what's it going to take for you to get 2000 bonus points?? 

You must in the month of June 2013: NOTE:  DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 14 2013

  • Write 6 posts, each about a unique subdivision, condo or location in your market area.  These posts need to be about something you can list or sell, NOT local businesses and parks (although those are important too!).
  • 200 words minimum.  Give the consumers useful info, you know they want school districts, HOA fees, price ranges, home styles, what can I do here, etc.  Nothing mandatory, but the better you do at representing the neighborhood, the more likely your phone rings!
  • Media must be included.  Home photos and/or video at a minimum.  Maps are cool, but not required, but you'll probably never find a better opportunity to put your Google custom map skills to work!
  • Leave ONE comment in the comment section of this post with links to all 6 of your posts once you've completed the requirements.

What happens after that?  We get a list to our esteemed Kerrie and she'll credit your points in July!  And you know there's a holiday in early July, so no bothering her about your "missing" points until at least July 12th!

What else do we expect to happen in July?  We expect you to NOT stop at 6 subdivision posts!  Get out there and know your neighborhoods!  Take more pictures, make a field trip out of it!  Stock up enough to keep you blogging for months and through the snow season if need be (no comments from the warm area peanut gallery about snow....we have to take it in account for our market and our blogging plan!).

Okay, home inspectors, stagers, mortgage specialists, flooring people and other non-agents, we're not forgetting about you!  In lieu of neighborhood posts, strut your knowledge in a different way, show you KNOW YOUR SPECIALTY!  Give us six posts that either address a Frequently Asked Question, a niche of your business, or something else specific to YOUR area and expertise!  The intent is the same as the agents with the subdivision posts, posts that will continue to work for you long after you click submit! And yes, still a minimum of 200 words and some eye candy!  Just post your six links after you're done!  Easy Peasy!

Any questions, leave them in the comment section below!

Know Your Neighborhoods and Your Stuff!

Liz and Bill aka BLiz

Posted by

Serving Warren County Ohio & Adjacent Areas

The Liz Spear Team of Transaction Alliance
Elizabeth Spear, ABR, Ohio License SAL.2002007747

William (Bill) Spear, Ohio License SAL.2004011109  Kentucky 77938
Ask for us by name if you visit the office!

EHO
Bill Direct:  513-520-5305
Liz Direct: 513-265-3004     
Fax: 866-302-8418

MailTo:  Liz@LizSpear.com

Search Homes:  Https://WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com

 FacebookWordpressYouTube Pinterest

 

 

 

 

OUR PRIMARY SERVICE AREA:


Comments (307)

MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Rich, You had some time to spare :)

Karen, Glad you're feeling better and your reports are still giving consumers what they want, information they can't find elsewhere!  Just keep adding to your collection!

Jennifer, In under the wire!

Tammie, Thanks for adding your entries!

Bruce, You made it with time to spare!

Michael, But still on time!

Michelle, Thanks for your entry!

Jul 14, 2013 09:15 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

THE JUNE CHALLENGE HAS CLOSED.  THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!!

We hope the participants get outstanding results from their neighborhood posts and continue writing new neighborhood posts as part of their ongoing blogging plan.  These posts DO work, just create enough of them and give them time to work.  And the beauty is, they don't stop working for you, ever!!

Jul 15, 2013 12:03 AM
Kerrie La Guardia
ActiveRain, Community Manager - Kirkland, WA
Let it Rain!

Holy cannoli that was some contest!!  I can't wait to hear about all the success stories and phone calls stewing from these posts.  Keep it up Rainers!

Thank you BLiz for hosting such an awarding contest!

Jul 22, 2013 06:33 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Kerrie, I know the last one in our string of 6 in comment 197 has already driven traffic to our WP site and maybe even given us a call already.  And your comment gives me an idea for another contest :)

Jul 22, 2013 07:05 AM
Eric Galuppo
Real Estate Rev - More Leads Means More Revenue

Congratulation for being listed on the top 5 most commented post of 2013

Found you via http://activerain.com/blogsview/4279234/top-5-most-commented-on-posts-of-2013

Dec 30, 2013 10:32 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Congratulations, Bliz. You deserve being in the top 5 most commented posts of 2013. I wanted to partake in the challenge, just not quite ready. Next time. Again, good job! ActiveRain appreciates you.

Dec 30, 2013 12:11 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Eric, Thanks!

Jane, Thanks!  Whenever you're ready, Active Rain will be ready :)

Dec 30, 2013 12:25 PM
Andre R. Aragon
Greater Tampa Real Estate Photographer - Tampa, FL
Real Estate Photographer

Eri - Oooh Neighbor Hood Blogging Template  - that's a good gift - Thanks! Happy New Year!!

Dec 30, 2013 09:39 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Andre, That template makes it even easier to get started with subdivision posts, and they work!  We routinely see searches on our WP site that came from AR neighborhood blog posts.

Dec 30, 2013 10:14 PM
Rod Pierson
Wilson Realty Inc - Redding, CA
Northern California - An Agent you can trust

Hi LIz, and Bill, interesting I just now found your article, and congratulations on reaching the top five.  

I am looking into a few new web sites, and I have been concentrating on two companies that make it easier to blog as well as highlight neighborhoods, been doing some research on Iphone apps too, so when I am in the area of these neighborhoods I can take photos, and edit and upload to my web page for that neighborhood, still working on my decision on which web company to go to, but you just re confirmed I am on the right track..... anything else you think might help me with Active Rain or marketing my neighborhoods on my site all ears. 

To the Best to you both for 2014..... 

Dec 31, 2013 07:52 AM
Rod Pierson
Wilson Realty Inc - Redding, CA
Northern California - An Agent you can trust

Hi Liz and Bill, 

After reviewing you blog, I was wondering what program and do they have it available for Iphone or Ipad or PC for the collages....... that is a great idea..... I was going to generate videos, but I like the simplicity of the collection of homes on one photo.  

Thank you again for your help 

Dec 31, 2013 08:08 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Rod, You caught us road tripping back home today, so a bit slow in our response!

As far as the collage making, we use ipiccy.com.  It's free.  Other programs for collages include Picasa and Ribbet.com.  Both the .com websites are pretty easy to use once you get used to them, although there are some limitations on the collage templates.

As far as websites, we have a templated website from iHouse, and a Wordpress website we populate.  The key thing we'd recommend is having a solid IDX solution that allows buyers to search for homes.  Also, niche work can REALLY multiply the return on your blogging.  If you can find a segment of your market that is neglected by other agents, your MLS, etc., and then develop expertise your odds of getting calls is huge.

We'd recommend looking in the Ask An Ambassador group for tips.  Also, check out the Active Rain University webinars.  They're a gold mine of great info.

Dec 31, 2013 11:37 AM
Rod Pierson
Wilson Realty Inc - Redding, CA
Northern California - An Agent you can trust

Happy New Year Bill and LIz, 

Thank you for your suggestions, and hope you had a great trip..... 

Jan 01, 2014 02:02 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Rod, You're welcome!

Jan 01, 2014 10:11 PM
Rod Pierson
Wilson Realty Inc - Redding, CA
Northern California - An Agent you can trust
Hi Bill and Liz, I wanted to let you both know I went online and played with ipiccy and found it very user friendly and intuitive. I have been working on gathering neighborhood and subdivision statistics and come up empty handed, appears this is open field. How did you obtain neighborhood information, I think I can maybe develop some history by using our MLS. Again appreciate your suggestions and thank you in advance.
Jan 02, 2014 12:33 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Rod,   Our subdivision info is typically gathered from our MLS and our local tax auditor database.  If we're lucky, the subdivision may have it's own website or Facebook page and we'll mine those from information also.

Jan 02, 2014 04:02 AM
Rod Pierson
Wilson Realty Inc - Redding, CA
Northern California - An Agent you can trust

Hi Bill and LIz, 

Thank you, it looks like I have my work cut out for me, since hardly any information available, so I will have to use our MLS and tax records too.... one day at a time... 

Jan 02, 2014 06:20 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Rod, The neighborhood posts are time intensive.  Our subdivision posts (not counting time driving around the neighborhood snapping shots for the collages) generally take 1-2 hours to construct.

Jan 02, 2014 07:31 AM