How Do I Create 'Buzz' For My Listing?

How Do I Create 'Buzz' For My Listing?

Dear Holly,

I am getting ready to list my home For Sale By Owner. I have done everything I can think of to prepare it for market. I am getting ready to place an  ad and get some signs.  I don't understand how I 'create a buzz' about my listing.

Any ideas?

Ready to Sell My House

Dear Ready to Sell My House,

Congratulations on getting this far in the process. I know it was a lot of work. Don't start resting yet; your work has just begun!

The one and only way to create Buzz about your listing is to price it competitively (no 'testing the market') and advertise it EVERYWHERE! The number one place to advertise it is in the MLS (Multiple List Service).  You need to get your listing out to as many buyers as possible. This includes syndicated websites, private websites, print advertising as appropriate for your target demographic, mailers (if they make sense), open houses, brokers opens and some combination of all or any one of these items (and others, too).

You should  only  be interested excitement about your property if it translates into an offer. You don't care about the kind of 'buzz' that gets people scrambling to see your home, but not wanting to buy it. Open Houses can generate a ton of 'buzz,' but that doesn't mean they result in offers.

An experienced Realtor® can help you price your home competitively. It is much more than a matter of knowing what the house down the street sold for last month. Unless your house is identical, with all the same upgrades and features, there is always some variability.Even if it IS identical, month to month fluctuations in the market can affect value and pricing.  This is not the time to test the market with your fantasy price.

Advertising your home in a way that makes sense for your target demographic is another way an experienced Realtor® can help you sell your home. Keep in mind that this is what we do each day and we know what works and what doesn't.

If you decide that doing it on your own is your preferred approach, remember that your home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay.

Good luck!

Holly