3 Simple Tools that make Selling “By Owner” Easier than Wrestling a Badger
October 22nd, 2008 categories: Selling your Home
Just a few years ago selling your home either ‘by owner’ or with a professional was a much simpler prospect than it is today. In Northwest Arkansas’ mostly buyer’s market you have to do something to make your home stick out from the rest. Here are 3 tools that I know will make selling your home much easier than wrestling a badger or other large scavenging beast.
Differentiate your marketing through web video.
A recent article on inman.com titled “It’s Time to Be Amazed” mentioned that 62,000,000 users visit youtube.com per month. Only a small fraction of people use video on their home listings (by owner or Realtors). 62 million hits (on youtube alone) plus very little competition means your listing gets viewed by more people when you use video than when you don’t. There are great tools all over the Internet to help you shoot your own home tour video.
Use an 800 call-capture number to get (and keep) buyer leads.
Realtors all over the country are now using call capture systems to both give and receive information. An automated or taped message plays when the prospective buyer calls the 800 number, they are then given a chance to have brochure faxed to them, be connected with the agent or homeowner, etc. When properly used these 800 numbers are very powerful. While on the number subject, make sure your phone number on the sign is highly visible. You are really just wasting your time if a buyer cannot read your number to contact you.
Use a tech-savvy Realtor to comprehensively market your home.
You know I had to say it. When for sale by owner properties consistently sale for at least 10% less than their Realtor marketed competition, a 6% marketing fee doesn’t sound so bad. It’s more like a 6% no hassle fee really. In the end you’ll sell your property, stay safe, be happier, and put more money in your pocket.
So whether you sell “by owner” or “by Realtor”, the lesson is marketing your home should be more than just a sign in the yard and a flyer in the box. You need a comprehensive marketing strategy that will differentiate your home and give you the most exposure possible. Exposure creates competition, competition increases home value and the likelihood of an offer on your home. If you are in need of a great home marketing strategy please contact me for a free consultation.
