Looking for new article ideas

[StGeorgeUTproperty]

Short Sales...it's all the rage...
what are they...
the process...
are they a good "deal"

[Philman]

I'd go out on a limb and say it might be a good idea to discuss all the different types of mortgages that are available and their advantages and disadvantages . Seeing the current market as it is, this would be something I think would get people's attention.

[gibex]

write about your listings (short sale, reo, re)

[Gerry]

These are some helpful responses - thanks everyone!

I'd like to reiterate a part of Val's question:
What would be a useful topic for realtors to read about?
We've found that a good angle for getting these articles syndicated, is to write about topics of interest to people working in the real estate industry.

What interests agents?

• issues with NAR's and boards' rules for membership (eg, use of the term "mls")
• modern (tecchie) angles for marketing homes, or one's services
• any other trends in the industry, like boutique brokerages, third-party listings sites, etc

[StGeorgeUTproperty]

I like to read about follow up ideas and techniques. So many agents seem to use the "one deal and done" idea, meaning they help the client and then never call again. Maintaining the relationship takes time, however the benefits of future business and referrals can eventually become your entire sphere (if the relationship is maintained). I love the "out of the box" ideas to maintain, other than send a generic letter.

Also, as mentioned above...(by me) short sales. I wrote my first contract on one...and I was not sure of the process. Since they are becoming so popular (sadly) many agents, I have realized, are avoiding them (out of fear of the unknown...like I was). Now that I am going through the process, it's not that bad but I read everything I can about the process and tips for what to include in the contract or ask the selling agent.
best of luck!

[Gerry]

what topics have you already done? An initial list would greatly help brainstorming.

Alright, here's an incomplete list of dominant themes, with some examples of not-so-dominant ones. Many of these have been written to death, and there are TONS not even included here (I only referred to about half of our archives for this list):

Mortgages

• Bad credit: avoiding, help
• The Resurgence of FHA Financing
• how to negotiate the best interest rate
• "Project Lifeline"
• Types of mortgages: eg, variable mortgages vs fixed rate
• When it makes sense to renew your mortgage

Foreclosures etc

• understanding
• avoiding; help resources
• investing: pros and cons of foreclosure properties
• Foreclosure rescue scams
• Bank-owned, short sales (and bank-owned vs. short sales)

Regionally specific

• Promoting a particular area (eg, the promise of Taos, New Mexico)
• special topics in (area): eg, Scottsdale's renaissance in development/urban planning
• good investment opportunities: eg, New Transit Line For St. Paul
• how [local] buyer's market affects sellers and buyers

Retirement

• Adapting an existing home to be more senior friendly
• retirement in (area): eg, Retirees go for the Goldilocks Lifestyle in Prescott
• Luxury mobile home resorts
• The warm, dry climate of (area)

Issues in the market(s)

• how the drop in building permits affects home buyers
• home costs - trends, etc
• buy an investment property with tax-free savings funds
• Strong areas still remain in US market
• fractional homes ownership in Hawaii
• a year/month/quarter in review
• The truth about baby boomers' second homes
• Bargain REOs and foreclosure homes may soon disappear
• On national real estate news
• Canadians moving to Scottsdale
• Florida's first time buyer incentives
• Corporate offices in Phoenix area and how that affects residents

For realtors

• Real estate macro-marketing with microsites
• The changing face of realty sales
• Why quality photography is important in real estate
• Real estate agent safety
• Predicting market fluctuations

Hiring an agency

• REALTOR® vs realtor
• all agents are not created equally
• The advantages of using a buyer's agent when purchasing a newly built property
• choosing internet-savvy real estate agents

Second homes, vacation properties

• why buy a second home
• considerations when buying a vacation property
• vacation homes good for your heart
• vacation homes and the law

Types of real estate

• golf carts in rancho mirage
• commercial real estate in (area)
• waterfront real estate in (area)
• vineyard properties
• master-planned communities (general and particular)
• "Subject to" sales
• the market for new developments in (area) ; articles about particular developments

Condos

• Prospecting for Gold: The Map to a Golden Condo Purchase
• decorative small bathrooms
• condo weatherproofing
• condo values (historic and projected)
• living with condo boards
• creating space in your condo

Types of homes

• How dome homes are disaster proof
• The Zenith of Wood Architecture: Stick Homes
• decorating chalet style
• understanding contemporary architecture
• the growth in home size
• cabana ownership in (area)

Buying a home, Investing

• pros/cons of ownership
• tips for buyers dealing with multiple offer/bidding war
• Buying a house after the subprime squeeze
• capital gains allowance
• know thy builder
• "seeing through" home staging
• pitfalls of buying an old home
• issues in attending open houses
• Tax advantages of buying a new home ; homesteaders' exemptions
• Buying an investment home for your kids

Selling a home

• A fast sale in a slow market
• how to use the internet to sell your own home
• FSBO: pros and cons
• Competing with newer houses for sale
• electronic appraisal companies
• how to negotiate in a buyer's market
• The Guide to Subdivide: being approved for subdivision

Staging

• What to do on showing day ; open houses
• Photographing your house
• Selecting exterior paint colors
• Virtual Tours
• Smells
• tips to minimize home damage by pets
• forcing bulbs for indoor blooms

Green

• natural cleaning products attractive for selling to people with health problems
• Geothermal heat pump systems - for savings and for being green
• HOAs restricting green improvements
• promoting a balance between development and greenspace

Seasonal

• Bargain-hunting for real estate at Christmas; Why Christmas is the best time to move
• easy holiday décor tips
• winter homestaging

General home, garden, lifestyle

• The psychology of moving and tips on easing the stress
• Renovations for home value: benefits of cork flooring, big decks, different roofing options, how pools affect re-sale, etc
• Home improvement loan scams
• media rooms, home gyms
• getting rid of pesky birds (like pigeons)
• new security systems
• playhouses and other outdoor structures can help increase your home value
• Starting a neighborhood watch
• Fire escape routes

[GreggRio]

One that has come and gone, but might be informative as it will come around again is TIC. These are still being done, but lose luster in falling markets.

Changing of the bulb.... as energy efficiency has made more go to flo, the newest trend is going to LED's

Is geothermal and idea for your new home?These are house specific systems that tap into the base heat level of the ground 5-100 feet deep for a great reduction in cost. Our oil rich president even has one in his Crawford TX ranch.