There are times when homeowners want to sell their home on their own and need to attract as many buyers as possible. There are some advertising tips you should keep in mind to save yourself time, money and peace of mind.
One of the most effective means of attracting buyers is to advertise on the Internet, as most buyers these days first search online before consulting a broker or agent. Today there are many classified sites that allow you to advertise for free. Simply type “for sale by owner” into your Google or Yahoo! search bar and you will find many options on the first page. For better presentation and wider exposure, some sites may request premium upgrades and these may be a good idea depending on the urgency of your specific situation. If you are not in a hurry, you can avoid them and only advertise on the free sites without spending any money.
The goals of most sellers are the same regardless of whether or not they list with a real estate professional. They want a quick sale with the highest possible price and the least hassle. For all homes for sale by owner, it’s imperative to have the right things listed so they can attract the right type and the most buyers.
In any ad, the headline is by far the most important part. Some experts say it accounts for 80% of ad effectiveness. I always like to use the independent test. If you put just the headline and a phone number in a newspaper, will the phone ring? Look at the ads that are already in the newspaper or where you are thinking of advertising. Which ones catch your attention? Don’t feel bad about copying what they do. It’s easier than starting from scratch.
Remember to also add photos when possible. Take lots of photos and use as many of the best ones as possible. You don’t need to know much about taking photos, so I won’t push the point. Just keep in mind that when searching for houses, it makes good sense to look at the ones with pictures first.
You also have to make sure that the price they ask for the house is fair and leave, at most, a ten percent margin of negotiation. Brokers/agents and some websites can help you determine the selling price of the property. Zillow.com immediately comes to mind. Along with marketing and exposure, price is one of the most important aspects of selling a home, so don’t go to a website that tells you the “value” of your home and use that price. Do your research. How much have comparable houses sold for in the same school district in the last 3 months?