Lynette Wright ⋅ Berkeley Heights, NJ AIG ⋅ 10 years experience

Thinking outside the box is a great idea. For a friend of mine he made up flyers and but them in colleges, coffee shops, records stores, places where young adults attend, It really depends on what type of occupants you want.

John Gomez ⋅ Rumson, NJ Sensato ⋅ 36 years experience

HI Fernando -

There are a few different options you can try, but the one principle thing I would suggest, above all else -- is be creative. Think outside the box and don't limit yourself to the tried and true traditional approaches. Here are some things, if I were in your shoes, that I would consider...

-Ask why? Why are people moving into your geography? If you can get a handle on this it might provide you with some interesting leads. Are they coming because it offers low taxes and great schools? Is it because it is a great place to retire or is it that there is an economic uprise driving hiring? Figuring out the why provides you with great insight into where you should focus your efforts. For instance if this migration is based on job growth, consider approaching relocation companies hired by the key hiring corporations in your area. You can provide a valuable service to relocation companies who are trying to make it cost effective for their clients to relocate personal. If the migration is driven by some other factor, figure that out and capitalize on marketing to that market.

-Solve a Problem: Don't just sell houses - create experiences. Find ways to tell a story about your geography and inventory. Focus on how you are creating homes for people, which are the cornerstone to an entire lifestyle. Figure out how that lifestyle speaks to people and tap into that opportunity.

-Major Events: Figure out if there are major events in your area - boat shows, marathons, reenactments, tourist destinations, conferences and if they draw out-of-state visitors. Figure out how to market to those people when they visit for the event. For example - if people are traveling for a boat-show from out-of-state, maybe you can help them find a vacation home and sell them an experience and lifestyle - not just a house.

These are just off the cuff ideas - but the key point is - figure out why people are moving there, so that you can craft program that targets their draw.

I hope that helps...

John

Carin Carlton ⋅ Mesa, AZ Red Brick Realty ⋅ 12 years experience

I agree with Kai Geschke's answer....join the Chamber of Commerce. I used to work for the Chamber of Commerce in California and you wouldn't believe the number of calls that come in from people moving into a new city and most will need a Realtor! Also just by putting the listing on your local MLS they will be pulled by thousands of websites world wide (if your local MLS and broker have an access agreement). Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com just to name a few. Once you join the Chamber, be active....go to mixer's and luncheon's to meet the other members and especially the staff at the chamber. Don't be a "Secret Agent" as my broker says... be in front of the people and get your name out there... It's not only profitable but fun!. And last but not least, Thank you for your service. It is much appreciated!!! God Bless.

Jeanne Zembur ⋅ Princeton, NJ Dow Jones & Company/Past Army Reserve Officer ⋅ 27 years experience

Hi Fernando, I would suggest adding yourself to Zillow. Many out of state clients will start their research on properties/taxes/neighborhoods there.
Best of luck.
Jeanne

Kai Geschke ⋅ Austin, TX Geschke Group Architecture ⋅ 22 years experience

Fernando,
I am an Architect In Austin, Texas. I see a lot of realtors try to tap newcomers to Austin through the Chamber of Commerce Welcome packet/ Relocation Guide. The question is where do newcomers turn to for information and The Chamber of commerce may be a good first source. Advertising is going to be your key to reaching your target clientele.....so finding the publications that new residents turn to will be a priority.