Good marketing can’t be overlooked when it comes to selling your property, and that goes for how you present the home to how I market it. With a Buyer’s real estate search starting online, we need to ensure the photos look fantastic and the space feels comfortable when they do come for a viewing.
Professional Photos and Videos
I use professional photographers to ensure the colours and lighting are appropriate and that the right angles are used to show the home. My photographer can also create visually pleasing videos to appease those Buyers who gravitate towards that medium. I always have a professional floor plan made so buyers can plan their space and visualize themselves at home. If the property is large or intricate, I like to use virtual tours called Matterport to give potential buyers the chance to walk through the space and understand the floor plan – here’s an example of a Matterport Virtual Tour of a previous listing of mine. All photos, videos, floor plans and virtual tours (if necessary) are always included in my commission fee!
Staging and Minor Renovations
In order for these visuals to be as effective as possible, the space itself needs to look good! Prior to having the photos done, I’ll let you know of the minor updates you can do to ensure your home is presented in the best possible light to the right Buyers, which may include: cleaning and organizing, removal of some personal items, painting, modernization of finishings like new curtains, etc. Do you have to do what I suggest? No! I tell you what is best, and you tell me what’s possible. More often than not the list is quick and easy to complete.
Light staging, to give the home some fluff is a great way to give your home some colour and some interest! This may include art, plants, fresh towels, fluffy pillows, white sheets, and more. Staging works! It helps to show the unit in it’s best light and gives it a fresh and modern feel, both in the photos and in person. Light staging accessories are always included in my commission fee!
If your home is vacant or lacks a lot of furniture, I will always suggest you have the home professionally staged. It’s always worth it. Bringing in furniture ensures the photos are eye catching – there is nothing more boring than photos of a vacant space! Surprisingly, furniture also makes rooms look bigger – people tend to underestimate how much furniture can fit in the space so adding furniture shows the highest potential of the room and gives the photos a magazine like quality. I have a few great staging companies who I’ve worked with in the past to offer an opinion and quote for their services Staging companies handle the move in, move out and furniture choice. All you have to do is store your personal belongings, if any, that won’t be used during the staging process. In certain situations, virtual staging can be used to add furniture to photos of vacant spaces.
I understand that staging can feel expensive when you’re planning a move. As a benefit to my clients, I will contribute to the cost of the first months staging fee (via a discount in my commission fee) when my clients choose to stage their property for sale.
Open Houses and Showings
Open Houses and private showings are a huge factor in the sales process. If you ensure your home is clean and organized, I’ll ensure that Buyers know the benefits, understand the opportunity and feel comfortable and happy in the space. I’m always prepared with information about the property and building, and I know the neighbourhood, so their questions can be answered. I send Buyers home with professional Feature Sheets showcasing the photos, floor plan and pertinent information as a memorable and useful reminder of the space. In addition, I have neighbourhood information and Buyer’s Guides available for all Buyers to take home and review. My marketing material is always included in my commission fee!
Online and Print Marketing
The official MLS feed is the best way to market to Buyers which is why the photos need to look as good as possible, and listing information needs to be positive and correct. The listing will be found on every website that displays Vancouver area real estate including realtor.ca and other real estate search sites, every agent website, Google, and REW.ca, with which I have have an upgraded marketing account to expand the reach of your listing. Every listing will also be marketed via my office and social media accounts, and in certain scenarios, mail marketing, “Just Listed” postcards and/or internet ads will be used to ensure potential Buyers know about the listing. My internet and mail marketing is included in my commission fee!
There is a lot more to marketing and selling your property, but rest assured my goal is to get every potential Buyer interested into the property so we can secure the right Buyer.
Home Evaluation
If you’re interested in working with me, or would like some more information about working with me and what I can offer, send me an email at kristi@realestatevancity.ca or contact me at 778-387-7371. You are also welcome to fill out my Home Evaluation form to get started.