Now, more than ever, people are finding success selling their homes online. 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!
Go Where The Buyers Are:
There are many online listing portals to choose from. Look up some listings in your area. What sites show up first in the search results? Many times, the tops sites are Zillow and Trulia. 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. 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.
When searching for real estate listings online, sites like Zillow and Trulia frequently dominate the top results. These platforms have established themselves as major players in the industry, generating massive traffic for property searches. Whether you love them for their accessibility or dislike them for other reasons, their prominence in the real estate market is undeniable. When a property is listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), it often gets automatically picked up by these popular platforms. Even if you’re not advertising directly with Zillow or Trulia, it’s essential to ensure that your properties are well-presented, as potential buyers will likely encounter them on these sites.
To streamline the listing process, there are services available that can syndicate your property information to multiple platforms at once. This means you only need to enter your listing details a single time, and it will be shared across numerous sites, including Zillow, Trulia, and others. However, it’s important to manually check how your listing appears on each platform. Automation can sometimes lead to errors or mismatched data, so reviewing the information on all sites helps to ensure the property is showcased accurately, preventing potential confusion for buyers.
Consider Premium Listings:
When you do a property search on any major website, you will likely see certain properties at the top time and time again. They paid to get that top spot. Just as the Agents you see over and over again paid to put their name first. If you want to give your property instant traction, it can be worth the extra cost to put your listing at the top. When conducting a property search on major real estate websites, it’s common to notice certain listings consistently appearing at the top. This isn’t by coincidence—these properties have paid for premium placement to gain greater visibility. Similarly, the agents whose names you frequently see at the top of the page have also paid for those prime advertising spots. Investing in these top placements can be a strategic move if you want to give your property immediate traction. By paying for the added visibility, your listing is more likely to capture the attention of potential buyers early on, which can significantly increase inquiries and speed up the selling process.
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! A unique and innovative way to sell your home online is by creating a property-specific website. Setting up a basic website and purchasing a domain is an affordable option to get started, and it allows you complete control over how your property is presented. By incorporating search engine optimization (SEO), engaging content, and high-quality imagery, you can craft a visually appealing and informative site that competes with major real estate advertisers. With the right approach, your property website can stand out by offering a personalized experience, giving potential buyers a more in-depth look at your home than a typical listing might provide.
Use Amazing Photos:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and they are absolutely right. Make sure the words used to describe your house are “Stunning, spacious, and immaculate!” not “Dated, cramped, and dingy!” 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.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to selling a home, they’re absolutely right. The quality of the photos can greatly influence a buyer’s perception of the property. You want the words that come to mind to be “stunning, spacious, and immaculate,” not “dated, cramped, and dingy.” Buyers often make quick decisions based on photos, so it’s crucial to ensure that your home looks its best in every shot. Personal belongings can distract potential buyers and make it hard for them to envision themselves living there, so decluttering and packing away personal items is a great way to get started.
Once the home is clean and decluttered, hiring a professional photographer is essential to highlight its best features. Professional photos can make all the difference in attracting buyers, as they present the property in its best light. Take a moment to browse through various listings, and you’ll quickly notice the difference between professional shots and amateur cell phone photos taken from the street. Quality images draw buyers in, creating a positive first impression and making them more likely to schedule a showing.
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.
When listing your property, it’s essential to be as detailed and accurate as possible to attract the right buyers and build trust. Be transparent about any defects or issues with the property, as failing to disclose them can lead to problems later on. However, don’t forget to highlight the positive aspects that may be key selling points for potential buyers. If you’ve recently made improvements, such as replacing the roof, upgrading the windows, or modernizing the HVAC system, be sure to mention these upgrades, as they can be major incentives for buyers looking for a move-in-ready home.
Similarly, emphasize any standout features that might appeal to certain buyers. For example, if the kitchen is large and filled with natural light, or if your home has a spacious backyard with mature landscaping, these details could be deal-sealers for buyers seeking specific qualities. A well-balanced description not only informs but also helps prospective buyers envision living in the home, making it more likely for them to schedule a viewing.
Watch Your Words:
When people are house hunting, the listings can all begin sounding alike and running together. A lack of adjectives will cause every property to be “beautiful” and “cozy.” Don’t blend in with the crowd! Use colorful language to make your listing stand out from the rest. Don’t just gloss over the ad, using generic words to describe your property.
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 COLUMBIA house? What are the current buyer demographics?