Some homes seem to sell themselves, while others need help. If your home needs help, understand that effective use of marketing tools can increase your home’s appeal. Also, finding ways to communicate your home’s value will help sell it faster and for more money. Home sale marketing tools began when real estate brokerage began. Although marketing tools come and go, some have stood the test of time.
Probably one of the most effective marketing tools an agent has is the open house. Unfortunately, the open house is under-used, as well as often misused for the agent’s gain.
Although the open house routine has changed, brokers have been holding open houses for over 100 years. The open house is the ideal time to communicate directly with homebuyers and their agents about your home’s appeal and value.
Try to avoid the use of open house gimmicks (such as cook-outs and carnivals) because they detract from the home sale message. Furthermore, make sure your agent’s focus is on selling your home during the open house, instead of focusing on signing-up new clients.
Although not as prevalent today, print advertising was a home marketing staple for over a century. Today, the majority of home buyers search for homes online, so it’s not likely that a print ad will have a broad audience. Nonetheless, print advertising is still used to market niche homes and agent self-promotion.
Online and digital marketing is the most widely used form of advertising today. Internet marketing is easy because the MLS syndicates your home listing across numerous websites automatically! Although the syndication is automatic, your agent still needs to check how the listing appears. If the listing has incorrect information, it needs to be fixed or can hamper results.
There are a variety of other internet advertising opportunities, including a dedicated webpage, pay-per-click and video. However, results, if any, may be limited if not used effectively.
One of the essential marketing tools to relay your home’s appeal and value is the camera. Technological advances in MLS feeds and digital photography now allow home buyers to see many pictures of your home and its surroundings in crystal clarity.
However, don’t solely rely on new photo technologies for virtual tours, as the viewing ability may be limited.
Virtual reality (VR) is a cutting-edge technology used for virtual tours. While most homebuyers do not own a VR device, many buyers are likely to search homes when wearing the device in an inappropriate time, like at work or on the metro. Even though VR marketing sounds cool, its reach is still minimal.
Although VR is yet to be a useful tool, augmented reality such as 3D virtual tours are coming of age. Although there are still limitations, updated internet browsers, broadband and new 5G allow home buyers to view your home as a 3D model.
Regardless of what real estate agents will tell you, the best marketing tools for your home are the list price, your home’s condition and its location. However, a high list price, poor condition and/or location can be helped by your agent’s marketing tools.
Useful marketing tools can also help increase your home’s appeal and communicate the home’s value. But ultimately, the nitty-gritty of selling your home depends on your agent’s savvy, ability to facilitate an offer and negotiate a price.
Dan Krell is a Realtor® with RE/MAX Platinum Realty in Bethesda, MD. You can access more information at www.DanKrell.com.
