The Internet..... A Sellers Secret Marketing Weapon
In the age of the computer the internet is an overlooked source of marketing by many sellers. It is important for sellers to understand the importance the internet plays in the marketing of a home and to choose an agent that understands internet marketing. Unfortunately for sellers the level of an agents internet experience is hard to quantify. At the very least an agent should give a list of the top websites where a sellers home should appear.
The days of the classified ads and newspaper display ads are gone. Why did the Boston Globe almost go defunt? Real estate agencies and car dealerships are spending no money on print advertising. As a buyer why would you turn to the newspaper to find a home when you can access a states entire MLS inventory on the computer?
87% of all buyers used the internet in their home search provided by realtor.org
The internet has fast become the most widely used tool for buyers to search for homes. Lets look at why:
- They can view an entire areas inventory with out leaving their home
- They can sit down anytime to view homes
- Information can be easily accessed including multiple pictures and virtual tours
- Buyers can view anonymously without the fear of a pushy sales person or seller
Following is a chart of some of the most popular real estate websites today and the activity for the month of September in 2009. Realtor.com leads the pack in the amount of unique visitors. In Essex County Realtor.com receives approx. 18,000unique views per month with Middlesex County receiving almost 30,000 unique views per month.
On Realtor.com my average listing receives about 250-300 unique visitors per week.
What does this tell you as a home seller? You need to pay attention to how internet savvy your real estate agent is. I personally believe the more information you can provide online to a potential buyer, the more likely you will be to have a showing. Being on the internet is great but you must also make sure your internet image is a good one. Remember buyers are choosing properties by images and information they see on the internet. So make your last impression a good one.