Trying to attract potential buyers for your investment property? Especially in a struggling market, you should do everything you can to set your home apart from all the rest. Consider these most-wanted features:

Upgrades – Anything that has been recently updated, whether it’s the flooring, landscaping or appliances, will add value to the home while adding interest from buyers.

Finished basements – Basements are attractive to homebuyers because of all the potential they offer, as they can be utilized for storage, or as an entertaining or living space.

Fireplaces – No longer used only as sources of heat, fireplaces create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that turns a house into a home.

Master bathrooms – The concept of a master suite with an attached bathroom is an intriguing one to buyers that are looking for a private retreat to escape to. Many buyers today say a master suite makes or breaks their decision.

Figure out what the best features in your property are, and then do everything you can to play up those features in your advertising. For example, are there an abundance of closets? Then you’ll want to highlight convenient storage space. If the home is situated in a great location, describe the area and list some nearby restaurants and attractions that potential buyers might be interested in checking out.

Advertising is a crucial aspect of selling a home. Either by yourself or with the help of a FSBO company, create an effective advertising package that combines professional photos with a catchy, well-written description. This combination will highlight your home’s strengths and will entice buyers into taking a closer look.

I’ve always thought that photos can make or break a property listing. Now, with the added option of virtual tours, which is becoming increasingly popular, buyers can benefit from an even more detailed look at your home and the selling points that set it apart.

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Tags: house, property for sale, real estate, sell home, selling

The following was a comment posted by Linda Parker as a response to our contributor, Jim Watkins’ post, Down Sales Market? Think Outside the Box. As the comment carries weight on its own, we’ve decided to publish it as its own posting:

OMG! Higher commissions do get agent’s attention.
When most companies are trying to kills us with commissions right now lowering them to 2.75%, 2.25%, 1.5% that we have to split with the boss, increasing that commission will most certainly get our attention….believe me! We will add a house we have NO interest in to get a client in the door of a big commission….especially in a down market! Jim, you’re right….keep it up.

Here are some more ideas on how to get it sold:
(a few of my secrets…not going to give them all away).
As one of the top agents off and on at William Davis Realty over the years (over 400 agents now?), on listings, you need to go a little further if the competition is being stupid! And, this certainly sounds like your situation with all the reductions!

• I suggest you hire a niece or nephew to do a lemonade stand out front on weekends. Do an open house behind their set up at the same time. Neighbors happen to know people/relatives who want to live in the neighborhood!
• This one gets a ton of calls….put a sign (attached your sign - usually only allowed one sign in Dallas/Fort Worth in the yard for sales) offering a “free cruise” (get a free 3-day/2-night certificate from one of those time share companies) for the buyer if they buy your house.
• Go to the local supermarkets and WalMart and fill out those courtesy bulletin board cards…..
• Fax it to HR departments of local employers for relocation purposes…that’s what I do.

Again, these are some secrets from my full service listings, but you can do this stuff yourself…..it’s easy!

As you say………….think outside the box…..it will sell and be the ONLY ONE to sell on your street if you use your head!!!

Again, special thanks to Linda for her insight and advice!

Tags: property for sale, real estate, realtor, sales, sell real estate, selling homes