FOR SALE BY OWNER GUIDE  
   
Written by Susan Wilcox

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MARKETING YOUR HOME
Now that your home is picture-perfect and the legalities are in place, you are ready to put your property on the market. There are four main ways to get the word out:

MichiganEhomes.com – A great first step is to enter your information on this website. Don't forget to upload a photo! The saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words," became a cliché because it's so true!

Lawn Signs – Homes listed on MichiganEhomes.com are provided with an 18” x 24” yard sign as well as several directional signs that can be placed on street corners. You can also find generic signs at hardware stores and discount stores. Make sure to find one that has room for your phone number so that prospective buyers driving past your house can give you a call.

If you've paid attention to the "curb appeal" of your home, you should get plenty of calls. Be ready to describe your property in glowing, but accurate, terms. Tell prospective buyers why this is a great home, how sorry you are to leave it, and be prepared to tell them why you are selling it. They are sure to ask.

Newspaper Advertising - Placing classified ads in the newspaper is an important step in marketing your property. Place ads in both major and community newspapers. Save money by using abbreviations; scrutinizing existing ads will help you learn how to say the most in the least words. Be sure to include your michiganEhomes.com listing ID so potential buyers can easily get details on your home.

The Open House - This is one of the most valuable tools in your marketing plan. A well-planned open house can attract dozens of prospective buyers to see your property. There are several steps to holding a successful Open House:

• Schedule the Event - Most Open Houses occur on Sunday afternoons and that's when buyers expect to see them, although Saturday afternoon is also active. 12:00 Noon to 5 PM is a typical a time period.

• Place Newspaper Ads - They should go in the same publications as your "For Sale by Owner" ad.

• Prepare Your Home - Obviously, it should look its best.

• Place Directional Signs - These have two purposes: to guide interested buyers responding to your ads and to attract passers-by to your property.

Pretend that you are trying to find your home; where would you need a sign to direct you? Don't take a chance on the perfect buyer getting lost; make sure your signs lead them to you. If your home is listed on michiganEhoms.com additional directional signs are available at a nominal cost.

If all goes well with your marketing efforts, you'll soon be making appointments to show your home. This is an art you can quickly learn. It involves taking prospective buyers on a walk-through while describing the most attractive elements of each room.

Do it in a way that helps buyers to picture themselves living there. Instead of grunting, "Here's the kitchen," say something like, "This kitchen was upgraded two years ago; the appliances are new and there's plenty of room for the family to cook together around the island."

Be prepared for some pointed questions about the roof, heating/AC, and that crack in the driveway. Honesty here is absolutely required. Whitewashing problems or sweeping them under the rug may risk legal nightmares later on. . You will be required to disclose everything about the property to a buyer before you sign the purchase agreement, so you might as well do it up front.

If all goes well, you'll show your home to many prospective buyers. If your home is well-priced and looking good, one or more of them will take the next step: making an offer.



   
     

 


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