Online Property Marketing- Crucial for your Selling Success!

If it has been a while since you sold your last home – or if you are considering selling your home for the first time, you may be surprised to learn about the internet’s role in getting your home sold.

The last few years have seen a big shift in how buyers buy homes. Not that long ago, agents relied on big books of listings that were updated every few days to search for properties that were a good match for their buyers. Not anymore! Agents can access information from the MLS from their office…or from Oahu and get that information and photos over to their potential buyers in a hurry to determine if the home should be seen in person.

The MLS is not the only stop for buyers. Buyers are searching on a myriad of other websites as well where listings are syndicated – or republished. This means when that when your house is listed, if you go to the internet and type in your address, there could be hundreds of search results – from AOL to Zillow. Why so many? Each individual has different searching styles. Perhaps one potential buyer likes to search using Hotpads. Another may prefer to go to REALTOR.com to begin their search. Others may use their real estate agent’s website. There is no wrong way to start a search, and it is important that your home information is available to potential buyers when they are ready to begin looking.

I make sure to syndicate to these popular sites: Zillow, Trulia, Yahoo Real Estate, Backpage, ByOwnerMLS, Enormo, Front Door, Hot Pads, Local.com, Lycos, Oodle, Vast….

Buyers are looking for their next home online. In fact, here are some facts you may find surprising! In 2012 the National Association of REALTORS® took a poll and determined that 41% of all buyers began their home search online and 90% of buyers used the internet to search for properties (for buyers under the age of 44, 96% of buyers used the internet). Furthermore, 42% of buyers found the home they ultimately purchased on the internet.

Therefore, your online home listing must shine to get buyers interested in seeing your home. Therefore it is crucial that the photography be top-notch and the listing information be thoroughly filled out. Before hiring an agent, make sure you do your research and make sure the agent you hire will make your home gleam online.

Statistics compiled from the National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2012.