I was asked yesterday..."Lisa, why do you spend so much time on a blog about seniors, are you limiting the type of clients who will work with you?" This isn't the first time I've been asked this question. I usually just smile, shrug, and say "because it's what I love".
Here's the real answer, in three parts:
First, I blog about seniors and real estate because in general, this is a grossly underserved segment of our population and I believe in my heart of hearts I can make a difference. I may not be reaching the older senior (even though seniors are the fastest growing segment of Internet users) but I bet I will reach a family member who is struggling with caregiving, or perhaps even getting ready to help a senior downsize or move to a senior community. The entire senior services industry is one big maze that can be really difficult to navigate. I'm the tour guide.
Second, to work with older seniors who are moving you have to be better. I have to know more, have access to more resources, communicate with more people, shuffle more paper work, coordinate more services, know when to guide, and when to lead. Specializing in working with Seniors makes me a better Realtor, and more importantly, a better person. This is my way of giving back.
Third, because my senior clients' needs push me to be better, I get better. I then get to work with my Senior clients' families, and because I'm better, I get more referrals.
I hope this answered that question.
When I first starting blogging in June, 2006 (yes I'm a newbie at this) I participated in an online community of Realtors, and many of my contributions were to help Realtors work with Seniors. Now I write almost exlusively for the consumer, both here and on my Real Estate Well Dunn Blog.
Blogging in the Real Estate community has exploded. Unfortunately, many of them write for each other on things like "how to blog", "how to increase your traffic", "how to be a better Realtor", etc. When it's time for me to help Realtors, I teach classes. I'm looking for ways to get information to Seniors and their families, I blog.
There are a few other blogs that focus on the consumer. One such blog, Real Estate Undressed, gave out awards in 2006 to the "7 Magnificent Bloggers" who focus on the consumer. Just yesterday I received a nomination for the 2007 award. This was for one of the posts last week on developing a move plan; Step #3 to senior move plan - don't procrastinate.
Is it possible that by writing for the consumer, other professionals in the industry might stumble upon soemthing that might help one of THEIR clients? NOW I'm stoked!
We admire your work for this segment of consumers. I would not hesitate to recommend you to a client.
Posted by: jf.sellsius | March 05, 2007 at 09:11 PM
Stay stoked, it is working.
Posted by: Larry Cragun | March 06, 2007 at 07:50 PM