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. Many prospective buyers use these sites to look through pictures to see if anything catches their eye. Having great pictures is key to generating interest from buyers looking through these websites. 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.
You can also reach out to investment companies like Fair Home Offers CT, LLC. Many of these companies buy properties for cash. What many homeowners aren’t aware of is that most of the investment companies who market themselves under the tag line “We Buy Houses” also know other investors in the area as well. Take our company for example, when home sellers contact us, they are not only contacting us, but they are also contacting many other investment companies in the area. If we don’t purchase your home, we will present your property to numerous other “cash buyer” investment companies who we have worked with over the years!
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.
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:
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.
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. Definitely mention any and all upgrades you may have made. But at the same time don’t be afraid to mention items that need updating or work. There are plenty of buyers out there who don’t mind having to update their new home as they move in to match their wants and needs. There are even buyers who look for “fixer uppers” so don’t be afraid to be open and honest about what needs to be done to the house. Instead of scaring away buyers, you might just attract the right ones!!
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 Connecticut house? What are the current buyer demographics?