Sunday, January 25, 2009

Using the Publicity of Twilight to Promote my Listing

When I discovered that the wave of publicity surrounding the theatrical release of Twilight was increasing the traffic past my listing, I had to find a way to capitalize. As a real estate professional, I always strive to think outside the box. I don't want my advertising to look like everyone else and I don't want my website to look like a cookie cutter template.
Aside from the fact that my listing is only 35 miles West of Port Angeles and 20 miles East of Forks, Washington (where the movie is set), there is absolutely no connection. We all know that when it comes to marketing, it is all about perception. But how do I create a perception? The location of my listing was not featured or mentioned in the book or movie. I had to look at the facts to come up with an idea.
The publication of the book Twilight and the subsequent sequels has brought a wave of recognition to Forks and Port Angeles Washington where the story is set. It is reasoned that Forks, Washington with over 100-150 inches of rain a year is conducive to vampires due to the lack of sunshine.
With the release of the hit movie, the interest of the Olympic Peninsula has skyrocketed to frenetic proportions. There are stories of tourists driving cross country just to say they have been to Forks. One lady is rumored to have moved there temporally from Kansas to open a Twilight store during the wave. It is said that she plans on moving back after the craze is over.
Normally, there is increased traffic on HWY 101 West during the summer months as people head for the ocean or visit the Sol Duc Hot Springs resort. With the increased popularity, the seasonal treks have been abandoned in favor of year round pilgrimages. It is estimated that tourism to the area has increased by the thousands.
I did know that my listing sits in the heart of the old pioneer township of Heckelsville. Little is known about the lost township of Heckelsville where my listing lies except that in 1948 there was a grocery store, a schoolhouse and living quarters for the headmaster. The foundation for the school, the living quarters and the old orchard is all that remains on the seller's property. It was only through the Forks museum that anything at all is known about this pioneer township which has been gone for half a century.
There was my story from nothing at all. Why did a township with great fishing in the Sol Duc River, rich soil, fruit trees and plenty of firewood suddenly disappear? Did it have something to do with vampires?
See what I came up with here: Twilight Movie Connection

What is the Secret of the Weather in Sequim WA?

Talk to an outsider and you are led to believe that the Pacific Northwest in Washington State and Annual Rainfall are synonymous. Despite the reputation, a review of the facts reveals a whole different perspective.
Although, the mountains, water and lowlands all contribute to the most diverse weather in North America, you might be surprised to learn that Seattle ranks 54th in metro cities (100,000+ Population) with an average rainfall of about 38" a year. (Winner is Mobile, AL. with 65 inches). So let us put that rumor to bed.
However, holding the record for the lower 48 states is the small town of Forks, Washington (pop 7000) with an average annual rainfall of a whopping 120 inches. That is 10 feet a year! The locals joke that if you see someone with an umbrella; they are a tourist. Amazingly, the annual rainfall decreases one-half inch for every mile you travel east.
Keep heading east and you will find yourself in the "Blue Hole or Rain Shadow" known as Sequim, WA. One of Sequim's claims to fame is the average annual rainfall of only 16" a year. That is equal to Hollywood, California. If that isn't dry enough for you, head another 7 miles north to the Dungeness Spit and you lose 5 to 7 inches more per year.
How is it possible to go from the wettest area in the nation to an area that matches Southern California by driving only 70 miles?
The secret is Sequim's proximity to the Olympic Mountain range. As most of our rainy weather blows in from the southwest, the wet air starts rising up the southwest corner of the Olympics becoming heavy as it rises dumping a good portion of it's goods on the lucky folks living in Forks. By the time it reaches the summit, most of the moisture is gone. The air sinks down the Northeast side of the Olympics right over Sunny Sequim.
What does this mean to the residents and why is everyone interested in Sequim Real Estate?
The weather allows for year round produce growing seasons you won't find anywhere else. Imagine fresh produce in the dead of winter. The home prices are lower than southern California and make it an excellent place to retire. Most transplants find that a luxury water view property can be purchased for half the price of a similar property in California.
Don't worry; we have property in every price range with most either with Water or Mountain View or both. If that isn't enough, Sequim is accommodating to retirees with state of the art medical facilities and the whole gambit of outdoor activities.
Sequim is often listed on 100 best places to retire and I invite you to visit and find out what all the fuss is about.
Don Fourtner
Coldwell Banker Town & Country
http://www.sequimrealestateonline.com/

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Current List of Sequim, Port Angeles or Clallam County Distressed, Short Sales or Foreclosure Properties available:

http://www.sequimrealestateonline.com/page/page/4897717.htm