What is the best way to market your property? The answer? There are many ways to get your property noticed. As a seller, the first thing you should do is to prepare your property for the market. Start with the exterior including lawn maintenance and landscaping. Do your gutters need cleaned? Should you power wash? Curb appeal is important as buyers are driving by your home. The interior of the home should be show ready. Paint the trim, walls and doors if necessary. Declutter all rooms and closets. Clean carpets or replace old, dingy flooring.
Now it is time to list. Your REALTOR® will take photos, offer advice for staging, place a sign in the yard and prepare your home to market. With new age technology, they can offer 3D technology, drone footage and professional photography.
Once your home is ready for the MLS, your REALTOR® will put the marketing plan into action. Print and digital advertising are equally important. With print advertising, you will reach the market of those that may not look at online advertising. Print can include flyers posted in public areas, direct mail postcards to potential buyers and the local newspaper.
Digital advertising can consist of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Facebook can reach thousands of viewers by targeting potential buyers. Instagram and Twitter will focus more on the younger, first-time home buyer generation. Both allow creative options for advertising. As a seller, you should share those posts to reach your friends and family. The idea is to spread the word and reach as many viewers or potential buyers as possible. Your REALTOR®’s website will also showcase your home by reaching their viewers. When your REALTOR® places the listing in the MLS, other third-party sites like Zillow, Realtor and Trulia will pick up the listing for their viewers.
Open Houses can be effective if your home is in a neighborhood or community near other homes. This is a way for buyers to preview your home during a convenient time for them. Many times, the REALTOR® will ask a local lender or home inspector to be on site to answer any buyer questions.
Word of mouth advertising can be highly effective. Tell everyone you know that your home is on the market. The sign in the yard is a terrific way for buyers to see that your home is for sale. Some REALTOR®’s will contact their buyers and past clients to inform them of the specifics of your property.
Inventory in our area is exceptionally low. It is a seller’s market. We currently have 133 single family active listings in the MLS. Prices ranging from $39,000 to just under $4 million. Average days on the market is 166. Homes under $250,000 are selling quickly and sometimes with multiple offers. If you are ready to list, contact your local REALTOR®. Buyers are still looking for a new home. Could it be yours?
Have a wonderful week and remember to do good things!
Stephanie Lemley, 2021 MBOR President
