The time has finally arrived. You are ready to sell your beautiful Arlington, VA home and move into the next chapter of your life. No doubt, you have lots of questions about this exciting and unique season. After all, preparing your home to sell can seem like an overwhelming and daunting task. There are certainly lots of different factors to consider, from improving the curb appeal to staging your space. However, one of the biggest and most essential steps in the process is getting the word out about your house being for sale. In the excitement of moving onto the phase, this step can be an easy one to overlook or miss altogether. While this is true, making sure that people know your house is on the market is vital for getting the best price and selling your home in a timely manner. From taking professional-looking photographs to utilizing social media, here is how you can market your Arlington home efficiently!
1. Understand marketing
Whether you choose to sell your home yourself or enlist an expert real estate agent, you will want to do some research so that you can become familiar with the marketing process. Understanding the methods and techniques of marketing will help you get a better grasp of the selling process from start to finish.
A major marketing strategy is posting a listing of your house online. This should include an intriguing and imaginative description of your home, photos of the interior and exterior, the asking price, location, and any other relevant details. According to the National Association of Realtors, looking online was one of the biggest ways prospective buyers searched for a home. Other practical strategies are making an online presence, setting for-sale signs in the front yard, hosting open houses, and providing virtual tours. There are lots of fantastic ways to highlight your house’s best features and display all it has to offer.
2. Know the local market
As someone who is selling their home, it is important to understand the local market and current real estate trends. There are three types of markets in real estate: a seller’s market, a buyer’s market, and a neutral market. It is a smart idea to familiarize yourself with each of these markets, as this can help you determine whether it’s the right time to sell your house. To give an example of this, 2021 and 2022 have been years for a seller’s market. This happened as a result of record low mortgage rates and low inventory.
According to Investopedia.com, a seller’s market occurs when there is a shortage of available items for sale, thus, allowing the seller the power to dictate prices. The demand exceeds supply, or when there are more real estate buyers than sellers. This means there are not enough properties on the market for all the interested buyers, resulting in a shortage of housing. Bidding wars and higher-than-expected sales can happen as a result. A seller’s market certainly presents challenges for those who are searching for their dream home and wanting to buy. At the same time, it is an ideal time for sellers who wish to put their house on the market and get the best return possible. There is a good chance that your house will sell fast and for higher than your listing price.
Additionally, a buyer’s market refers to when conditions favor buyers. Meaning that there are more properties on the market than there are searching or potential buyers, giving purchasing power to the buyers. They will have more selections to choose from and frequently have more time to make a decision regarding their purchase. In a neutral market, the supply of houses is balanced with the buyer demand. Typically, interest rates are affordable, and there are no large ups or downs in demand, supply, or price. Instead, the number of buyers and sellers in the marketplace is equalized.
3. Take great photos
An essential aspect of marketing your home online is making sure you take lots of pictures of it. This can be an often overlooked or forgotten step in the process. However, it is vitally important because photos from a diverse array of angles such as the street, views of the backyard, or side views will give the buyer a better idea of your house’s overall appearance. Plus, it will give them a better feel for the atmosphere of it as well. Being able to see pictures of the house will help them to know if they are interested in touring or buying it. Take good, clear, and crisp photographs of the interior and exterior of your house, and be sure these are posted in a timely manner. Photos are extremely helpful for buyers to envision themselves in your house and contemplate what it would be like to own it.
Make sure to take up close and far away pictures. Additionally, move the car out of the driveway and clear any vegetation that is blocking the porch or doorway from view. Make sure you capture photos of the yard, pool if there is one, garden, patio, and any outdoor features. Buyers will certainly be interested in seeing these snapshots, and the outdoor spaces will help them have a better idea of your property. Before taking these pictures, you might want to add fresh flowers to the beds, mow the lawn, or trim the shrubs to ensure your house is looking its absolute best. Putting these special touches and work into it will make a big difference to prospective buyers as well. While you might not notice the weeds on your lawn or dead plants, buyers will be quick to pick up on them. Clean the interior and exterior of your house, and use a quality camera or phone to capture pristine pictures.
4. Use social media
Social media is a powerful tool, and using it to your advantage to sell your home is a smart move. Posting your listing with photos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or your favorite social media platform is a great way to get the word out and generate buzz. Plus, it makes your house more visible and accessible for buyers who are searching online. Additionally, you will be able to target audiences that go beyond your normal circle of friends and acquaintances. A good idea is to make your posting professional and concise. Take the time to consistently promote your home so that you can reach a larger crowd of interested buyers.
5. Write a captivating listing
Alongside your photos, write a listing that describes your house. This is where you can highlight important features in your home and give buyers a quick summary of it. These are typically a paragraph long. The goal is to create a visual picture in buyers’ minds and bring to their attention what is special about your house.
6. Post on real estate sites
To target the largest audience, a home’s data, photo, and description are uploaded on the listing the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which is a local or regional database that works with brokers and agents to share information regarding sales. This will populate and show up on other sites as well.
7. Set a competitive price
No doubt, you want the highest offer for your home. So then, the question is, how do you set the right price? One vital step to take is to spend time looking at other homes in your area to get an idea of the typical asking prices. This will help you see real estate through the buyer's eyes and gain a better understanding of typical asking prices. Furthermore, you can always research online or ask your real estate agent for their input and recommendations.
8. Sell at the right time
Choosing the right time to sell your home can be a complex process and depend on the season. Remember that the real estate market typically heats up during the spring and summer months and cools down during the winter months. Research from the National Association of Realtors reveals that prices traditionally experience the largest gains in summer. Buyers prefer to shop for homes as the weather turns warmer, so those looking to sell might want to start prepping their houses during the fall and winter. Those who sell during late spring or summer are often rewarded with their houses selling quickly and for more than the listing price.
Listing Arlington, VA homes for sale
Are you ready to sell your Arlington, VA home or interested in learning more about our specific property listings? Feel free to contact The Synergy Group for all your Arlington luxury house, condo, and real estate needs. Our team would love to show you some homes and townhouses for sale in our locations. Let’s get started today in helping you find your perfect dream home!
