In today’s real estate landscape, the digital realm has become a formidable marketplace for home sellers. The online platform offers unparalleled reach and convenience, allowing sellers to connect with a vast audience of potential buyers. However, the increasing popularity of online selling has led to a highly competitive environment, requiring sellers to employ strategic tactics to make their listings stand out. To help you navigate this competitive landscape and achieve a quick sale, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips. From staging your home effectively for online viewing to leveraging social media and professional photography, these tips are designed to enhance your listing’s visibility and appeal, ultimately leading to a successful sale in the online market.
Go Where The Buyers Are:
Exploring online listing portals is essential when selling your property. Take note of which sites appear first in search results, as they often attract significant real estate traffic. Platforms like Zillow and Trulia frequently dominate these rankings, possessing a strong grasp on generating visibility for listings. Since properties listed on the MLS are often picked up by these major sites, it’s crucial to ensure your listings are showcased effectively, regardless of whether you’re advertising with them directly.
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 Premium Listings:
When conducting a property search on any major website, it’s common to see certain properties consistently featured at the top. These properties have paid for premium placement. Similarly, real estate agents who frequently appear at the forefront of your search results have also paid for this visibility. If you’re looking to give your property immediate traction and visibility, investing in a premium listing spot could be worthwhile. While it may incur an extra cost, the increased exposure and potential for faster sale could outweigh the initial investment.
Create a Property Specific Website:
A unique and interesting way to sell your home using the internet would be to create a property specific website. A basic website and domain won’t cost you much to get started. With a little SEO, content, and imagery, you can quickly build a site to rival the big advertisers when it comes to showcasing your house!
Use Amazing Photos:
Indeed, the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” rings true in real estate. Ensure the descriptors used to portray your home are enticing, such as “stunning, spacious, and immaculate,” rather than “dated, cramped, and dingy.” When potential buyers view photos of your property, it shapes their perception and determines whether they’ll pursue it further. To facilitate buyers envisioning themselves in the home, remove personal belongings and clutter. Start packing by stowing away knick-knacks and decorative items. Then, invest in professional photography to showcase your home in the best light possible. Compare listings to discern between those with professional photography and those with amateur cellphone shots taken from a distance.
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.
Watch Your Words:
When potential buyers browse listings, they can easily become overwhelmed by the sea of similarities. Avoid blending into the crowd by infusing your listing with colorful language that sets your property apart. Instead of relying on generic terms like “beautiful” and “cozy,” use descriptive adjectives that evoke emotion and paint a vivid picture of your property’s unique attributes. Don’t simply gloss over the ad; take the opportunity to captivate your audience with compelling language that highlights the distinctive features of your home.
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. Ask questions such as: when is the best time of year to sell my Fort Myers house? What are the current buyer demographics?