Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
As a realtor, there’s little doubt you’ve already experienced that ‘lingering’ feeling, when the attention from possible buyers starts to wane, and viewings grind to a halt. It’s the time when the seller starts panicking and calling you every other day, wondering whether their home will ever be sold, and even you may begin to lose faith…
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So what’s a realtor to do in this situation?
The simplest way to rekindle interest in a home that’s threatening to go stagnant on the market is to update those listing photos – right now.
Fresh, new photos, taken from a different angle, possibly after the home’s been decorated or touched up, can make a huge difference to the amount of interest it gets online. Get out the paint brushes, splash on some cheery colors, snap some more (better) pics, and before you know it you could have potential buyers hammering on that door.
Alternatively, you can try staging a home to generate more interest in it. Make sure the yard is nice and tidy, de-clutter the home, clean those grimy windows and pay special attention to the home’s smell (a must if any pets live there). All of this can help to make your listing look just that little bit more inviting.
Finally, if all else is lost, it may be time to look at the listing price once again. Gather all the data on comparable sales in the area, and show the sellers exactly what the situation is in the local market. Ultimately, so long as the price is right, there’s always a buyer out there waiting to be found.
I have heard some realtors, that with dry new paint and staged to the tee still not getting leads have suggested the sellers get creative and utilize owner financing or rent to own since getting a loan is so difficult these days. The realtor can still get their commission and the house doesn't sit on the market for 6 months.
Yes, seller financing is a very good idea for those who can afford to do so, realtors should definitely suggest this to their clients.