Part 7 in this list of real estate blog ideas covers everything from increasing participation on your blog to taking readers on a trip to a local attraction like a Zoo or a Museum. Learn how to build community resources out of simple posts that will drive more search traffic back to your site while keeping the content interesting and useful for readers.   See how Realtors across the real estate blogosphere are giving content a unique spin with these 10 real estate blog ideas. 70 down, 295 ¼ real estate blog content ideas left to go!

Give resources for rehabbing a dilapidated property

With more and more owners using the lagging real estate market to rehab their properties, provide some quality information and local links to resources that will assist them in their endeavors. 

EXAMPLE: Check out how this enterprising Oregon blogger linked out to other blogger detailing their rehab projects online. A great support and resource for fellow real estate rehabbers.

Clearly outline the differences between approved and preapproved for a mortgage

Most first time home buyers really don’t know the difference between being preapproved and actually approved for their mortgage. So, clearly explain the differences and the benefits of each. This is an important yet often misunderstood aspect of buying a home. 

EXAMPLE: See how this Cincinnati blogger took educating the consumer to the next level in this expose piece on mortgage approvals vs. preapprovals.

Talk about the job market and how to find a job in town

Excellent way to get out info on the economy, local job market and share resources like local staffing agencies, head hunters and big companies that may be hiring. While many of people relocating have jobs- often their spouses do not- helping them find a job helps solidify you as a local resource. Be sure to link to all the government and private online staffing resources in your area.

EXAMPLE: See how this Alabama blogger uses the local job market to show the economic strength of the area.

Get down and dirty with property assessments

This is a topic near and dear to my heart as we live in an area where each time our property is assessed, the value hikes higher and higher along with our taxes. This is a great opportunity to explain the differences between assessments and appraisals and to keep homeowners in the loop when new assessments are published. Be sure to cover the overall affect of the assessment – like if they are likely to above market value and how that will affect property taxes.

EXAMPLE: This Alaskan blogger does a stellar job at covering a recent assessment in her borough and its overall affect on residents.

Break down closing costs

Itemize closing costs and explain what each item is in clear English. People want to know what they are paying for, so identify everything from the credit report pull right down to the transfer tax fee. Be open and even include those miscellaneous fees that may arise from time to time with various loans. This is a great opportunity to show how you value transparency in your transactions by laying all the cards right on the table.

EXAMPLE: Check out how this blogger covered closing costs in a concise and transparent manner.

Outline the value of buying over renting in your farm area

For first time home buyers that are getting a little nervous, this is an invaluable post. Be very specific to your farm area, weigh the costs, the long term benefits of buying versus renting. A quality post with a clear list of pros and cons can easily become linkbait that will help to drive traffic back to your site time and again.

EXAMPLE: See how one of my favorite blogs, Burbed, combated the New York Post’s article on why resting is better than buying in a down market with his highly opinionated and hyper-local post on why buying in the Bay Area is still the right choice.

Talk local school district developments

Parents want to know that you relate to them and care about their needs. So, show how connected you are to your community by covering the school district developments. If you are a member of the PTA, then detail the happenings at the last meeting. Make regular announcement for the dates of PTA and School District Board Meetings.

EXAMPLE: See how this Arkansas blogger turned a quick little school related post into a valuable community announcement.

Discuss the short sale

In a tough market like this, there are plenty of people facing foreclosure that could greatly benefit from a well executed short sale. Explain how a short sale works and what a seller can expect from their lender when entertaining a short sale to avoid foreclosure.

EXAMPLE: Check out this great post on short sales from a knowledgeable Orange County blogger.

Take readers on a trip to a local attraction like a Zoo, theme park or a Museum

People love pictures. So, don’t just tell readers about your local attractions, put them into context with pictures and personal stories. If you have a theme park in your area, go there, take some snapshots of you and your family enjoying the park and tell readers not only where it is and how it benefits the local economy while keeping kids out of trouble, but also tell them what rides you like best, which ones are appropriate for what ages, etc. basically, review your local attractions. These types of posts become great resources for residents and new arrivals.

EXAMPLE: See how Issaquah Undressed covered his local Zoo with some great images of the cougar den and some interesting factoids on Merlin, the top cat at the Zoo.

10. Incite participation on your blog with reader awards

I have to say, this is truly one of the most innovative and useful tips to come out of one of my favorite agent blogs, The Sound Bite Blog. Basically, you want readers to participate so reward the most frequent commenter on your site with a silly little feature bio post. It’s a great way for you to explain to readers the importance of commenting and show them you greatly value their feedback and readership.

EXAMPLE: See how the Sound Bite Blog explained the importance of reader feedback through commenting and rewarded their most frequent commenter in this bio post.

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