If you have asked yourself, “What is the best way to sell my home?”, you may want to consider listing it on the MLS. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS), is the largest database share of real estate listings in the world. There are over 600 MLS available today. It continues to prove the best real estate resource available for buyers and sellers alike.
With a database this vast, it’s important to learn the tricks of the trade in order to help your listing stand out. Here are three ways to help.
1. Headline & High Points
Most people scrolling through the MLS are looking at photographs, however, an attention grabbing headline is just as important.
Your headline should use language that matches the home to its specific area and highlights the best features. For example, you should use “Newly Renovated Ranch with a Private Lake” instead of “Ranch House with View.”
The best way to headline, would be to also note the headlines of the other local listings. You don’t want to oversell it, but at the same time want to set your property apart from the rest.
You have a limited amount of time to get a prospective buyer’s attention, and a well-written headline will help reel them in by giving them important information right from the top.
It goes without saying that when you list on MLS, you need to choose your words wisely. Experts suggest you steer clear of vague words. For instance, don’t use “amazing” or “fantastic.” What might be amazing to one person wouldn’t suit the next and it gives the reader absolutely no information about the property.
Instead, you want to use words that appeal to a buyer’s emotion. Try words like, “dramatic,” “luxurious,” “original,” or quaint.” These choices will entice a matching personality, as they not only appeal to the emotions but are also descriptive and informative.
There may be a temptation to describe every nook and cranny of the property and home, but there is limited space to place to list on MLS. You will want to highlight the very top, most amazing features of the listing first.
If your heading has caught their eye, your first few sentences or bullet points should be the big selling points. For instance, if your home still has the original features from its time, you could state, “Original Victorian crown molding” to give the buyer a visual with more than photos.
An important point to note, even the most humble of homes has a fantastic feature to highlight. There’s no need to hide less attractive aspects of a property. By focusing on the positive, a lot of the other less desirable features will be easier to overlook and accept.
2. Hire a Pro
Yes, you can sell your home and list it on the MLS without a realtor. Keep in mind however, they are professionals for a reason, and hiring one to sell your property may help it stand out.
Afterall, some buyers may be apprehensive about working directly with a homeowner and may prefer looking at listings via a real estate agent. Things can get complicated down the line when dealing directly with the seller that a real estate agent can mitigate.
The pros can also help you with marketing, and from making huge mistakes with contracts, paperwork, and other details in selling a house. There is a cost, but perhaps a small price to pay to have an expert in control. Keep in mind, hiring a professional realtor in Cincinnati Ohio can also include a photographer.
3. Be Honest
If you are selling your home yourself as “for sale by owner,” the best way to make your listing stand out is to keep it simple and honest.
Don’t use tricky camera angles to make rooms or homes look larger than they are. While you don’t necessarily have to feature the smallest bedroom in your photo gallery, you shouldn’t attempt to make it look like a walk-in closet in the photos.
Dishonesty will turn off potential buyers, especially if they made an effort to see the property themselves and discover that it doesn’t look anything like the photos in the listing. If something appears different or inaccurate in a photo or video, it’s best to make note of it.
Buyers won’t be turned off by a few repairs or imperfections, they will be if they feel they were misled or deceived.
Final Thoughts
These are three major ways to make your real estate listing stand out when you’re trying to sell your home. Maximize attention grabbing headlines and property high points, hire a professional and take some of the pressure off. And whether you list it through an agent or you do it yourself, always be honest when listing your home on the MLS.
