4 Topic Ideas to Get You Back in the Blogging Game

If you're looking for a reason to start or get back into blogging... we've got your motivation right here. Every November, writers of all stripes participate in events that encourage them to kill the excuses for a month and just put pen to paper (hand to keyboard?). The idea is to create a writing habit that will last into December and beyond.

National Novel Writing Month, where participants attempt to write a 50,000 word book draft in 30 days, is the original and most well known event. But for real estate purposes, we think National Blog Posting Month is the challenge to take on. While this event requires participants to write one blog post every day, we're going to make it simple with a mini-challenge--commit to writing just one post a week to shake the dust from your blog. We promise you'll feel accomplished by the time Nov. 30 rolls around.

Like I said, we want to make it easy for you, so we've conjured up a list of topics that you can use to get the blogging juices flowing again.

Week 1: Do You Need a Permit for that Remodeling Project?

Many agents focus on topics relevant only to consumers currently in the buying or selling phase. Don't forget your past clients, though. Topics that are relevant to them as homeowners are the best way stay connected with them through your blog.

In this post, provide a list of home improvement projects that do and do not need a permit. Explain why some projects do, and how they differ from those that don't (generally, projects that require significant changes--wiring, plumbing, additions--need a permit; cosmetic ones like new paint or countertops don't). In your list of projects that do require a permit, be sure to say who needs to obtain that permit--the homeowner or the contractor? Also, if you have knowledge of the average time it takes for a permit to be granted, include that information to help your readers plan ahead more effectively.

Week 2: FHA vs. Conventional Loans

This is a great "evergreen" piece that you can link to and reference over and over again. It's also particularly helpful for first-time buyers who may be googling this information anyway. Catch those searchers with an informative blog post that's good enough to bookmark or share. Add an element of timeliness to your article by explaining the FHA loan program changes that went into effect on Sept. 15.

Week 3: (Local) Things to Be Thankful For

What are you thankful for? Rather than listing the same, tired cliches that everyone does during Thanksgiving, get crafty instead. Focus specifically on the local things that you are grateful for--your goal here is to act as a guide to area attractions and hotspots through gratitude-colored lenses.

Just remember that it must be interesting to the reader! So rather than rattling off a list of your colleagues and business associates, write how you're grateful for the comfort of, say, Splash Cafe's famous clam chowder after a long day. Or talk about how you're grateful for the memories made with family at the local outdoor skating rink.

But don't stop there--add extra value for the reader by providing a Google map to the cafe or its hours of operation. Let your readers know when the ice rink re-opens this year, and any events (like tree lighting ceremonies) that are coming up. Those are just examples, but you get the idea.

Week 4: Moving with Pets

Just over half of all households own a pet, according to estimates from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most buyers on the verge of a move seriously consider how it will affect their children, but few think of their pets. Animals are prone to stress, too, and a sudden change in environment can have a significant impact on them.

Owners can help their pets de-stress by taking them to a dog park or the groomer's. This is your chance to play the local expert--direct relocating buyers to dog parks in your area and recommend a few well-regarded groomers.

You can flesh out your post by talking about what to do before a move (get medical records from your current vet; microchip the animal in case stress causes them to run away), during a move, and after.