Help Market Your House

You’re the expert on your house and you can apply this knowledge to enable your REALTOR®  to market it more effectively. Help her create dynamic marketing materials by providing details of any special features of the house and property and the improvements you’ve made. Don’t assume your REALTOR® will know that you chose the finest paint, installed high end light fixtures and planted fine specimen trees in the garden. Provide practical information too, like your utility costs for the past year. Buyers want to know such things!

Here are some marketing ideas:

Features of the Property

• What is the orientation of the house? Does the morning sun light the breakfast area?
•  If you have views, describe what the visitor is seeing.
•  Create a personality for your property and neighborhood. Is it in an historic district or in a community with young families and schools nearby?
• Describe seasonal features in your garden and provide pictures, if possible.
• What birds visit?
• List special plants such as fruit trees, or ornamental trees and shrubs.
• Have you installed irrigation systems?
  

Features of the House

• Describe details of the house that denote quality, like special light fixtures, hardware, faucets, etc.
• Are there custom doors and windows?
• Will designer window treatments convey?
• Was the house built with “green” building materials?
• Are there energy efficient features, like a tankless water heater or extra insulation?
•  Describe comfort and convenience features like a central vacuum system, fans with remote control or gas logs.
• Have you installed emergency preparedness equipment, like a generator? Describe what you do during a power outage. 
• Prepare a list of interior and exterior improvements with the date, description and cost. (Don’t expect a dollar for dollar return on your investment!)
  

Other Ideas

• Create a transition manual for the new owner with a list of tradespeople who have worked on the house, with contact information.
• Provide a binder with appliance and other manuals. 
• Tell your REALTOR®  the location and operating instructions for any special equipment.
•  Suggest that you and your REALTOR® have a special open house for your friends and neighbors to help create positive word of mouth.
  

Smart Selling Tip:
Draw on your knowledge of the house and property to help your REALTOR® prepare unique marketing materials that will create buyer interest and set your listing apart.