When listing your home for sale, are all real estate
companies and agents created equal?
By Larry Stoller
No they are not! They offer
numerous services and marketing, all of which can differ from company to
company and from agent to agent.
For example, some agents
utilize professional photography while others take their own photos (to make
the best impression when potential buyers first see your home online).
Additionally, a home warranty may be included in the listing
(adds value to your home and gives the potential buyer peace of mind).
Most real estate companies
and agents offer the following services and marketing:
-Evaluate
property, competition, market conditions
-Prepare a market analysis to determine pricing strategies
-Utilize an effective marketing plan to attract buyers
-Prepare a listing contract and include review options
-Take photos of property for MLS and online marketing
-Enter listing in MLS, include brief descriptions
-Syndicate to Zillow, Trulia, other major real estate sites
-Prepare attractive property brochures for buyers at showings
-Include house flyer in MLS as an optional document
-Email blast to all area real estate agents
-Schedule property for broker/agent tours .
- Hold open houses if appropriate to
attract buyers
-Utilize additional print advertising and marketing
Some companies and agents add
the following enhanced services and marketing:
+Online
marketing to find buyers instead or waiting for buyers to find your home
+Include magazines, associations, clubs, blogs, etc. in marketing for unique
homes
+Use email lists from professional data gathering companies for the
above
+Utilize effective post card campaigns as well as online marketing
+Offer exclusive property websites that promote properties 24/7
+Use single property website that syndicates to 200+ real estate directories
+Ensure that all photos for MLS/online marketing are taken by professional real
estate photographers
+Include a home warranty that covers the home during listing period and then
transfers to (Big Seller PLUS!)
+Prepare virtual open houses so that prospective buyers can visit your home
online to see and appreciate all the special value added features
When choosing a real estate agent and company to sell your
home, remember that all real estate companies and agents are NOT created equal.
I think that it is a good idea to review and compare the services and marketing
that they offer and choose the agent (and company) who will work best for you.
Larry Stoller is a local Broker and Realtor with Real Estate FIVE
of the Low Country. He loves living in Bluffton and working and playing
throughout the Hilton Head area. Larry@RealEstateFive.com, www.RealEstateFive.com.