Your Neighborhood:
Most buyers will want to know about the local schools, shopping, parks, transportation, etc. Be ready to provide potential buyers with this information.
Establish A Marketing Budget:
How much are you willing to spend to sell your house?
- Real estate commission if you use an agency to sell.
- Advertising costs, signs, other fees if you plan to sell by owner.
- Attorney, closing agent and other professional fees.
- Excise tax for the sale.
- Prorated costs for your share of annual expenses, such as property taxes, home owner association fees, and fuel tank rentals.
- Any other fees typically paid by the seller in your area (surveys, inspections, etc.).
The Internet:
As you have probably noticed from the website you have found this article on, most agents have their own website, which includes their clients' listings as well as the entire MLS search. If you work with an agent, your property will most likely be placed on their web site (if they have one) and on the full MLS search as part of the services they will offer you.
In addition, some newspapers automatically (or for an extra fee) offer Internet advertising tied in to their traditional print ads. Learn the rates and deadlines for each publication, and then decide which one (or more) is best for you and your market.
Marketing plan:
Now that you know what advertising will cost, create a plan on how to best reach prospective buyers, both local and out-of-town.
Design Ad:
You will need well-written sentences that will run as a classified ad or a photo box ad. In addition, you might decide to run a larger, custom-designed ad in the paper and/or to use as flyers to hand out at open houses. Don't skimp on this. A professional, well-crafted ad can attract buyers while a poorly designed and executed one can turn buyers off to your property. You may want to employ a full service agent representation.
Scheduling Appointment:
Be prepared to be very flexible, because this will and could also make or break the sale of your home. Most buyers make their decision within minutes after looking at a house. In addition, their time can be very condensed and they do not have the time to reschedule to look at your house except in that particular time. Make arrangements so that you have free time to schedule appointments at the prospective buyer's convenience, as well as for any "open houses" that you hold. If you are working with an agent, he or she will take care of showings and open houses on your behalf. It is best to allow your agent to show your home on their own so that the prospective buyer does not feel uncomfortable or pressured.
Sign:
This should be well-designed, attractive and weatherproof. The sign must be placed where it can clearly be seen from the street. If you are working with an agent, he or she will most likely provide the sign to you.
Flyer:
Design a single page describing your property listing the features and benefits that will draw in prospective buyers. This should be attractive and professional looking. In addition, have enough copies on hand to give out at open house showings. Again, if you are working with an agent, he or she will most likely do this on your behalf.
Open House:
Most are held on the weekend, this is not convenient for all buyers. Make sure that you coordinate your print advertising to include information about your next open house.
*** Continued on Selling Tips Part -4 ***
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