Townizen

 

The Facts and Figures

In a recent study, it's found that more than 75% of homebuyers searched online for their home before purchasing their home. I have to repeat, 75%...and most likely growing! The general public are now armed with the power to search listings themselves, and getting more and more selective about their decisions. No longer is the open house the original point of contact, it's the online listing that buyers FIRST meet. So, we spend thousands on home staging to give a great first impression...what type of impression are you giving with your online listing?

First Impressions are Everything!

I've learned a lot from being an active member of Ebay. If you're selling an item, the more pictures you show off, the more personal a description you write, and then add a video...the more likely you are to get a great sales price on your item. It's about giving off a great first impression and creating an emotional bond with the buyer.

The same goes for your home listings. Presented with more abundant choices than ever, the goal of the online listing is to create an emotional bond with the potential buyer. Your mission is to entice the buyer to actually schedule a home viewing based on your online listing.

The Typical Listing - Today

Here's a little exercise. Take a look at your current MLS/IDX based listing online (see typical listing example below). Would this listing entice potential buyers to schedule a viewing? Does this listing do justice to the property? Is there anything you can do to show off that property better?

 

The Solution

Here are the things you want to look for in a listing platform to REALLY show off your listing:

- Photo Gallery (Supporting Big Pictures): Nothing creates a bond more than lots of big pictures! 

- Video: Video is more popular than ever. Make sure your listing platform supports you embedding your videos. 

- Walkthrough: Buyers love it when you can describe a home room by room with relevant pictures. 

- Relevant Descriptions: Parcel numbers? MLS numbers? MLS sources? Don't confuse buyers, give them well-crafted relevant information about the property

- Map Mashup: Make sure you're putting your property on an interactive map!