Merritt Island REALTORS - Get those listings!!!!!

I just made another post“Calling All Merritt Island REALTORS…” regarding an article about the loss of 350 jobs in Merritt Island, Florida.  Looks as if Searay is shutting down one of their local plants in Merritt Island and transferring up to 140 employees to their location  here in Flagler County – Palm Coast, FL.

Now, I feel bad for any community that loses jobs, but I see a huge opportunity for a smart REALTOR in Merritt island to turn this into a positive.  So, I am going to share with you what I would be doing if I lived in that area to make sure I was getting a piece of the listing and selling pie.

Check you database:  If you are a seasoned agent and have been working with buyers and sellers that are employees of Searay in the past…now is the time to make contact and let them know that you are there to help them during this stressful time.  Your past customers will appreciate it and they will probably also tell their fellow employees…pay it forward.

Call the Human Resources Department:  Most respected companies have departments that are set up to assist transferring employees with information they need regarding the relocation to another area. Make sure you are on the top of their list as the person to contact that can assist with getting the employees homes sold.  The Human Resources Department will have their hands full with this and will appreciate having an expert to call for answers. You be that expert. Keep in mind that many companies buy out the homes of the tranferees and then contact a REALTOR to list them for sale…especially with higher level employees.  That is the person you want to track down…put on your detective hat.

Put out some advertising and direct marketing:  Target Searay employees….there are 350 of them that may need to sell….that adds up to a good number of listings…and they in most cases “Must Sell”.  Transferring sellers are some of the best customers to have….they must act quickly.

Contact Friends and Family: You may know a friend or family member that either works for Searay or knows of someone that works for Searay.  Let them know that you are available to assist any employees needing to sell their homes during this stressful time.  Word will get around about you…just need to put the ticklers out there.

Have a GO TO person in the New Community: Be a one stop shop for your customer.  You can get their house listed and sold and put them in contact with a professional , local REALTOR in the area that they are transferring to.  Someone like ME  Kristi Ross “The Palm Coast/Flagler County Real Estate Expert” **Shamless Plug**

Offer an incentive:  Give back.  Offer incentives to Searay Transferees in exchanges for choosing you to list and sell their home.  It does not have to be a reduction of your commission…but could be. Or you could give some other type of value added service such as a coupon towards the rental of a U-haul or moving company,  offer free lawn mowing services since they will be vacating the home soon etc.  Be creative…put your thinking cap on.

I wrote this post specifically regarding the Merrit Island Searay situation, but these tips should assist anyone who is aware of an upcoming plant closure or the laying off of several employees from a company.  Be the first person they hear from and it will pay off.

And ps  I am a Florida Licensed REALTOR with Hawk Beach Realty in Palm Coast/Flagler FL.  I have assisted hundreds of customers buy and sell property in this area for over 7 years.  Let my experience and professional contacts work for you…I love referrals.

Good luck Merritt Island REALTORS…Get those listings!!!