Research shows that approximately 90% of home buyers use the internet in their search for a home. While 91% of those same people eventually use the services of a Realtor, many use the internet to narrow down their search.
It’s fair to say that if you have a listing for sale and it’s not on the internet, you’re going nowhere fast. It all begins with placing your property in your local Multiple Listing Service(s). Most brokers utilize a service that will then place that listing on other popular websites such as Realtor.com, Trulia.com, Zillow.com and more. BHGRE Metro Brokers places listings on thousands of websites.
So your listing is on all of these websites, where buyers look first, and you still aren’t getting any “hits”. Now what?
If it’s clear that the property is priced correctly, the most likely culprit is how your listing appears online. If you put in minimum effort when placing the listing into the MLS’s – didn’t add any photos, filled out a small property description, etc. – you’re doing your sellers, and yourself, a disservice.
Here are just a few tips for making your property truly shine on the internet:
Great Photos (my biggest pet peeve)
Simply put, there is nothing more important than quality photos when placing your listings online.
The property photos are the first thing that a buyer will see, and if you don’t make a good first impression, then the potential buyer will just move on to the next listing (and never even click on your listing).
And photos don’t need to be just good… they need to be GREAT! You’re competing against thousands of other listings online, so if the photo does not look spectacular, no one will ever click on it. Great photos will make a buyer excited to see your listing, and that feeling will carry over to seeing the property in person.
One thing you absolutely need is a good camera (not a smartphone) if you’re taking the photos yourself. Some agents even hire a photographer if they feel they can’t do the home justice, especially if it’s a high priced listing. Stage the shots with lush greenery and colorful flowers for the best shots (and curb appeal).
Also, make sure to add as many photos to the MLS as possible. Include photos of special features such as stone fireplaces or screened-in porches. And update the photos seasonally (ditch the dead grass shots in the spring).
Don’t just add one photo of the front of the home, and say “good enough”. If a buyer only sees one photo, they often feel there is a reason why only one photo is shown – it’s a foreclosure, there’s damage the seller wants to hide, the house needs updating, etc.
Plus, studies show that the main thing that buyers are looking for in online listings – lots of photos.
Quality Descriptions
I’m surprised when I see a beautiful home online with a “bare bones” description. This is your chance to hook the buyer and that means going farther than “separate dining room”.
When crafting your listing description, include any special features the home might have. You don’t have to be too clever, just make sure to point out the high points of the home.
Also, is the home close to the highway, shopping mall or other places of interest? Be sure to include this information as well.
Filling in ALL the Details
Take the time to fill out the MLS sheet to completion, and it will help you in the long run. Many websites utilize these other fields in their search engine. For instance, if you failed to include the acreage or that the home was on a lake when filling out the form, you could be missing out on a buyer looking for those features.
You may have to sit down with your seller to find out the specifics, but it’s well worth it.
The Extras
While a lot of agents discount virtual tours and other online media that can be added to the MLS, I still feel that they are important. Anything that can give your property extra attention is worth the time and effort to create. There is software available to make free virtual tours, and some brokers like BHGRE Metro Brokers offer a solution through their intranet portal.
Keep in mind, some consumer websites place properties that have virtual tours attached to them at the top of search results.
In addition, this is a great way for you to stand out from other agents. Buyers are impressed by agents that utilize alternate media to sell their listings and may be more likely to use you to purchase their home.
BONUS: Standing Out on Trulia and Zillow
Both Trulia and Zillow have free solutions for adding your contact information to your listings. Unless you fill out their profiles and create an account, your information simply doesn’t appear on their website when a buyer looks at your listings.
Trulia – Go to http://www.trulia.com/business/my/ and fill out the information to create a free account. This will allow you to “claim” your listings and join their professional directory. Be sure to add your headshot. You can also send stats to sellers.
Zillow – Simply register on http://www.zillow.com/agents/ and your contact information will begin appearing at the top of your listings. With a free profile, you can add your photo as well as get buyer and seller contacts. You can also work with your clients to get reviews on Zillow.
Do you have any other tips for selling agents? Share them below.
