If you’re not a real estate professional, then creating an unforgettable home listing may not come easy. Your online listing often makes the first impression on potential buyers, but with limited space, it can be hard to discern which home features are best for the online listing or better left for discovery at a showing.
When you shift your mindset to thinking like a buyer, it’s much easier to craft a description of your home. First ask yourself, what would I want to know if I was going to buy this home?
Include Quality Photos
“Enough can't be said for the importance of pictures...most folks I talk to won't even bother opening an ad, especially on a busy page, if there are no photos to look at.”
-Christy, MilitaryByOwner Customer Service
The results are unanimous. Studies show time and time again that high-quality photos are crucial for a home sale.
Photo by Lilian Cordova on Unsplash
Here’s what we know from the National Association of Realtors and Photography for Real Estate:
- Most homebuyers shop online for property.
- Most homebuyers use photos to determine whether or not they want to visit a home.
- Properties with high-quality photos sell faster than those that don’t.
- Properties with high-quality images sell for more money than properties of equivalent value without photos.
Photos are the most vital component of your home listing. Hiring a professional is ideal if you can afford it, but don't miss these helpful tips and tricks to help you get high-quality images on your own: 3 Easy Steps to Take Amazing Photos for Your Home Listing.
Write a Stellar Description
Second only to photos is the description you include in your listing. The images and a brief description work tandem to bring potential buyers to your front door. Carefully selected wording supports your eye-catching photos and tells the buyer there’s substance to your property.
But how can you communicate everything about your property in a small white space online? You must prioritize what’s most important for the buyer to know upfront and what they can discover when they visit. Remember, you’re crafting a first impression.
When you sit down to write about your property, remember why you bought the home. Why did you buy it? Chances are, someone else will fall in love for the same reasons.
Learn more: What Home Buyers Really Want to See in Your Home Listing.
Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash
What to Include in Your Description
Location
You don’t know how much home buyers and renters know about the area, so assume their knowledge is limited. Home buyers plan to invest in both a property and a community, and it’s your job to convey each to them.
Interested parties can tell from your photos if the house is a good fit with their favorite features, but it takes your insight to help them know if the area is worthy of their investment, too. Include details like proximity to stores, schools, restaurants, churches, and the nearby military installation. If it’s a large duty station, include which gate is closest and what the commute is like. Convenience is everything, especially for people new and unfamiliar with the area (like most PCS'ing military families are).
Neighborhood Culture
In some cases, the right neighborhood might outweigh the perfect home, meaning buyers might be willing to purchase a less polished home if the community is ideal.
Photo by iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages
Talk about the character of your neighborhood:
- Is the neighborhood child-friendly?
- Are there sidewalks, playgrounds, dog parks, and walking trails nearby?
- Is there a neighborhood pool or a school within walking distance?
These are the kinds of details that you might take for granted but which can draw in potential buyers.
Keywords
Powerful selling words can speak directly to buyers’ interests and help your ad populate in searches on the web.
Words to include:
- Alluring
- Captivating
- Pristine
- Beautiful
- Must-see
- Move-in ready
- Bright
- Spacious
- Desirable
- One-of-a-kind
- Detailed
- Breathtaking
Emotion
Home buying is, at its very core, a financial transaction. But it’s also an emotional decision. Buyers want to know that the property checks all their boxes, but when it comes down to it, they’re going to pursue a home where they can envision their lives. Don’t get too caught up in using the right words that you forget to paint a picture of life in your home.
Add an Open House Date
Make it easy for potential buyers to view the property without the pressure of a formal showing. Not only does it allow you to get them in the door, but it's an opportunity to provide serious buyers with more information about the property.
Also see:
- Tips for a Successful Open House
- 4 Tips for Hosting an Effective Open House
- Showcase Your Home Like an Agent
Include Contact Information
You can’t secure a buyer or renter if you never get connected. Not only should you be sure to include your appropriate contact information in your listing, but you should respond to all inquiries promptly.
Spread the Word
Once your listing is up and running, shout from the rooftops! Today, there are many ways to get your listing out in front of potential buyers. The military community is a fantastic place for spreading news.
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
- Social media. Social media is a great tool to reach large audiences. Post the listing personally and (if allowed) share within specific Facebook groups to reach families across the military.
- Signs in the yard. Place an eye-grabbing yellow MilitaryByOwner sign in your yard to catch the interest of passersby.
- Flyers in local shops. Ask local businesses if you can post advertisements in their shops.
- Base information. Check with the local military housing office to see if they keep a running tab of military friendly rentals in the area, and if you can add yours to the list.
With house hunters relying on the internet, your online listing is everything. It’s your chance to make an unforgettable first impression and create enough interest to get them in the door.
While these tips should provide a great starting point, we know you likely have more questions. Check out our free FSBO FAQ ebook and other resources. And feel free to contact our outstanding customer service team with any questions or concerns you might have as you create your home listing, whether for rent or for sale.
