When my spouse and I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Phoenix, Arizona and head to the Pacific Northwest, we were pretty clueless about where exactly we wanted to settle down. It was a couple of our long-time friends who suggested we check out Bellingham, WA, a city of around 100,000 people that I knew absolutely nothing about. This city, tucked away in the northwestern corner of Washington State, is primarily known for its vibrant brewery scene and its closeness to Vancouver, BC. I found the idea intriguing, especially since our friends had also moved here from a big city and were loving every moment of it. My main concern was whether I’d miss the conveniences I’d gotten used to during my 45 years in a bustling metropolis.
Soon enough, I realized that Bellingham has a surprising cosmopolitan flair for a city of its size. This is partly due to its proximity to Canada and the presence of Western Washington University, both of which add a certain liveliness to the place. Bellingham has quite a lot going for it, including a multiplex movie theater, Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, a decent dining scene, and an impressive farmers market. This makes it feel much bigger than many cities of similar size. The only thing missing from Phoenix is Sprouts! The stunning ocean views and the abundance of nature sealed the deal. Or so I thought!
As fate would have it, we ultimately fell head over heels for Blaine, a cozy town of just 6,000 people located a mere 18 miles further north, right on the Canadian border; and that is where we settled. Was it a culture shock? Absolutely, but when you’re used to driving in Phoenix, a 20-minute commute to the “big city” is a walk in the park. We chose this area because of its breathtaking surroundings and a home in a neighborhood that stole our hearts. Blaine is nestled around Drayton Harbor and is adjacent to Birch Bay, both of which are absolutely unique. Every time I make the drive between the two, I can’t help but appreciate how fortunate we are to live in this picturesque seaside community.
Despite not having all the amenities of a big city, Blaine has its own charm that makes it an amazing place to live. We’ve got L & L Bakery with some of the most scrumptious cakes and macaroons you’ll ever taste, Anna’s Bread that comes in the most unusual flavors (Dill Pickle or Taco Tuesday anyone?), and The Vault Wine Bar with a wine list that rivals most big-city fine-dining establishments. There’s even a trendy speakeasy that recently opened in the lower level of the 1890 Taphouse. The Semiahmoo Resort is located on a picturesque spit reaching out into the bay. And then there’s the Railway Cafe, housed inside a caboose, which is one of the cutest and most meticulously designed spots I’ve ever seen. Adding to Blaine’s uniqueness is Peace Arch State Park, the only park in the country where you can stroll freely between two countries, Canada and the USA. And remember, we’re just a short 20-minute drive away from all those big-city conveniences in Bellingham, and 30 minutes to Vancouver B.C.
Now, you might be wondering, what does all of this have to do with home building? Well, the lesson here is that you can be a small builder and still pack a punch. For starters, smaller builders often have more control over the quality of their homes. The biggest challenge I see for both small and some larger builders is in the online sales and marketing department. It mainly boils down to a lack of staff and the misconception that having a comprehensive digital marketing strategy is prohibitively expensive. This is where it really pays to seek help from the experts.
Did you know that for as little as $2,700, plus subscription fees, you can have a top-notch digital marketing firm like Blue Tangerine design and manage a professional, high-performing website for you? It’s a website that seamlessly integrates Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools and comes with ongoing support. Since your website is frequently the first point of contact for potential buyers, investing in one that’s done right and generates leads is crucial. As Greg Bray, President of Blue Tangerine, puts it, “A website visitor’s first goal is to eliminate you! A cluttered website with too much information and a lack of focus can easily turn them away.” Never underestimate the power of your website when it comes to selling new homes.
While you’re upgrading your website, don’t forget to incorporate digital marketing tools like interactive floor plans, site maps, 3D photorealistic renderings, virtual tours, and visualizers. These are engagement tools that bigger builders already have on their websites. The good news is that these assets don’t have to break the bank. Interactive floor plans from Outhouse, LLC, the most robust in the industry, start at just $285 per plan. Virtual tours of pre-built homes kick off at $2,800. Compare that to the cost of constructing a physical model, and virtual tours and visualizers become a no-brainer.
In today’s digital age, with homebuyers doing most of their research online, another tool that larger builders use is AI chatbots, such as those provided by AtasRTX, or human-powered live chat services from providers like CommVersion. You don’t necessarily need to hire additional sales personnel to answer homebuyer questions around the clock. As more and more buyers turn to the internet to purchase homes, having an exceptional Online Sales Counselor (OSC) is crucial. To ensure success, you might want to consider training from a consultant like Blue Gypsy, Inc., or outsourcing the role of OSC entirely to a provider like Shared Drive.
The bottom line is this: being a smaller builder with a limited budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for an inferior online marketing program. If you prioritize digital marketing and invest a bit upfront, you’ll likely recoup the costs with the sale of just one or two homes. With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, it’s essential to bring your website and online marketing tools into the digital age if you want to thrive in the world of new home sales.
