Here is what today’s realtors are doing to market and promote your home
By Madhusmita Bora
CTW Features
Simply putting up a “For Sale” sign in the yard no longer gets buyers to the door. Realtors are increasingly relying on multiple platforms such as social media, open houses and YouTube to pique buyer interest. Here are a few action plans that agents are deploying to get buyers interested.
1. Online Presence
“The No. 1 strategy (for selling fast) is good Internet exposure,” said Elizabeth Weintraub, a Sacramento-area broker who writes on real estate expert for about.com. “People who keep their homes a secret hurt their chances of getting the highest price. You want to be everywhere online.”
Agents need to focus on their online debut, according to Martha Webb, an author and producer of the “Certified Home Marketing Specialist” course.
“You get about nine seconds to get people’s attention,” Webb said.
Weintraub showcases listing on local and national real estate sites like Zillow, and blogs about her listings.
“I take them through the home (via the blog), holding their hand and talking about it with feelings,” Weintraub said.
2. Quality Photos
Smartphone photos no longer make the cut. Agents are increasingly relying on professional photographers and high-tech equipment to shoot pictures of homes on sale.
“You need to take lots of photos and choose a few that are emotionally appealing,” Weintraub said.
Webb recommends developing a story through the photos.
“That’s your first showing,” she said. “The biggest task is to prepare the home for compelling photography.”
3. Virtual Tours
Many agents and brokerage firms are offering virtual tours to nab buyers. At Redfin, a national real-estate brokerage firm, agents use software that gives buyers a high resolution, interactive tour inside a home. It helps people who are looking for a specific layout. If they don’t like what they see virtually, it saves them a trip to the property while also saving the sellers time.
4. Take It To YouTube
Many agents are relying on videos for storytelling.
“The key is to have a well-produced video with good sound and crisp clear visuals,” Webb said. “Think how you can bring emotion to it.”
Her advice is to hire a professional and to keep the videos short. Sometimes the owner could get in front of the camera and talk about the home.
“Tell a story,” she said. “Don’t just stand there and say the home has two bedrooms, fabulous dining room – they already know that.”
© CTW Features
