Now, more than ever, people are finding success selling their homes online. Even agents get a significant amount of traffic from Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc. But with the online marketplace being so hot, you are likely to face some stiff competition! We have put together our favorite tips to help you stand out and sell your home fast!
Where Are The Buyers?
Remember the Yellow Pages? I don’t mean the website, I mean the 4-inch thick book that used to be kept in every household in the United States in the pre-internet days. People don’t use the phone book anymore when they want something. Today, they pick up their phone and do a search (usually with Google).
There are many websites to chose from. The tops sites are Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and For Sale By Owner. Love them or hate them, they have a great grasp on generating real estate traffic. When you list something on the MLS, it is likely to be picked up by these major sites (except FSBO). Whether or not you are advertising with them, you’ll want to make sure your properties are showcased well.
There are services that will syndicate your listing to many top sites, so you only need to enter your information once. However, make sure to check your listing on all sites in which it was syndicated. Automation can sometimes lead to the data being jumbled.
Consider Paid Listings:
When you do a property search on any major website, you will likely see certain properties at the top time and time again. If you want to give your property instant traction, it can be worth the extra cost to put your listing at the top. The For Sale By Owner website has a great premium listing package that will coach you through creating a listing and tips on handling the sales and negotiation process.
Use Amazing Photos:
There is no substitute for amazing photos. Take as many photos as you can and then cherry pick the best ones.
When buyers see a photo of your home, it tells them whether or not they want to pursue it further.
For many buyers, it is not easy to picture themselves in the home if they are seeing your personal belongings. Get a head start on packing by putting your knick-knacks and decorative items away. Get rid of all the clutter, then hire a professional photographer to take photos of your home. Look through a few listings. Notice who paid for a professional job, and who took cell phone photos from the street.
Use an Accurate Description of the Property:
Be as detailed and as accurate about the property as possible. Disclose any defects but also make sure not to overlook the details that may be a selling point for a certain buyer. If you have recently re-done the roof, mention it. If there is a large and bright kitchen, you should mention it.
Avoid Cookie-Cutter:
When people are shopping, the products can begin to blend together. Shopping for a house is no different. When every listing says “beautiful” and “cozy” the words lose their meaning. Browse some of the local listings in your area and make your sales copy unique. Use colorful adjectives to make your listing stand out from the rest.
Use Data To:
Acquiring, understanding and using data will almost guarantee you a quick sale. Using data, you will be able to:
- Run comps of recently sold properties in the area.
- Locate and contact the best agents in town. Online reviews will ensure you find the agent that is best for you!
- Study market trends for real estate in your area. The Triangle MLS website has a wealth of information on market trends in the Raleigh Durham area of NC.