Marketing Mistakes Sellers Make
Posted Friday, September 19, 2014When it comes time to sell your house, you want to do everything possible to sell quickly and for top dollar. An aggressive marketing strategy can help drive showings and generate offers. However, potential buyers can become annoyed if homes for sale don’t live up to their advertised images. Below are some common mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them.
You don’t post any photos online. Almost all buyers start their searches for homes for sale online. If you don’t have any photos, many buyers will skip your house entirely. Instead, ensure you at least take photos of the major rooms and outside front, and post them online.
Your marketing photos don’t match the house. Nothing upsets buyers like deliberately deceptive photos. Don’t make the mistake of staging your house impeccably for the photos and then letting the clutter pile back up. There’s nothing wrong with showing your house in the best light, but if it doesn’t live up to the photos, buyers will be automatically disappointed.
You don’t mention major problems up front. If your roof is leaking or your foundation needs to be repaired, your ads should reflect this. Nothing frustrates buyers like taking the time to see a property only to find out down the line that it needs some serious TLC. Instead, mention in the ad that your home needs TLC, so you can market to those buyers willing to take on impending projects.
You don’t put away your pets or leave the house during showings. Buyers are really turned off when the owners — or their pets — tag along while they’re looking at the property. Buyers want to be able to discuss a house openly. Even if you think you can best explain its amazingly unique features, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice by sticking around.
Don’t get carried away and exaggerate the qualities of your house. Buyers searching for homes for sale want the truth and are more likely to purchase your property if it proves to be exactly as it’s portrayed.
If you are thinking about selling and would like to discuss marketing strategies, please call or email me for more information.