December 08, 2010

Is Your Property S.O.L.? Why Your Twin Lakes (Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Delavan Lake, etc, etc., etc.,)House Isn't Selling

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Is your property S.O.L.? Of course, I mean, “Selling On-Line” and if you’re not having regular showings then you are definitely not S.O.L. The vast majority of buyers spend hours visiting and reviewing multiple real estate internet sites. This is where the beauty contest starts – and stops – and the price war begins. There are 5 important things you can do to make sure your property is S.O.L:

  • Photos (great photos!) – insist that your listing agent uploads the maximum number of excellent photos (in my multiple listing service that number is 25). Be sure both exterior and interior scenes are included and ask to preview the finished product, if possible. Be prepared on the day of the photo shoot. Clear counters completely, put away personal toiletry items in the bathrooms, clean the house until it shines, de-clutter, and remove framed photos and 75% of all knick knacks for the shoot.
  • Truth…or Consequences – be sure the photos represent your property truthfully and honestly…or you’ll suffer the consequences of Buyer Regret at showings: they’ll regret they ever came to see your house.
  • Ya Wanna Be in the Movies – that’s right, make sure a visual tour of your property is included online
  • Capture the View – if there’s a view, be sure it’s captured on film. In the Lake Geneva (Wisconsin) area market where I list and sell, there are some extraordinary views of lakes, woodlands, golf courses, etc. As the old saying goes, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.”

  • Assess the winning competition. Do what buyers are doing and look at your competition online. Cast a highly critical eye on what you have to offer as compared to what other properties offer.

Consider each “click” on your property’s listing a “first showing”. Once a buyer makes an appointment to visit a house in person, that’s a second showing and if you aren’t getting showings, something’s wrong. Regardless of what’s preventing buyers from coming out and seeing your property one thing is certain: you can’t sell if you don’t show.

Posted by:  Janis Hartley

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