What do you NOT do that sellers typically expect?
There are 2 things I almost never do that many of us perceive sellers expect in order to get their home sold.
- Is to run lots of ads in your local newspaper.
- Host a public open house at least once during the listing period; some do more.
I do not do either one of these things and yet keep my sellers happy with me and my services.
After sitting down with typical sellers during a listing presentation and going over my marketing plan including a list of things I promise to do in order to get their house sold, talking about pricing, looking at comps, etc., I then set the lists aside and say: "Now let's talk about what I'm not going to be doing".
The first thing I'm not going to be doing is running lots of ads in our local paper so if you were expecting to see you house in this Sunday's newspaper don't bother looking because it's not going to be there.
Here's why.
The latest statistics from my National Association of Realtors prove conclusively that most buyers these day, almost * 80%, use the internet to find a home.
The benefit to you Mr. & Mrs., Seller in me using the Internet and my top ranked website to market your home is that it's not only available to potential buyers who are looking online for their next home, I can put a much more comprehensive listing display online including photos, a virtual tour, and a complete description of your home and all it's many appealing features.
The second thing we're not going to do is have a public open house; you know that Sunday afternoon thing where you spend all weekend getting the house cleaned up so everyone, including your neighbors that just want to see what you house looks like and have no intention of buying, tromp through your home all afternoon.
Another disadvantage, even potential danger, in having a public open house is that occasionally people that don't have the best of intentions come through your house and if they see something that appeals to them like your plasma TV, gun collection, or other valuables, they may return later to get it. Hopefully you won't be home when they return but there have been cases of homeowners robbed and worse during situations like these.
So with your permission Mr. & Mrs. Seller that's what I'm going to start doing right away to get your home sold and also the 2 things I'm NOT going to be doing.
Just sign this listing agreement at the price we've already talked about and I can get started today.
As a follow up I spent less than $100 on newspaper ads during all of 2005; my goal this year is to spend $0 and so far I'm on track.
* "77 percent in 2005" http://tinyurl.com/
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