The 3 keys to create a successful Internet Property Listing

I was browsing Trademe Property last night and noticed the inconsistent quality of the online listings.
I’m not talking about the actual houses featured on the site but rather about the way the properties are presented, visually and in the text.
I found poorly presented web listing created both by private sale vendors and experienced Real Estate agents.

According to a recent ABC News article, Spencer Rascoff, the CEO of Zillow.com says “Sellers used to have to worry about curb appeal: How does the grass look, etc. Now a seller needs to worry about Web appeal: When a buyer is browsing on the Web, what is their first impression.”

How important is web appeal in getting your home sold?  It is crucial.  Without enticing web appeal your home is missing out on capturing the eyes and attention of the 87% of home buyers who use the web in their search for homes.

A badly presented online listing attracts mostly bargain hunters and property traders who rarely pay a premium price.

To grab the attention of potential premium buyers your home’s listing needs to have more than just a few bad photos.  Your home’s listing needs:

1. Numerous top quality photos. Please make sure that

• All beds are made
• All surfaces are clean i.e no dishes or pot plants on the kitchen bench.
• All blinds and curtains are open.
• All lights are turned on.
• Cars and garbage bins are no where to be seen.
• Gardens are clipped and mowed – tidy up!

I can recommend Jim Jansen from Panoview for great photos, floor plans and timely service.

2. Detailed, clean advertising descriptions. You don’t have to be Shakespeare but these are the things you should cover:

• General description and honest condition of the house, bedrooms,  bathroom and kitchen.
  
• Garaging and Parking.
  
• General description and honest condition of the garden.
  
• Reason for selling.
  
• Local authority rates (Auckland go to ACC & ARC).
• Rateable Value/ CV / GV.
  
• Rental Appraisal. Ask your local property management company or go to Market Rent to get a snapshot of average rental in your area.
  
• Local schools (use zoodle.co.nz).
• Local parks (use Google maps).
• Local shops & cafes (use Finda or Google maps)
• Access to main arterial routes and driving time to nearest town center/CBD (use Google maps).
• If you have a LIM report, builder report or title available add: “LIM report/builder report/title available on request”.

3.  Advertise open home times. Save yourself and your buyers time and hassle. Make it easy for prospective purchasers to visit your property, even if it’s just for 30 minutes on a Saturday.  “Viewing by appointment only” attracts bargain hunters.

A great looking online listing will generate strong buyer enquiry, many open home inspections, multiple interested parties and ultimately a higher selling price.

Feel free to email me with any questions and recommendations.

Published with thanks to Jill Wente.