Sam Shueh
In the last blog (reference 1), I suggested that we are local realtors and we need to focus on local events. Three realtors thought I should write about artichoke, garlic and mushroom festivals. A website filled with local information like schools, places to go always attract people coming to your website.
The following are also suggested extended topics for real estate professionals:
Day Care – who provides day care services, what are rates, where are they located. Use public reviews whenever possible.
Health issues – Does your area do something significant to lessen the population’s impact on the environment? About pollution issues, did that neighborhood got cleaned up and where is the health data supporting it is under control. Do not speculate just state the facts.
Environment-Earthquake & flood exposure-Few in California realize there are homes actually built on fault lines. If homes are not built on solid rocks, liquefaction, sandy soil can destroy structures. In California we deal with mud slide, earthquake, flood and fire sometimes more than one issue at same time.
We all love to try out new eateries. Rather rank them yourself I would use popular source like Yelp which is the most updated website. Ask restaurateurs to allow you leave business card. I used to go to an Asian restaurant ordering meals and wait for serving. The waiter brought me a list of homes for sell. I thought the the owner is also a realtor. She mearly convinced the management she will advertise for them for free. Indeed, she seemed to have more transactions.
Places to shop-An agent was going to compile stores that got a sale going on. It has 500 shops at a local Factory Outlet. It was a monumental task for her. My impression is those want to shop probably would not have time to look at homes. Somehow, if one can switch to you are next door to a mall that would be an ideal place to reside.
Cost of Living Comparison-for different cities or neighborhoods in your local market. Put in a side by side comparison for average price of homes, utilities, tax rates etc. In our area, one town has its own power plant and cost is a lot less than the home across the street. I think it is especially acute if it is near a state line people want to know which state is more affordable.
Towns buildings with historical significance – What time periods are represented? Where are the historic buildings? Are there any museums or historical street tours?
Job market in local area – Who employs the most people in your area? What job sectors are hot in that town right now. I was in Watsonville, CA during the Great Recession. The entire downtown had out of business signs except McDonald was open. The unemployment was as high as 27.5% then and even today it is still remains to be 7.8-9.5%. Any new businesses coming to area, name them? May be there are new jobs.
Local Schools Ratings – Use reference online summaries that you can find and what you know of the different schools yourself. Great School is one.
Market real estate statistics for your area, including average home prices, offering vs listing. It is imperative that prices need to be referenced to a past date and charted if possible. Readers like graphs. In my opinion people are opt to come to your site asking or looking for such information.
Local Parks – what can you do at each park? A photo or two will help. In Monterrey, CA there was a park with a train. It was called Dennis the Menace park. Guess what the parents ended up spending their time where with their kids?
Transportation & Parking – Does your area have a good public transportation system? Is it bike friendly? Are the freeways or highways well-connected?
Travel tips for visitors to your area as it becomes useful for out of town folks.
I never publish neighborhood stats on crimes. If people ask I will give them the source. It is too intimidating.
Source:
Shueh, S. Topics for successful real estate blogs- part 1 (Successful blog topics).
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Sam Shueh Realtor
I've called San Francisco South Bay home for over 37 years. We love this area and all it has to offer, and I enjoy sharing what I know about homes. I documented in several books about Silicon Valley history. I have much expertise in real estate...please give me a call. Silicon Valley Realtor Sam Shueh Website (Four-O-Eight) 425-1601
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