Goodbye CA and Hello TX: Master Your Move with Suzanne Wilson
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Suzanne Wilson!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Suzanne Wilson…
Suzanne Wilson embarked on her real estate career in California before relocating to Texas. Specializing in relocations from California to Texas, Suzanne holds licenses in both states.
Her passion for real estate was kindled at a young age due to her family’s involvement in the industry. Her aunt and uncle owned a real estate franchise in North Carolina, where Suzanne often played “realtor” with her aunt. This early exposure inspired her lifelong dream of working in real estate.
After obtaining her California real estate license, Suzanne initially worked in the financial sector in New York City. Following the Great Recession, she pursued her real estate license in California. Suzanne also spent time in Washington, briefly obtaining a real estate license there before moving back to California.
Suzanne’s move to Texas was somewhat impromptu, driven by a desire for change and an opportunity presented by her sister and brother-in-law. She currently holds licenses in both California and Texas, though she did not renew her Washington license.
Suzanne initially maintained her California license to keep her options open, unsure if she would like Texas. Valuing flexibility and her California roots, she was reluctant to let go of her California license. Her unique position, with experience in both California and Texas, led her to specialize in California to Texas relocations. Many of her agent connections lacked ties in San Antonio, which inspired her to focus on this niche.
In her first year in Texas, Suzanne facilitated numerous transactions, with the majority being relocations from California. Her expertise in both states made her a valuable resource for clients making this move. She also assisted with military relocations from different states, further showcasing her proficiency in this area.
She then explained that the real estate licensing processes in California and Texas differ significantly. For instance, in Texas, buyers must pay for the option to inspect a home to get earnest money back, which is not the case in California. She recommended carefully considering the best strategy for one’s business before obtaining licenses in multiple states, focusing on proximity to the new market and potential for business growth.
Suzanne suggested obtaining licenses in states with close proximity and potential business, such as Las Vegas, which has a lower cost of living and no state income tax. She emphasized the benefits of being close to Southern California while operating in a more affordable market like Las Vegas. She also advised starting the licensing process in advance if planning to move to a new location.
To supplement her income, Suzanne started a real estate apparel business. She noted the growing popularity of real estate-themed apparel and products. Utilizing drop shipping for merchandise, she focused on designs and pricing.
Next, Suzanne stressed the importance of niche content on social media to target specific audiences effectively. She transitioned her personal account into a business account focused on real estate-related content and tips for realtors. She also created separate accounts for different business ventures to maintain niche-focused content.
Relocation clients often do not visit their new location until the final walkthrough or even after closing. Suzanne recalled a client from California who relied on FaceTime and videos throughout the process, providing weekly video updates of new construction to give them a sense of progress. She emphasized the importance of discovery trips to explore neighborhoods, especially for clients moving from urban to rural areas, recommending they spend time in the area to gauge its practicality.
Suzanne starts the relocation process with a buyer consultation call over Zoom to discuss timelines and preferred areas. She encourages clients to visit for a discovery trip and experience different neighborhoods. She conducts FaceTime and live Zoom tours, offering a hands-on approach to house hunting. Personalized experiences during closing, such as champagne or flowers, celebrate the move.
Once clients narrow down their preferences during the discovery trip, focusing on specific neighborhoods becomes easier. Suzanne takes clients to open houses, being transparent about the purpose, allowing for potential discoveries. Sometimes, clients fall in love with a neighborhood and house during the discovery trip and proceed to make an offer.
Suzanne recommends finding a good agent in a different state through networking, including social media platforms and brokerage events. She highlights the positive aspects of the Texas market, such as the weather and easygoing lifestyle, reassuring clients worried about the summer heat.
Suzanne also shared that she aims to achieve at least 50 home sales by the end of the year and is determined to work hard to reach this target. She plans to catch up and end the year strong in real estate. For her e-commerce site, she intends to bring out new designs and ramp up the business. Although she was doing business in California by referral only after moving to Texas, she plans to visit California once a month to step up her business presence
Check out Suzanne Wilson:
https://linktr.ee/thesuzannewilson
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