Marketing Plan

When selling your home there are two target markets: the general public and other agents. Knowing how to reach both audiences effectively requires mastery of today’s technology and an understanding of consumer behavior.  When it comes to selling your home, success is measured by the net price to the seller and days on market.

In today’s real estate market, the internet is the most effective way of reaching potential buyers and agents.  For many of today’s buyers, the internet has replaced the first showing.  With so many homes available for sale, it’s more important than ever to have an attractive, informative, and professionally prepared online presentation.   That’s why I work with my clients extensively to prepare their homes for sale and only use professional photography on all of my listings.

There are many ways to reach buyers and agents online. One of the most important is through the Multiple Listing Service or MLS. The Multiple Listing Service is a data exchange. It allows brokers to share information about properties available for sale. To participate the broker must be a member of their local Association of Realtors. For your home to be included it must be listed with a member broker like Keller Williams Realty Red Stick Partners.

In addition to sharing information with other brokers, the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors enables information sharing with the public. Every member broker can publish information about your home that you designate for public access.  As a result, there are hundreds of websites that buyers can search and find information about your home.  This is unquestionably the most valuable tool for getting your home sold.

Marketing your home on local websites is just part of the process. Local buyers and out-of-town/relocating buyers also use websites that reach a national audience. Information about your home will be featured on Keller Williams.com and, as your agent, I can select syndication to leading real estate websites including Realtor.com, FrontDoor.com, Oodle.com, Trulia.com, Zillow.com, and Yahoo.com. Video tours that I create for each of my listings insures an even wider market presence.

Recent Listings

Technology is wonderful and without it it would be difficult to find the right buyer for your home. But, some old tried and true techniques continue to yield results. So, I use those, too. These include:

  • For Sale signage
  • Property flyers
  • Open House events
  • A binder placed inside your home with pertinent information.

An often over-looked item in marketing a home is the importance of working effectively with other agents. Most homes are not “sold” by the listing agent. An agent in the same brokerage or another brokerage is most likely to find the buyer for your home. That’s why my marketing plan always includes:

  • Targeting active real estate agents that specialize in selling homes in your neighborhood.
  • Following-up with agents who have shown your home and providing them with the information they request in a timely manner.
  • Anticipating the buyers’ agent’s needs, being prepared to answer their questions or lend a hand.

When marketing your home I will develop a customized plan that reflects its unique characteristics and your needs. Though no two homes are the same, putting your home in front of buyers when they are shopping, using an effective mix of promotional tools, and working effectively with other agents consistently yields the best results.