Marketing your house for sell???

Question

First time I've ever tried selling a house on my own. I would like any and all advice and ideas on how to market my property. How do I get the word out to EVERYONE everywhere that my property is for sell? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Account Closed · Answer

In my area there is a Craiglist category for trading houses. In this market people are being more creative. If one party wants or needs to sell, but can't, then they are advertising in the area they want to move to see if anyone wants to trade. Not a high percentage probability that you both would like each other's house, but always possible and worth a try since it's free advertising. Your best bet if you are not using a realtor is to try to sell creatively by owner - contract for deed, lease purchase, then you might get more buyers who are not just in the conventional arena. Also, there are several realtors who will list your house for reduced commission or a flat fee, which gets your home on the MLS as well. As Jon said, Realtor.com is a "national" service that has listings from all the local MLS services. If your Dad is willing to help you on that end, that could work. Good luck , and thank you for your service to our country! Mike

Jon Holdman · Answer

Eric, There is no nationwide MLS.  There are a bunch of local ones.  Once you have it in the local MLS, it will (or should) show up on realtor.com.

If your buyer is using an agent, you'll have to pay that agent.  So, you're real savings with a FSBO is your listing agents fee, roughly 3%.  You'll give up some of that to pay someone a listing fee to get it into the MLS.

Eric Urioste · Answer

Hey everyone, thanks for all the advice. I should of also put more information fwd in my last post. My property that I own is located in ABQ, NM and I am currently in the Air Force and stationed here in Tucson, AZ. I have my father there where my property is and can help me with showing it or anything else. But I would like to try selling on my own before listing with an agent. I will try all the web sites you guys have mentioned. I was also wondering, is it possible to list on a nation wide MLS? Or are those only for the local area? if it is possible, how do I list it on the MLS without using an agent? Also, azlandlord you are saying I might not even save any money trying to sell on my own? You think I'd be better off listing with an agent to start with? Because the whole reason I would like to sell on my own is saving the money I would be paying an agent... Hmm, not sure what to do....

What about trading properties? Does that happen very often? How does someone go about looking into something like that?

Thanks to all of you for all your help in advance!
Eric

Jim Sharp · Answer

Youtube

Put a video on Youtube... shoot the video  "selling" your home.  We've sold houses with out them visiting the property.

Buyer's agent's that don't know you're property, can't sell it.  Here's your chance.

Jason Hanson · Answer

1. advertise on craigslist
2. Put signs EVERYWHERE
3. Run classified ads
4. Sell on a lease option
5. Make sure it is priced right or it will never move
6. Have a 5 day sale

Kathy Potter · Answer

Hi Uriostee,
You can use Craigs List, a nice yard sign with a flyer tube with pictures of how nice the house and yard are, local newspaper, some For Sale By Owner websites let you post but...the best recommendation I have is to hire a good, hardworking real estate agent instead. 
The Arizona real estate market requires you get the best and most exposure possible. Because inventory of homes availabe to buy is high, most buyers want to see alot of properties before making a decission. It is too overwhelming for them to do that on their own and with gas at $4.00/ gallon +, most are choosing to use a real estate agent who can easily pull together properties and drive them around. If you are not in your local MLS (Multiple Listing Service), listed with an agent, you may not get found. Your market time is then longer, so no savings. Also they will provide all areas of advertising that do cost money, like signs, flyers, listed on most popular websites, realtor tours, etc.

I have also found that potential buyers responding to FSBO ads are looking for "a deal" and think with no agent involved that is what they should get. You may find you pass on all you tried to save to the buyer anyway.

The Arizona real estate contract is 9 pages long and has numerous potential addendums. If you are not familiar with these there can be misunderstandings and legal issues between a buyer and a seller.

A buyer working with a buyers agent is more likely prequalified to actually buy that someone who calls you on a FSBO ad. With the tougher lending guidelines and downpayment requirements you could sell your home several times, but never close due to unqualified buyers.

It is temping to try to go it alone because you want to try to save the money, but in this market you will probably find you didn't save anything and may eventually will list it with an agent or rent it out if it has sold from your efforts. At that point your in deeper with costs.

Find an agent that does business in that neighborhood and is well respected. 
Good luck!