Selling in a Digital Age: Why Marketing Your Home Online Is Essential
The real estate industry is utilising digital more than ever as online house marketing tools have made it easier for people to sell and buy their dream homes.
With the click of a button, potential buyers can explore properties from the comfort of their homes, while sellers can reach a broader audience with various online marketing strategies.
So, what does it mean for sellers and how will your agent use digital marketing to your advantage?
1. Virtual appraisals
Thinking of selling your property within a tight time frame, then you may want to consider a virtual appraisal to find out its value. Instead of having a real estate agent visit and inspect the property in person, the appraisal is done completely online via a video call. It still covers all the same aspects of an in-person assessment, and can even include inspecting difficult-to-reach areas like crawl spaces or attics. It allows them to see any finishes and fixtures as well as any special inclusions which may add to the property value.
Virtual appraisals require either the homeowner or an associate to operate the technology while navigating through the home. Agents may also offer a Comparative Market Analysis – also known as a CMA – using data from a company such as CoreLogic. This allows them to compare your property to recently sold listings and other homes currently on the market in the neighbourhood.. Virtual appraisals are a great gateway to start a conversation and build up a relationship with an agent. They are quick, easy and convenient. Importantly it will provide you with a guide of what your home is worth so you can start planning your next move.
2. Social media marketing
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become essential tools for reaching potential buyers. Through the creation of captivating content and digital marketing techniques such as tailored advertisements, this allows real estate agents to hone in on their ideal homebuyer. This precision targeting ensures that your listings are shown to people who are most likely to be interested in your property, increasing the chances of a quick sale.
Additionally, online listings, whether on real estate websites or mobile apps, are an ideal avenue for selling your home. They enable sellers (through agents and agencies) to provide detailed descriptions, high-quality photographs, and even virtual tours, making it convenient for buyers to explore your property from anywhere.
3. Virtual staging
Sellers can utilise virtual staging in place of physical staging for a quicker, more cost-effective way to market their home in the best light. It is a good idea if you are looking for a more affordable way to style an empty property. Your real estate agent will have a connection to a graphic design team who can digitally add furniture to the images of your home using 3D modelling and rendering software. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the property without setting foot inside.
Virtual staging can even showcase multiple design options without the need for expensive furniture rentals. It allows agents to market homes effectively, stand out in a competitive market, and potentially even achieve a faster sale.
4. Video walkthroughs
Virtual real estate tours are the next best thing to visiting a property in person. By offering these video walkthroughs, agents give potential buyers a detailed look at your home's layout, floorplan, and features, without them ever having to leave their own homes. These immersive experiences not only saves time but also increase the likelihood of serious enquiries and offers, especially from those who live out of the area.
Virtual real estate tours combined with professional photographs and a detailed description on your property listing with the help of an agent can be a persuasive marketing tool, capturing the attention of potential buyers and encouraging them to schedule a viewing or make an offer right then and there.
5. Data analytics
Understanding real estate market trends can benefit sellers in this digital property market. Sellers can gather insights into the effectiveness of their online marketing efforts alongside other properties in the market to help tailor their marketing efforts and widen their audience reach. With data-driven insights, sellers can price their homes competitively and even figure out the right time to list. For example, trends from local property listings may reveal that houses in your area sell faster during the summer months – allowing sellers to capitalise on peak demand and maximise their chances of a successful sale. Speak to your local LJ Hooker agent about market information on your area.
6. Direct marketing
Lastly, never underestimate the wealth of knowledge your local real estate agent possesses. Your agent has a vast network of contacts including potential buyers, fellow agents, and industry professionals. Leveraging this network can further enhance your home selling experience. Your agent can tap into their connections to promote your property directly to interested parties – whether through targeted email campaigns, personalised emails, or local events. By harnessing the power of direct marketing, your agent can ensure that your property gets the attention it deserves, ultimately leading to a successful sale.
When it comes to online home selling, adopting these digital strategies can land you a successful sale. It’s all about showcasing your property effectively to reach a broad audience of potential buyers – especially those who meet your needs.
On the flip side, providing such tools greatly enhances the customer experience, streamlining the entire buying process and making it more convenient and cost-effective for buyers.
Professional real estate agents are well-versed in digital house marketing and can transform your listing in a way that seamlessly connects your property with its ideal audience. So, if you're ready to take the next step towards selling your home, don't hesitate to reach out to your local LJ Hooker agent today.
DISCLAIMER - The information provided is for guidance and informational purposes only and does not replace independent business, legal and financial advice which we strongly recommend. Whilst the information is considered true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information provided. LJ Hooker will not accept responsibility or liability for any reliance on the blog information, including but not limited to, the accuracy, currency or completeness of any information or links.