By Erin Fritz
When it comes time to sell your house, your very first hurdle is to find the perfect real estate salesperson. However, with 1000’s of salespeople in Toronto alone, choosing just one becomes very difficult. As everyone knows, good marketing is the key to a successful business or product. It is very important to remember that putting a “for sale” sign on the front lawn does not sell a house alone. A home needs to be marketed, just like any other product and it is important to choose an agent who is passionate about exposing your home.
There are some key things that you, the consumer should look for when you interview agents to list your house. The first thing is picking someone who you trust to sell your home. A good agent should prepare a listing package, personalized with information about your home, your neighborhood and their company. A listing package is important because not only does it show that an agent has done their homework, but that they are interested in gaining your business.
The second thing you should ask to see prior to choosing an agent is copies of old feature sheets. You want to ensure that an agent has experience with home marketing, and by seeing older feature sheets, you can get an idea of what to expect when they market your property. It is a good sign if you see a variety of property types and a variety of different feature sheets, as it shows the range of the agent’s experience and knowledge of property.
Third, it is very important to ask questions. What is this agent going to do for you? What is this agent going to do to sell your home for the maximum amount? What suggestions does the agent offer you? Is the agent willing to spend money to help you market your property? You should choose an agent that has a good website, with up to date information and listings. The internet is becoming the number one source of information, and many first time buyers are taking to the web to find listings.
A good agent will advertise your property and open houses on their own website, on MLS, Realtor.com, and even on a site such as craigslist. Do not be afraid to ask which website your home will be featured on. Some agents may even suggest buying a domain name for your property. This is a great idea because you can direct family, friends and potential buyers to a website that is advertising your home alone. Another place where agents can market your home is in newspapers and realtor magazines. It is important to ask whether your property will be featured in print media and if so where it can be found. If you live in Richmond Hill, it’s a good idea to place an ad in a local newspaper to encourage local residents to see your property. Another way agents can market your property is by mailing out a “Just Listed” card to the homes in your area. This small post card can be a very effective way of reaching potential buyers, by providing them with some information on your home.
Lastly, does the agent have any tips to make your home more appealing to the consumer? A good agent should suggest you de-clutter and de-personalize your home. Don’t forget, you want people to see a home they want to live in, not the home you do. Some agents may suggest using a home stager. Although this too can be very effective, it’s not always necessary. Make sure if an agent is suggesting this, they have a competent stager they work with frequently. Remember there are never any stupid questions and you are entitled to straightforward answers. Just be upfront and you will be able to choose an agent that best suites you and your home sale.
Erin Fritz is a marketing consultant and a regular contributor to the Muddy York Real Estate Blog.
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Choosing the Right Salesperson to Market your Home
By Erin Fritz
When it comes time to sell your house, your very first hurdle is to find the perfect real estate salesperson. However, with 1000’s of salespeople in Toronto alone, choosing just one becomes very difficult. As everyone knows, good marketing is the key to a successful business or product. It is very important to remember that putting a “for sale” sign on the front lawn does not sell a house alone. A home needs to be marketed, just like any other product and it is important to choose an agent who is passionate about exposing your home.
There are some key things that you, the consumer should look for when you interview agents to list your house. The first thing is picking someone who you trust to sell your home. A good agent should prepare a listing package, personalized with information about your home, your neighborhood and their company. A listing package is important because not only does it show that an agent has done their homework, but that they are interested in gaining your business.
The second thing you should ask to see prior to choosing an agent is copies of old feature sheets. You want to ensure that an agent has experience with home marketing, and by seeing older feature sheets, you can get an idea of what to expect when they market your property. It is a good sign if you see a variety of property types and a variety of different feature sheets, as it shows the range of the agent’s experience and knowledge of property.
Third, it is very important to ask questions. What is this agent going to do for you? What is this agent going to do to sell your home for the maximum amount? What suggestions does the agent offer you? Is the agent willing to spend money to help you market your property? You should choose an agent that has a good website, with up to date information and listings. The internet is becoming the number one source of information, and many first time buyers are taking to the web to find listings.
A good agent will advertise your property and open houses on their own website, on MLS, Realtor.com, and even on a site such as craigslist. Do not be afraid to ask which website your home will be featured on. Some agents may even suggest buying a domain name for your property. This is a great idea because you can direct family, friends and potential buyers to a website that is advertising your home alone. Another place where agents can market your home is in newspapers and realtor magazines. It is important to ask whether your property will be featured in print media and if so where it can be found. If you live in Richmond Hill, it’s a good idea to place an ad in a local newspaper to encourage local residents to see your property. Another way agents can market your property is by mailing out a “Just Listed” card to the homes in your area. This small post card can be a very effective way of reaching potential buyers, by providing them with some information on your home.
Lastly, does the agent have any tips to make your home more appealing to the consumer? A good agent should suggest you de-clutter and de-personalize your home. Don’t forget, you want people to see a home they want to live in, not the home you do. Some agents may suggest using a home stager. Although this too can be very effective, it’s not always necessary. Make sure if an agent is suggesting this, they have a competent stager they work with frequently. Remember there are never any stupid questions and you are entitled to straightforward answers. Just be upfront and you will be able to choose an agent that best suites you and your home sale.
Erin Fritz is a marketing consultant and a regular contributor to the Muddy York Real Estate Blog.
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