5 Things You Need in Your Online Real Estate Listing
When it comes to selling your house, there seem to be hundreds of things to take are of. And if it feels that way to you, that’s a good thing, because it means you’ll likely prepare your home for its best showing possible. But what about the real estate listing itself?
Real estate agents and brokers may claim that they are limited to the constraints of their multiple listing service, and perhaps within that system they are, but don’t fall for the notion that all agency websites are the same. Some sites present their real estate listings much better than others. With that in mind, here are five things you’ll want to look for online, when you’re consider which agency to utilize in selling your home!
1. Mapping
When Mapquest and Google Maps made their work publicly accessible, it took a few years for websites and businesses to adopt the new technology. But now mapping is expected in nearly every type of location-based search online. If your real estate listing doesn’t have a map, it’s an extra step your potential buyer needs to take. And in this game, extra steps are bad.
2. Overview
Every listing needs a solid and positively written overview. Check the agency’s other listings. Are they concise, but enthusiastic? Are other houses described as you’d like yours described?
3. Communities
Even buyers without children want to know about the community that they might be moving into. They might want crime information or something as simple as a Walkscore rating, depending on their particular needs and fears.
4. Photos
This goes without saying. Any agency without photos should not be used.
5. Phone numbers
In the era of smartphones, it’s odd that people often resort to email and texting before making a phone call. But when it comes to booking a real estate appointment, phone numbers are vital. If your agency doesn’t have someone handling the phones (ideally your specific agent), then it’s going to miss out on buyers. Especially first-time buyers, who are particularly nervous and need help.
If you’re lucky, you’ll find an experienced agency with a website that serves up all five of these elements and gives you your best chance at selling your property. If your prospective agent doesn’t do these things, ask if he or she can. If the answer is no, move on.
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is a phrase that may cause people who are not in IT to shudder and others to cock their head to the side in confusion. It’s not necessarily easy to understand for those who don’t have to work with it day in and day out.
