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        <title>The Frankel Ball Realty Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.frankel-realty.com/blog/2020-07/</link>
        <description>The Frankel Ball Realty blog for buyers, sellers and Realtor's. </description>
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    <guid>https://www.frankel-realty.com/blog/marketing-yourself-before-and-after-the-health-crisis.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.frankel-realty.com/blog/marketing-yourself-before-and-after-the-health-crisis.html</link>
        <author>lorna@frankel-realty.com (Lorna Rafferty)</author>
        <title>Marketing Yourself Before and After the Health Crisis</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


Many realtors are likely viewing the Covid-19 virus as a hindrance to their business and career. It's a natural reaction. Normal as we know it has halted, and it's likely that even when we're back to business as usual, it won't really be business as usual.


During this challenging time, the general public probably won't hear from the vast majority of real estate agents in their area, but – on the other hand – this is a good time for those with a little drive and ingenuity to market themselves in a unique way, a way that will help potential clients remember your name when things return to the new normal.


Indeed, you can tastefully market your services and even continue to promote any listings you have while still showing your caring and compassionate side. There are ways to make the most of this difficult situation while still caring for those in your community.


Don't talk about buying and selling


It seems like crazy advice, right? But the last thing you want to appear to be is the shark that's trying to capitalize on people's fears and anxieties or the one who says &quot;sell now&quot; or &quot;buy now&quot; because you'll get a great deal.


Instead, put useful information on your social media pages – like scientific articles about the virus or details about restrictions/openings in your state or county – and direct them via a link to your website's full article. You can do the same with email if you have a solid mailing list. Send a tidbit of information that makes them want to read more and provide a link that sends them to your website to do so. While there, they may decide to look at some of the other information you offer, even your listings.


Here's a novel idea If your target area isn't too large, consider writing an old-fashioned newsletter to your community and put it out in the mail. Because those at home look forward to receiving the mail these days, chances are it would be a hit.


Tap local resources


It's important to keep your social media and website content useful AND original. In addition to reprinting articles that potential clients might have seen elsewhere, they also include things that might be more personally related to the community. This would be the same for the printed newsletter, should you decide to move in that direction.


Interview a doctor or other healthcare worker. Talk to a church or temple that might be running virtual services or maybe doing other unique things to serve the community and give them an extra nod for their efforts. Ask a teacher at the local elementary school about tips for homeschooling. Talk to a college student about the trials of learning remotely.


Truly, the pandemic has brought out the best in people but also has prompted challenges that should be addressed. Your content doesn't have to be all sunshine and roses, but it should be relevant and important for others to read.


It's also okay to be humorous, where appropriate. Look for funny stories about families sharing too much togetherness, tales about failed Zoom meetings, or rib-busting stories about homeschooling gone wrong. Your readers will appreciate the chance to laugh. And include some photos, too


Share your plans for the future


Finally, it's okay to talk briefly about what you – or your office – plans to do to protect your clients in the future. Mention the use of hand sanitizer at all listing locations. Suggest things like leaving the children home during showings. Remind sellers that remembering to do things likely leaving the doors open and the lights on will help avoid the need to touch surfaces.


Just a little mention of this lets your customers know that you are thinking ahead to what your business will be like in the near future and how it will impact both you and them.


Buying and selling will continue. We don't know what the market will be like when everything reopens and how long it will take for things to get back to where they were before the pandemic. Still, through your thoughtful words, you can simply reassure future customers that you understand their fears and anxieties and are working towards creating a world where they can once again comfortably buy or sell a home.



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    <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2020 10:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.frankel-realty.com/blog/home-buying-out-of-state-doesnt-have-to-be-scary.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.frankel-realty.com/blog/home-buying-out-of-state-doesnt-have-to-be-scary.html</link>
        <author>lorna@frankel-realty.com (Lorna Rafferty)</author>
        <title>Home Buying Out-of-State Doesn’t Have to Be Scary</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Each year, millions of American households move. Some go to a new house around the corner, and some go to a neighboring town or city, others move to a state next door. Still, others take the big plunge and move far away from their current location.


According to statistics, almost 50 of out-of-state moves are done to take a higher-paying job or one that better suits the person’s needs and wants. Others move for retirement or to be near family, while some choose to move simply to reduce their cost of living.


In many cases, these about-to-be-transplanted individuals, couples, or families will be purchasing real estate in their new locale. Unfortunately, some of them will have little time to make a decision and to see the properties they wish to consider as their next home. That makes home buying in a new location a scary proposition, but it doesn’t have to be if you are careful about the steps you should take that will lead to that all-important purchase.


Research, Research, Research


Unless you’re fortunate enough to spend days on end searching for a new home in your new location – which isn’t likely if you’re getting transferred for work reasons – you’re going to have to rely on the internet for some basic information about your destination, including about the current real estate market in the area.


Online is a good place to start, but remember that it’s just that. A starting point. There are plenty of sites and resources that will help you take a look at certain neighborhoods, show you how schools rank in a certain area, or give you an idea of pricing in the current market. Write things down, start a spreadsheet, and formulate some ideas of what kind of house you want and where you wish to be located. Then…


Find a Local Realtor


When you’re relocating, you put a lot of responsibility in the hands of your realtor. That’s why you want to make sure he or she has your best interest in mind and that he/she is well-versed in the particulars of handling purchases that involve relocation. As a matter of fact, it’s a good idea to look for an agent who has earned the CRP – Certified Relocation Professional – status. That means the agent has gone through a good deal of extra training to learn how to address the special needs of a person or family who is relocating.


Remember, you may not hire the first agent you contact. It’s okay to interview a few, but not so many that it gets confusing. If you’ve done your homework properly, you’ll be able to tell in advance which have the qualifications you seek. The one thing you can’t determine online, however, is that individual’s personality and how it meshes with yours. That’s why an extensive phone or in-person interview is essential.


Once you make that choice, you’ll find that having a certified relocation professional means you have a connection that can also help you with other aspects of your move, such as finding reliable movers, getting your kids signed up for school, or recommending a good place to buy new living room furniture.


Know the Laws of the State where you’re Moving


Buying real estate in one state isn’t always the same as buying a house in another state. So, make sure you take the time to ask questions about the procedure.


Does there need to be an attorney involved? Do laws demand you have a home inspection? How fast will I be able to close?


Leave no stone unturned Make a list of important questions, and if they aren’t addressed by your realtor in your preliminary conversations, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s essential that everything is clear, especially since a lot of what has to be done may be done when you’re not onsite.


Allocate your Travel Time Wisely


If you only have x number of days to be present at your new location, make them count Try to see the house you hope to buy at least once. While pictures and videos are helpful, they don’t help you hear the sound of the traffic outside the door or that cat smell that permeates the carpets. The fewer surprises are awaiting you, the better, obviously. If you have family or even future co-workers in the area, ask one of them to go check out your house of choice if you simply can’t get there. Two opinions are better than one


If you are scoring a few days in your new locale, try to make one of them the day of the home inspection. Again, pictures, videos, and technical reports are helpful, but it’s much better to be there and see what’s happening, especially where problems are concerned. It’s actually more important for you to be there for inspection than it is to be there for settlement. That can easily be done remotely. 


A good agent recognizes that those who are relocating can be anxious about the details. That’s why it’s essential to pick a realtor you can trust and with whom you are comfortable interacting as well as one that knows the ins and outs of relocation. Call today with your relocation questions 



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    <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:47:00 -0400</pubDate>
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