Five ways to use the internet to market your home

When you talk to friends and family about selling your home, many will give you the suggestion that to sell your home all you need to do is "put it on the internet." They may be right. As over 80% of buyers today begin their home search online, if you are serious about selling, using the internet as a marketing tool is a smart choice.

But what does it mean to put your home on the internet?

If we imagine the internet as a vast ocean of information, standing at the edge and throwing a random piece of marketing about your home in probably won't do you much good. Yes, your home will be "on the internet" but it will be highly unlikely to be found by a homebuyer. A better tactic would be to ask yourself: Where do homebuyers in my area go online to find homes? The answer to this question will be a good first step to unraveling how to market your home successfully online. Once you have identified these hotspots you will want to present your home in a visually appealing way and be prepared to handle any buyer inquires that are generated as the result of your online marketing efforts. Overwhelmed? Don't worry - it's easier than you might think.

To help, let's explore five ways to use the internet to market your home like a pro:

1. Use aggregators

   A real estate aggregator is a company that pools real estate information and stores the data in a massive database which consumers can search online. If your home is listed with a real estate agent, relax, it's highly likely that your home will automatically be placed into databases like Trulia free of charge. Even private sellers, for a small fee, can tap into the power of aggregator websites by using databases like Yahoo! Real Estate and ForSaleByOwner.com.

2. Use online classifieds

   Craigslist, the largest online classified ad database in the world, allows you to list your home for free and update the data as often as you like. Other online venues like Oodle and backpage.com provide similar services. But don't stop there. If your local newspaper has a website, consider advertising your listing on their website as well. Many buyers prefer to stay local, even online.

3. Purchase a domain name

   A domain name is an online address that points to a website or web page. You can purchase a domain name quickly and inexpensively at online registries like GoDaddy or Network Solutions. This will give you the ability to point your new domain name to any webpage or website that you choose.

4. Build a web page

   A web page is where you will build your online advertisement. This can be done simply by following the instructions provided by service providers like Craigslist, or by building your own more custom web page. Companies like Postlets and vFlyer provide template web pages for both private owners and agents to use without having to learn any fancy code or special tricks of the trade.

5. Use social networking

   Did you know that a surprising number of homebuyers eventually find out about their next home from the referral of a friend of a relative? Word of mouth is a fantastic way to market your home and now you can do it online using social networking sites like MySpace, facebook , LinkedIn and even Twitter.

Marketing your home online isn't really work, it's fun. With multiple advertising venues to choose from you can be selective and creative about how and where you market your home. One secret to increasing your odds of success is to track your results. Keep a record of where people have seen your home online and what motivated them to contact you. This technique will allow you to focus your efforts on the most productive online marketing strategies and may just help you sell your home successfully on the internet.

Comments

By Nick Alameddin,  Wed Dec 23 2009, 17:17

These are all great ideas, having an agent that incoperates social media in his marketing plan works very well. It's all about the marketing.

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By Jeanne Feenick (908) 337-0943,  Tue Jan 12 2010, 22:34

Online marketing is no longer a nice to have, it is a MUST HAVE!

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By Gita Bantwal ABR/CRS/SRES/CDPE,  Thu Jan 28 2010, 07:03

Great tips. Sellers thinking of listing with an agent should hire an internet savy agent with strong presence on the internet.

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By Chris Rooker,  Tue Feb 23 2010, 11:43

These are all great ideas. Once listing agents have these marketing strategies in place, buyers from all over should be able to easily find the listings. Blogging also helps!

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By Tony Taylor,  Wed Jun 2 2010, 17:33

** response to failed attempt at using this service **


This is really a shame. If the data is in place and correct, why should it matter who feeds it to you guys. If the reality is that an agent has the opportunity to submit "one" property...then what is the difference? Being a young firm would make me feel as though the extra effort to push your product would be welcome.

I will be sure to work through various methods to help the general populous know the experience that we have shared. I wish you guys the best...

- please read what you all have posted on the Internet:

http://www.trulia.com/guide/home_selling/before_selling/five_ways_to_use_the_internet_to_market_your_home/

...I have covered the majority of this minus the feed up through Trulia!

- T
Disappointed potential customer and advocate - technically savvy person selling house
http://www.TaylorHouse.net

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By Roberta Wasser,  Sun Aug 29 2010, 02:20

I agree the use of the internet is very important marketing tool for a homeowner to use, getting you the most exposure possible, but over course the price is the key also. Remember an overpriced home even though its all over the internet is not going to sell!! Consumers are very saavy today, and check out all the areas for comparative sales before deciding on a house to buy!!!

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By Fran Rokicki,  Sat Sep 4 2010, 10:41

The internet can and does provide leads, but, the agent will be the person who is servicing the listing. Qualifying the buyers and making sure that they can buy, now. Making sure that the proper paperwork is in place and tracking the dates and timelines of the contract. Success can happen, with the Realtor representing you:)

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By Rick & Donna Hamblen,  Mon Nov 29 2010, 08:38

This is all great advice. A strong internet presence is key. But a great online marketing strategy alone is worthless if you ignore all the other aspects of listing a home to sell. It is absolutely critical that (a) the home is priced right from the start in order to ensure that the home is shown and bears a fair price when it sells rather than selling for less than fair market value, (b) the home is staged and in top "show ready" condition so buyers AND their agents are not disappointed when they get there, (c) the pictures and the description of the home due the home justice, (d) potential buyers are pre-qualified and pre-approved to buy, (e) that you know what agents and their buyers are saying about your home once they've viewed it, and (f) that you know what the market is doing around you so you can make adjustments if necessary. Too often sellers don't get feedback and they don't know what's selling or new to the market around them. Too often we see horrible online pictures of a home, few or NO online pictures long after the home is listed, lame descriptions, critical mistakes -- all preventing qualified buyers from wanting to see your home but may have loved it if had been presented properly in the 1st place. Then there's the unfortunate times when the home seems perfect online but the home doesn't measure up at all when you get there -- instead it's a big disappointment. As a seller, you've not only lost the buyer but you may have lost the agent too who potentially has other qualified prospects for your home. You have only ONE chance to make a GREAT and lasting 1st impression. If your agent hasn't brought up staging and how to present your home for showings, then you have a problem. Sellers should look at an agents website to see how they present their listings to the public before they list with an agent. And once their home is listed with an agent, they need to review their listing online to be sure it is free of mistakes and the pictures and the description present the home in it's best light. Let's not forget the more traditional methods of networking too such as the local Chamber of Commerce and Business Network International (BNI) to name a few. Many agents are affiliated with these groups and other organizations. Bottom line is that an honest, well-rounded marketing plan is paramount.

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By Wes Black,  Mon Jan 24 2011, 17:20

All of those ideas are excellent. I agree that the right real estate professional is critical to the sucess of the entire campaign. As you well know, campaign is the best word to describe marketing and selling your home in today's market. I though , am a firm believer in open houses to encourage traffic. Those buyers who visit on Sunday may be every bit as interested in your house and qualified as those that have an agent escorting them to each home.

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By Allyson Ford,  Sun Feb 27 2011, 10:44

Earn more methods on how to earn extra money by going to http://www.cashnowsecrets.com

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By Bea Barnes, Tess Waters,  Tue May 24 2011, 01:07

Internet marketing is the way to go in today's market! I recently started posting my listings and market updates on my facebook and I have been getting repsonses from past clients, one client asked me to start sending her a list of bank owned properties so she could see whats available in her area to purchase in the near future...

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By WilmingtonVideoTours.com,  Wed Dec 7 2011, 08:12

We have been using Full Motion Real Estate HD Video Marketing & Social Networking in the Carolina's, see samples below of Real Estate Professionals implementing marketing the tips above:
1. Trulia Blogs: http://www.trulia.com/blog/FrankEfirdJr/
2. Craigslist: http://wilmington.craigslist.org/rts/2716728023.html
3. Domain Name: http://www.108ISLANDPALMSDRIVE.INFO
4. Sample Broker Web Page: http://frankefird.com/
5. Social Networking: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WilmingtonVideoTourscom/115675505198299?sk=wall
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/WilmingtonVideo
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/frankefirdjr

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By Shawn Rosa,  Tue Dec 13 2011, 10:20

NAR says about 40% of buyers now find their home online. Internet advertising is everything!

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By Susan Lofland,  Mon Feb 20 2012, 12:34

In today's market, price continues to be a deciding factor. many people will study the comps online and you have to be in the ball park at a minimum to even be considered.

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By Laura Weber,  Mon Mar 19 2012, 20:27

Internet advertising is a large piece of the puzzle. To sell your home, you need to have a strong internet marketing campaign, and have the home ready to show and sell. Open houses work along with internet marketing to allow purchasers to inspect without feeling pressured. If you use internet along with staging and open houses, your home will be sold in a reasonable time.

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By Peter R. Cammarata,  Sun Apr 15 2012, 09:26

Acording to Realtor.com 90% of buyer are online searching homes before they even call an agent. So the more pictures the better!!!!

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By Stephanie Leon 786-664-7710,  Sun Apr 29 2012, 18:15

Great info. Thanks for sharing.

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By Joel Rivera,  Thu May 17 2012, 08:34

According to NARS latest survey over 88% of home buyers turn to the internet to find their next home. That is why sites like Trulia and Local Real Estate Websites are great because they give you an opportunity to get your home seen fast by those who are looking to buy.

For more tips on how to sell a home check out this site.
http://www.bronxpad.com/bronx-homes-selling-tips.html

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By David R.Indermill,  Wed May 30 2012, 22:57

Exposure on the internet can make or brake you on successfully Selling your home. Make sure whom ever you use that they show you a comprehensive Listing presentation as well as a marketing plan. Also ask to see any previously Marketing plans on any listings they sold.

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By Matie,  Tue Jun 26 2012, 05:00

An overpriced home even though its all over the internet is not going to sell!! Consumers are very saavy today, and check out all the areas for comparative sales before deciding on a house to buy!
You have only ONE chance to make a GREAT and lasting 1st impression. If your agent hasn't brought up staging and how to present your home for showings, then you have a problem. Sellers should look at an agents website to see how they present their listings to the public before they list with an agent. And once their home is listed with an agent, they need to review their listing online to be sure it is free of mistakes and the pictures and the description present the home in it's best light.

http://www.indexpost.com/

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By Manuel Ramirez,  Wed Jul 25 2012, 00:32

I think Internet is a best resource to promote your business and it's really working out these days. I mast say that your tips are great and very useful too.

http://www.experthousebuyer.com

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By Jennifer Fivelsdal,  Wed Sep 26 2012, 21:33

These are now the basic things agents should be doing. Online marketing is key to successfully marketing a home these days.

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By Carmen Brodeur,  Tue Oct 16 2012, 10:23

These are all great tips. I strongly believe that internet marketing is important when selling a home.

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By opondomusa,  Wed Oct 24 2012, 01:40

The greatest advantage of internet marketing is it's affordability and ability to reach many potential buyers.

search for homes: http://www.realtypin.com/

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By Rikknikk_2,  Wed Apr 24 2013, 13:43

Great tips for a owner to sell without involving an agent.

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