Online property listings are the first step in almost every real estate sale these days, so it is crucial that yours be in great shape. Attracting buyers with listings can be a challenge for many real estate agents, but if you keep these three things in mind, it’s easy to use them effectively.
1. Don’t be afraid to stand out
One of the biggest mistakes I see in real estate listings is lack of personality. These listings are there to grab people’s attention and get them interested in buying your property. It is hard to do that with bland messaging.
Make your listings unique by adding your own voice and perspective on the property’s features. If you think the backyard is great for pool parties or that the location is in a cozy neighborhood, put that in the listing.
If you think the house would be a great place to raise a family, put that in there, too. Anything you can add that helps readers picture themselves in the property is a good thing.
Aerial Photography by Dallas Air Photos
2. Use eye-catching photography
This is, in my opinion, the single biggest factor in persuading homebuyers to call about a property. You can have great copy, and a great property, but if you do not have good photography, homebuyers will hesitate to schedule a showing.
The job of an online listing is to show off the beauty and selling points of a property. The last thing you want is a smartphone picture sullying your listing.
Interior shots are a must, but it’s usually the classic exterior “front door” shot that draws buyers in — so you have to get that one right.
Good exterior photographs will include as many of the property’s selling points as possible.
3. Write engaging copy
After your stunning photographs bring people into your listing, use well-written copy to convince them to schedule a showing. The best-written articles seem to find the perfect balance between detailed and focused. They include more information where it matters but are concise enough to keep the listing from overwhelming the reader with information.
Try to put yourself in the shoes of someone who would buy your property and imagine what would be most important to you. If you are selling a multi-million dollar home, emphasize the name-brand appliances and updated hardwood flooring.
If you are selling a mid-range home, talk about the new fence and comfortable neighborhood. Use descriptive words where appropriate, but try not to overdo them.
Last, but not least, please do not be cheesy. There are way too many agents out there using all-caps and writing headlines that sound more like clickbait than a real estate listing.
It’s not necessary to resort to such tactics. If you keep your listings clean and simple and make the best details easy for readers to find, your listings will be much more effective.
Chris Stoddart is the co-founder of HiFly Photography. Follow him on Instagram.