Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 12 Posts
- 2025 | 47 Posts
- 2024 | 39 Posts
- 2023 | 35 Posts
- 2022 | 58 Posts
- 2021 | 13 Posts
- 2020 | 25 Posts
- 2019 | 11 Posts
- 2018 | 1 Posts
- 2017 | 42 Posts
- 2016 | 66 Posts
- 2015 | 24 Posts
- 2014 | 64 Posts
- 2013 | 44 Posts
- 2012 | 38 Posts
- 2011 | 79 Posts
- 2010 | 38 Posts
- 2009 | 35 Posts
- 2008 | 1 Posts
17
5 Ways to Make Your Online Listing Shine
The days of buyers driving by a house and judging it by curb appeal alone are in the past. Buyers want to have a good understanding of a property before taking the time to view it in person. According to The National Association of Realtors®, more than 90% of buyers start their real estate search online. Additionally, in a study that tracked the eye movements of participants as they reviewed online listings, 95.1% of participants viewed the listings' photos before any other information. Potential buyers will quickly move on to other listings if photos don't reflect well on a property. While it's currently a seller's market in many neighborhoods, the speed and price at which your property sells could depend on an online first impression. Here are 5 tips to make sure your listing is seen at its best:
- Make Sure Your Home is Decluttered and Clean
Buyers want to envision their lives in their new home, so clutter and mess in listing photos will turn them off your property quickly. Having a clean, tidy home is essential in creating interest during a buyer's first impression. Moving out can be a hectic time, but the quality of your photography will go to waste if buyers can't see past your personal items. If you're unsure what to do with certain belongings, one idea is to rent a temporary storage unit.
- Have Your Home Staged
A skilled stager will transform your home into a space where potential buyers can see themselves living. Empty rooms feel small compared to those that are thoughtfully styled, and staging allows buyers to imagine a home's full potential. Additionally, staging can provide a congruence in your home's decor that will set it apart from other listings. Ask your agent which professional stagers they would recommend to ensure your house looks its best.
- Hire a Professional Photographer
A study by PR Newswire shows that homes with professional photos on the listing sold 36% faster than other homes. Speak with your agent to ensure that they partner with a professional real estate photographer. A professional will make sure that your listing is presented in, literally, the best possible light. Architectural photographers know how to use lighting, composition, and editing techniques to provide you with beautiful and eye-catching photos.
- Make Sure the Photos are Accurate
Catching a buyer's eye online will mean nothing if the house they tour doesn't live up to the listing photos. Make sure that you use recent photos that represent the true state of the home. It may be valid to touch up the lighting or a carpet stain using editing software, but too much editing will only lead to disappointed potential buyers.
- Have a Virtual Tour of Your Home
While virtual tours are not strictly a necessity, the ability for potential buyers to easily understand the layout of your home shouldn't be discounted. The virtual tours available today are easy to navigate and understand. They allow potential buyers the opportunity to visualize themselves living in the space, and they give remote buyers access to touring the home with little time or effort. If you'd like to know more about the virtual tour or 3D Matterport options available, speak with an agent or view our article on virtual options. All in all, your home must be presented appealingly and accurately online to draw interest from buyers, but this is just the first step. Questions about the best way to present your home for listing should be directed to your trusted real estate agent or one of the excellent Realtors® in our Agent Search. If you're curious about the potential value of your home view our Property Value Estimator Tool.
