Three Tips for Listing Your Home

One of the most basic things you can do to start the sales process of your current home is to list that home as "for sale." I know, it sounds simple, but it's actually more difficult than it sounds. An effective listing will be short, clever, and engaging. In the advertising world, this is known as "content marketing," or using quality writing to sell a product. Think of your home listing as an advertisement to perspective buyers. What is it that you want them to know about your home? What words can you use to make your home seem more valuable in such a small space? Here are three basic tips that will help you write an effective listing when you decide to sale your home. 

Be Honest 

Many homeowners are tempted to leave out the less appealing aspects of their home when listing it as "for sale." While it may seem counter intuitive, it's important to list your home honestly. Is it a fixer upper? Then list it as a fixer upper. Is the floor sinking, the roof caving, or the windows leaking? That's O.K., but also something you need to be up front about. 

Listing your home honestly will help you avoid headaches down the road. The last thing a buyer wants to feel is cheated. If a prospected buyer reads your listing, is interested, and then visits your home to find it lacking, they are going to feel like they've been lied to. This is bad. Create a sense of honesty and reliability by listing your house accurately. 

Location, Location, Location 

In your listing, try and find room to talk about the location of your home. You can list your address, but also talk about your neighborhood. Are your neighbors friendly? Do they have kids? Are they elderly? Believe it or not, but this can make a big difference. Many times, new homeowners are looking for something specific, and are very concerned with location. Portraying your neighborhood or living area in a positive way can be very attractive. 

Try and talk about the schools, grocery stores, public spaces, and entertainment options that are close to the home you want to sell. These are qualities that are of interest to new buyers. 

Lose the Adjectives 

You don't have a lot of time to catch the eye of a buyer when writing a listing. Try and let the facts speak for themselves, avoid being overly poetic or using too many words. Is your home rustic? Then call it "rustic," not "delightfully rustic." Try and be straight forward, like a journalist, so  that your listing is clean and clear. 

Writing in this style is more engaging, easier to read, and ultimately more effective than writing with too many adjectives. Think like an advertiser, avoid flowery language and write like a journalist. Tell the buyer what they need to know, and they'll come running. 

Listing your house is an important part of selling your home, but it's just the beginning. If you're thinking of selling or buying a home, give us a call.  We can help you navigate the muddy waters of home ownership. Remember, we're here to help.