Marketing Techniques You Should Expect From a Real Estate Agent in 2010
Published: 03/09/2010 by Stephen A. Daniels
Today’s real estate market is highly competitive for those who are trying to sell their homes. While just about everyone can agree that it’s a buyer’s market, it is an indisputable fact that there are real estate agents who are still doing well, even in this economy. The question is how to choose the right agent – the one who is going to be able to get you the best sale price in a reasonable time frame.
Online presence is, of course, a necessity. Firstly, your agent’s firm should have a professional, easy to use web site complete with a MLS listing search. Most or the Realtor’s Boards have a local MLS that they use to share information between realtors, ask your agent about this.
Many agents feature useful information about the local market, as well as tips for buying and selling homes. Some savvy brokers also take advantage of social media, using it to build networks and notify potential buyers as well as other real estate agents about homes recently listed for sale. These are all good signs that your broker has put some solid work into their presence on the Web.
You’ll want to make sure that whoever you choose also will list your home on web site alternatives to the MLS for maximum exposure. While Craigslist.org remains a perennial favorite, having a good listing on several other real estate web sites is a major factor in making sure your listing is viewed by as many potential buyers as possible. Your agent should be aware of the most popular real estate sites of the moment, and be prepared to submit your listing to every site that is appropriate.
Another way to identify a good realtor is to find one that specializes in selling properties similar to yours. This is especially advantageous if your home falls into some specialty category, such as small ranches, historical homes, luxury homes or high end condominiums.
Looking at the quality of an agent’s listings is also important. Are they accurate and detailed, with full lists of amenities? Do they offer several good pictures, and maybe even interactive video tours or 360 degree photos? Your agent should have all the tools available to show your home to its best advantage. A great listing will give potential buyers a good idea of what your house is like, which will mean that it will attract more buyers looking for a home like yours. Some agents go so far as to hire professional photographers for home listings.
Before the photos are taken, however, a good agent should advise you on preparing your home for showing to potential buyers. They will be able to point out problems that will catch a potential buyer’s eye and possibly contribute to a lower sale price, so you can fix them before a buyer ever sees them.
A really top notch agent will make sure that all prospective buyers taken to your house are pre-qualified before you are disturbed. Most of us don’t appreciate strangers wandering about in our homes uninvited. Pre-qualified potential buyers will eliminate some of those people.
And finally, in this era, every dollar counts, so shop around for a real estate office that understands that you have just lost a lot of your equity to the economy. Perhaps you will find a broker that will work with you on commission as well, to help you keep as much of your remaining equity as possible. It can never hurt to ask.
