Missoula, MT

Everyone knows the importance of having ‘hyperlocal’ content on your blog, but how many people, I wonder, recognize the importance of being ‘hyperpersonal’? Last week I was tasked to uncover some hyperlocal blogs in our current clients’ markets. Most ‘experts’ will say the best way to get on another blogger’s radar would be to lurk around the site until you find a post you feel comfortable commenting on. But I must say that I am not a fan of waiting, plain and simple. I found several blogs across the States worth following and here is how I went about garnishing the authors’ interest via ‘hyperpersonal’ means:

There is a real person behind every blog. This person has a unique childhood, a high school they graduated from and will remember forever. These people have first loves, firstborn children, and first houses just like the rest of us. ‘Hyperpersonal’ speaks to the idea of meeting the person behind the brand name, the history and memories behind the face. The most tactful way I found to do this when sifting through new blogs is to send a simple email to the main author. Some blogs are managed by groups of contributors, so maybe pick your favorite one or the overall admin contributor.

So what do you email them once you’ve found an author? I took the time to read through their latest page of posts, trying to find at least one positive remark I could make about their blog. Examples range from:

“That front view shot is perfectly framed with those tree branches. Nice shot! This house looks great; hopefully won’t take too long to sell.”

…to:

“You guys have some great hyperlocal links and content on your blog, such as local school district info and community events.”

After finding something I liked about their work, I also took the time to seek out their real name. One of Boise, ID’s fine REALTORs responded favorably to this email. She said her team “really appreciate[s] it when people take the time to learn our names.” She also asked for a little more information about Goomzee and Realty Connect.

As you can see, my initial, personalized message opened the door to an explanation of my company’s product. I didn’t have to include my value statement in the initial message because my ‘hyperpersonalization’ spoke for itself. I received many such replies from America’s agents, and have since come to realize that while real estate marketing needs to be ‘hyperlocal’ to be effective, online marketing needs to be ‘hyperpersonal’, or it will be dismissed as nothing more than SPAM or solicitation.

Jeff Turner of Realestateshows.com said this on the subject: “There’s always going to be need for face-to-face communication in real estate. Find a way to marry the two worlds.”

Missoula Montana Real Estate Market Report June 2009

The Missoula MT real estate market was not hit as hard as many parts of the country. Earlier in the year, we were still seeing an increase in our median home price, although there were fewer sales. We are now starting to see a dip in prices, fewer sales and longer days on market.

In dealing with other agents in and around Missoula, the sense is still optimistic and many feel like we are starting to see an upswing. Price and condition are always important but become critical in this market. Buyers are looking for the best value in their price range and have many options.

Residential Market Activity in the Missoula Urban Area
(residential, AND residential with acreage)

Missoula Urban Area - Month of June

 Market information solely from listings entered into the MOR Regional Multiple Listing Service. Therefore, figures may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Number of Active Listings: July 6th, 2009 

Active listings indicate the number of properties from which buyers can choose.  An increase/decrease in the number of listings indicates seller activity and may affect buyer choices. 

Data Source: Missoula Organization of Realtors(R)

For more information on Missoula and Western Montana Real Estate, the market, or for relocation assistance, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185.

****************

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

By TwitterButtons.com

Missoula had one if its first "Tweetups" in June at The Broadway. The Tweetup was sponsored and organized by Access Realty, Energy 107.5, and Real Estate Client Referrals.

The Tweetup was a great opportunity for people who knew each other on Twitter to meet face to face.

The event was featured on the evening news at KPAX. Jill Valley, the evening news anchor from KPAX, attended the event has been using Twitter since January when she attended the Obama Inauguration in Washington, DC and tweeted the event highlights to viewers.

For Video Highlights of the event, to find out about future events, or for Twitter resources and a presentation about using Twitter for business visit www.MissoulaTweetup.com.

****************

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

By TwitterButtons.com

Visit Our New I Love Missoula PhotoBlog - Missoula Montana Living

The ILoveMissoula.com Photo Blog features photos from the Missoula area that we have taken, as well as photos from local photographers and friends who have given permission for their photos to be used on the site.

We have also compiled a list of local Missoula area links that are available on the site.

We post a new photo on the site each week and also accept submissions for review for the site so check back each week, or follow us on Twitter at @ILoveMissoula to receive notifications when new photos are posted.

For more information about I Love Missoula, contact Kevin and Monica Ray at 406-207-1185.

Kayak in Downtown Missoula at Brennan's Wave
on the Clark Fork River

A great place to visit in Missoula is Brennan's Wave which is located downtown, next to Caras Park on the Clark Fork River.

We spent some time at Brennan's Wave last weekend, after visiting the local farmer's markets, and had a great time watching the action.

Brennan's Wave was developed in 2006 and was named for Brennan Guth, a local kayaking legend. It's level two rapids are great for local kayakers to practice their sport, and are also used to help train search and rescue personnel.

Brennan's Wave replaced an abandoned irrigation dam that was a hazard to river goers. It also benefits the Clark Fork River by providing better oxygenation for fish.

Use of Brennan's Wave is free, and so is viewing the kayakers from the overlook located in Caras Park. Not to mention, it's one of the best ways to cool off on a warm summer day in Missoula. You can even rent a kayak at several downtown Missoula businesses.

*******

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton

Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

By TwitterButtons.com