3 Examples of Real Estate Blogging

3 Examples of Real Estate Blogging

Blogging is just a web log; a chronological journal of information, ideas and perspectives. It doesn’t have to be on a blogging platform such as blogspot or even word press but it does need to be current, fresh and relevant.

Three of my clients do their blogging slightly differently on three different platforms.

One of my clients is a Las Cruces real estate agent that does not have a blogging type of website. Although the site does not offer blog comments and discussions it does offer the ability to add more pages and contact pages which allows for readers to add their comments and have it be moderated directly from the webmaster or Chris himself. He can simply add a contact page or add a static page with current information and simply have that a rotating either on the home page or as new content benefiting the website as a whole.

Another one of my clients uses a Real Geeks website which offers static pages as well is a blog. He focuses on blogging at least three times a week on local events, information, perspectives, and real estate trends in general. He’s a professional Portland real estate and wants to provide his clients and readers a wealth of knowledge about the area, communities, activities and of course, the real estate.

A third uses a WordPress blogging platform. This is designed specifically for blogging as it promotes discussion and comments as well as a rotating and revolving the blog roll pushing old blogs down and pushing new ones up to the top. Again, writing about his local Florence OR real estate market, history, events, activities, and anything pertaining to the Oregon coast area that he lives in.

So it doesn’t matter what type of website you have as long as you can add pages to it and keep it fresh and current you can technically uses as a blog. It’s the websites and webmaster providers that offer very inflexible websites that don’t allow for custom meta-tags and titles, they charge you for extra pages, were make it way too difficult to communicate with your reader. I try to stay away from those websites but there are a lot that simply give you free reign to create pages and posts at will.

Puget Sound Real Estate Help for Buyers and Agents

Greater NW Realty offers a variety of programs, businesses, and options for real estate buyers, sellers, investors, those looking for credit repair and even real estate agents.

 Greater NW Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage located in Lynnwood Washington. Their team of agents helps buyers, sellers, and investors of residential and commercial real estate all the way from Kent to Everett, Marysville and beyond. They handle the entire Puget Sound region and are experts in Northwest real estate, homes, townhomes, condominiums, land and commercial properties. From waterfront homes and kayak point to downtown condominiums and luxury estates on Lake Union, Greater NW Realty works together with buyers and sellers to make sure your real estate transaction is handled professionally, efficiently, and close on time.

Not only do they provide expert real estate care, all MLS listings for the entire Puget Sound area, and professional listing services but they also help buyers, potential buyers, and those just getting started with credit repair through credit architects.com. Credit architects works with a variety of credit consulting, repair, and consolidating programs to fit an option that fits your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. We set realistic goals, short-term destinations, and find a way to get you where you need to be within the shortest amount of time.

Greater NW Realty is also connected with Washington state real estate courses through the real estate Institute. They provide ongoing continuing education for real estate agents and brokers as well as first time licensing education and all information that real estate agents, brokers and Realtors® need to move forward in the real estate industry.

So you can see that this full-service connection through credit architects, Washington real estate school, and Seattle real estate professionals works together to make sure your needs, professional desires, and budget stay on track and in tune with today’s fluctuating trends. Call them today or visit their websites listed below:

Credit Architects

WA Real Estate Course and Classes

Seattle Real Estate Agents and Brokers

How Easy is it to Obtain Financing These Days?

Can potential homebuyers still obtain financing for a mortgage?

 

It seems that in today’s financial position if you’re behind on your mortgage, low income, and can’t make your payments their programs and plans to either let you stay in the home, short sale or for closing your home with cash provided to you at closing, or loan modification programs to get you in a better place. But what about all the rest of us that are not delinquent and have a moderate to upper middle income?

How difficult is it to obtain financing for home loan?

 

 The government and the banks are paying close attention to each other with what’s available and what’s allowed when it comes to financing mortgages. Banks don’t want to find themselves being

slapped on the hand by the government and the government doesn’t want have to bail anybody out anymore. So banks are either making it more difficult for the average Joe the pays his bills to get a home loan or giving money away for free and hanging on to real estate that otherwise would’ve put black marks on the banks books.

Are You Pre-Approved For a Loan?

Even if you’re a moderate income earner coming up with a down payment can be difficult but not impossible. Banks still want to see that you’re responsible citizen making your payments on a regular basis but don’t ask for 100% financing. These 100% financing options are really put in place for those that can afford the down payment and need that extra help. But what about all the rest of us that might need a cool 10 grand to use of a down payment?

If you’re looking to buy a home, regardless of whether or not you have the full down payment or not, lenders want to see that you have some responsibility and saving money. This is not only good practice for obtaining a mortgage but good practice in homeownership overall. Lenders want to know that you’re responsible and can make your payments plus have a little cushion should you lose your job or have some situation happen that you no longer can gain income.

Saving even just for a few months can put in place anywhere from $1000-$10,000 depending on your income. That money makes a great down payment and since you’ve seen it build in your savings account it gives you more incentive to want to build that back up after you’ve depleted it for either the down payment or some other emergency.

I’m a big Dave Ramsey fan so if it’s not Dave Ramsey friendly I find it hard to go along with. While I agree everyone should have some playtime with play money I also believe that if you’re serious about buying something you will save the money to purchase it instead of putting in on a credit card or borrowing from friends or family.

Start with simply a few bucks each week or each month and then don’t touch it. Sell something, work a few more extra hours, cut back on eating out or lattes, and put that money into your emergency fund so that you have it for the down payment, for the closing costs or inspection fees, or simply to have an little extra cushion there when you need it. If you pull the money out simply put it back.

Buying a home and the reality of homeownership is an exciting adventure. Don’t let fear, or rejection from a mortgage lenders tear you down or make you think that you can never obtain a mortgage. It is very doable, you simply have to find the right lender and the right mortgage broker to find the right plan that meets your budget. Be wary of predatory lending and find a mortgage broker or officer that you trust. Tell them your needs and how much you want to spend on a home or how much you feel your budget can maintain and let them do the hard work for you.

Homes in Lake Forest | Louisville Kentucky

Lake Forest Subdivision in Louisville KY

One of Louisville, Kentucky's most prestigious communities is Lake Forest, a twenty year old community of 1700 homes that is still growing! This picturesque, serene and affluent community is located in Jefferson County just about 20 minutes East of downtown Louisville. 

The wide streets, brick entrances and superb landscaping spanning over 2000 acres will WOW you, but the perks and amenities don't stop there! The grandeur that is LakeForest is award winning and they aim to keep it that way with pools, a jogging trail, tennis courts, parks, lakes, mature and majestic trees, and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed golf course. The golf course also has a private country club. 

Here, the community thrives with strong ties between neighbors and family. Blood or not, if you live in Lake Forest, you're part of a HUGE family where family get-togethers are never lacking. The Lake Forest family loves to congregate in the spacious Lodge clubhouse. Annual gatherings include Easter Egg hunt, 4th of July celebration, Halloween party, visit with Santa, New Year's Eve gala, bourbon tasting event, quarterly wine tasting events, teen activities, seminars of all kinds and even comedy clubs! The Lodge can also be rented out for private events. 

Lake Forest is a deed restricted community and has an involved community association that excels in its ability to communicate with members. They have an active board of directors and committed staff all working to make Lake Forest the ideal place for you and your loved ones. Homes here list for $610,000 on average and are usually on the market for around 60 days. Contact Joe Hayden for more information. 502.992.4291

View all homes in the area of Lake Forest:

Lake Forest Estates 

Lake Forest Highlands 

Lake Forest Legacy

If you liked this post you might enjoy Homes near Red Rock State Park 

What Type of Searches Benefit Real Estate Websites?

How can Agents compete with Big R.E. Webmasters 

In the era of a Realtor.com, Zillow and Trulia, the little peon real estate agent, and even a major brokerage, can struggle with being found on the search engine for major keywords. So how is this type of real estate agent supposed to compete with the big dogs?

Unless agents or brokers have had a real estate website or domain for more than a decade, it may be impossible at this point. But it’s not hopeless if agents go for the less well-known phrases and real estate searches for a more specific lead. Many real estate websites can rank very well for specific blog posts, articles, and IDX search pages that specifically deal with the niche or type of home or community. Neighborhood searches are all the rage right now and until the big guys jump on board, individual bloggers and real estate websites can cash in on buyers and sellers looking for information on specific neighborhoods and communities within a major Metropolitan area.

Tim Bullington offers lots of local information in the Sierra Vista real estate market up with local events, activities, and specifics on homes such as homes near a local military base. The larger real estate websites are not going to have the specific searches that are going to focus on the “city + real estate” or “city + homes”.

Gary Cox has a particular niche in selling property in Anchorage Alaska so most of his blog posts and articles are going to reflect seller tips, staging articles, and how to price Anchorage real estate more than focus on buyer leads.

Kristen Boen has her own niche in Minot North Dakota tailoring her blog posts and articles on commercial real estate in Minot.

And Steve Fraley explores the vast amount of neighborhoods, communities, and unincorporated areas around Birmingham Alabama such as Hoover homes and Homewood.

Although most of these real estate agents can handle any type of residential or commercial real estate transaction they tailor their on-site page SEO specifically for their niche and their community, making it easier to find them for those more narrowed leads.

Other searches that may be in tough competition with the big real estate websites are ZIP Code searches, homes within specific school districts, and homes within a neighborhood with a certain amount of bedrooms or square footage. While the big website may show up for a lot of these a well optimized blog post or article should also be on the front page of Google and other search engines.

To get creative; work with your niche in a variety of title variations, descriptions, and keywords and focus on neighborhood or community posts and articles and specific types of searches within those areas.

Discover Richmond Hill Georgia

Richmond Hill Southern Charm and Natural Wonder

 Just outside of Savannah, Georgia is the lovely community of Richmond Hill. This is a family oriented community with a great sense of both our past and our future. With a population of a little more than 20,000 people, Richmond Hill possesses a certain mystique that is reflected in its beautiful scenery as much as its friendly people.

Here people find a thriving business community, wonderful schools and countless outdoor activities to enjoy. The fishing is great and whether you whip up your own or enjoy a great seafood dish at one of the areas great restaurants, you are sure to enjoy the best nature has to offer!

One of the best kept secrets in Richmond Hill is Ossabaw Island. As part of Georgia’s barrier islands, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides educational opportunities as well as managing hunts for feral hogs and seasonal deer hunts. The island’s 13 miles of natural, undeveloped beaches offer the public incredible opportunities to explore and enjoy nature. 

Accessible only by boat, Ossabaw Island boasts an incredible 26,000 acres of maritime forest, wide Atlantic Ocean beaches, tidal wetlands and a glimpse into the incredible Georgia ecosystem that is not to be matched anywhere in the state. 

Imagine spending a day witnessing the beauty of nature. Here nests the endangered wood stork. You can often see loggerhead turtles and an unspoiled beauty that often inspires visitors to put pen to paper or brush to canvas. 

 

It is all here, from a thriving business community to nature parks, from antique stores to kitsch boutiques. Richmond Hill is the perfect place to call home.

Whether you are attracted to antique hunting or you appreciate our unique heritage and architecture, Richmond Hill offers relief from the congestion of the big city. Richmond Hill also offers a variety of hometown restaurants for an assortment of appetites and safe lodging for those desiring an extended stay. 

It is hard to imagine that all this is available to you just 20 minutes south of Savannah. Many fortunate folks discover Richmond Hill on a day trip and choose to stay for a lifetime. Why not? With a median home price of just $200,400, Richmond Hill offers home owners incredible value and unequaled access to the natural beauty of Georgia’s coast.

Randy Bocook and the team at Keller Williams Richmond Hill Realty can provide you with the information you need to purchase just the right home at just the right price. Call them today. Turtle Photo by ukanda Sign by Ebyabe

St. Matthews KY Homes

Homes and Real Estate Information for St. Matthews Kentucky

St. Matthews is the 20^th largest city in the state of Kentucky and is home to about 17,000 residents. It’s just 15 minutes east of downtown Louisville and is considered one of the more popular suburbs with parks, golf courses, fantastic schools and two hospitals.

Although originally a small community of Louisville, it became its own town around 1905 but growth of the area really happened after 1937 when the Ohio River flood caused many families to leave the low-lying grounds of Louisville and move to the higher grounds of St. Matthews. This spurned the Mall St. Matthews, Louisville’s first indoor shopping mall, residential neighborhoods and schools.

View all listings and homes for sale in St. Matthews

The neighborhoods in and around St. Matthews include Bellewood, Brownsboro Village, Broad Fields, Cherokee Gardens, Maryhill Estates and Windy Hills but there are also several enclaves within St. Matthews including Richlawn and Norbourne Estates.  

View Larger Map

The Shopping

The Mall St. Matthews is located in the heart of St. Matthews nestled up against I264. It’s surrounded by residential neighborhoods and easily accessible along Shelbyville Road and the freeway. This mall offers something for everyone from The Cheesecake Factory to the tried-and-true flavors of Auntie Anne’s pretzels and Cinnabon. There’s always something going on at the mall whether its Christmas time and photos with Santa or Easter egg hunts come springtime. Dillards is the main department store at the mall but they also have Forever 21 and JCPennys in addition to Abercrombie and Fitch, Brookstone, chocolate stores, gift centers and gaming stores.

But all along Shelbyville Road are several cafés, coffee shops, boutiques, salons, and fine dining restaurants in addition to marketing grocery stores. This is truly a full-service community outside of Louisville.

The Homes

 

There are several residential neighborhoods with beautiful homes for sale in St. Matthews. The average home price is around $250,000 but there are several homes well above this and several below.  St. Matthews also has a great collection of vintage historical ones as well. Home prices in the $390,000 to $425,000 range are typically over 3000 ft.² 3 to 5 bedrooms. In the $200,000-$250,000 range you can find beautiful brick homes and several vintage or historical homes for around 2000 ft.² with three or four bedrooms.

To learn more about the fantastic city of St. Matthews near Louisville Kentucky fill free to visit the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team. They not only know this area but all of the subdivisions, communities, and towns surrounding Louisville Kentucky.

City Website