Getting home buyers into your listing – sellers and agents take note

Bethesda Real EstateSome economists have discussed how consumers are increasingly “shopping” rather than buying. And this is evident in the housing market, where home buyers have become overly discerning about their purchases. After what seemed to be a brief seller’s market, we find ourselves slipping back into a buyer’s market; and an old dilemma is reemerging: how are you going to get more buyer traffic and more offers on your home?

If your home has been on the market for while, check with your agent to review feedback from those who visited your home. Typical responses focus on price, home condition, and how the home shows. If you’re about to list your home, have some neighbors and friends tour the home (as if they were home buyers) to provide an alternate perspective of your home’s selling points and shortcomings.

Pricing your home correctly is critical to selling in a reasonable time frame. Your agent should keep you up to date with neighborhood sales activity, so you can remain competitive with other relevant listings. Recent neighborhood sales trends (1-3-6 months) can indicate where your price range should fall, as well as understanding the types of homes that are selling.

One of the main objections you may have heard from home buyers, is that your home “needs work,” which has a number of meanings. Of course, it may mean your home does need updating and/or repairing; in which case you should discuss with your agent about the possibility of making updates/repairs, and/or adjusting the price to reflect any needed updates/repairs. Before you decide to go all out on a renovation, consider making updates that are equivalent to your neighborhood and price range; over spending may not significantly increase your home value. If your home is updated and shows well, another meaning of “needing work” comes from the buyer wanting a turn-key home; and your updates/renovations do match their tastes and preferences.


Another issue to consider is that although your home may be updated and clean, you just may have too much stuff! Lots of furniture, wall hangings, and other stuff can make large rooms feel cramped and small, as well as give a busy and unsettling vibe. If this sounds like your home, consider removing items that can distract and detract from your home’s true elegance and style.

If your home is not getting many showings, another factor to address (independent of price, condition and clutter) is how your home is marketed. If you haven’t done so, look at your MLS listing; are you satisfied with the pictures, and remarks? Keep in mind that about 96% of home buyers search online and make decisions based on what they see and read. Home sellers, like you, are savvy and know that solely hanging a sign and posting a MLS listing is no longer acceptable to market a home. Ask your agent to update you on active marketing efforts, as well as other resources that may be used to market your home, including: local and global networks of agents and buyers; as well as using the internet and SEO (search engine optimization) to get buyers interested in your home.

If you’re home has been on the market for a while, you might consider addressing any of these issues to boost home buyer activity. If you’re considering a sale in the near future; have a plan of action before you list, so your sale does not languish.

© Dan Krell
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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.