STEP 4:  MARKETING IT

Every home is unique in the real estate market.  Interest rates are constantly changing and buyers are always looking for new homes to buy.  Because of these factors (and many others) it takes skillful marketing strategies  designed specifically for various market conditions. Once your home is listed it will more than likely be listed with MLS so other brokers with now have access to your information.  A realtor’s work is usually quiet and unseen but very important.  He/she may be marketing your property through web postings, open-house, and new listing announcements.  Radio, television and real estate guide are other good sources of marketing used by real estate agents.  Some even use brochure boxes or “for sale” signs to advertise your property.

How to Hold an Open-House

Open houses are different in different communities, some areas don’t even use the open-house technique.  In areas where they are common, the broker advertises that the  open-house will be held for a certain time period (1-5 on Saturday) .  The broker generally hosts the function while the sellers leave the property during this time.    Children and pets should not be on the premises during the open-house.  Here, he/she provides information for the guests and maintains a log of attendance.  Once your open-house is scheduled be sure to notify your neighbors.  This warns them in advance of extra traffic and also allows them to take a look at your property themselves.  Who knows, they may have a friend the want to have take a look at your house!  In preparation for the open-house:

*Hang fresh towels in the bathroom

*Set the dining room table with your best dishes

*Be sure the air is fragrant

*Light lamps

*Pull back the drapes

*Light the fireplace if you have once

How to Show Your Home Online

The internet is a very modern source for advertising your home and plays important roles in this process.  Not only can you view real state online but it contains information on local schools, recent home sale prices, video tours and model forms.  The internet is also a good way to communicate through e-mails and instant messaging.  This way agents and consumers can share information and questions with a quickness.