What are some good and creative ideas to market homes?

Question

I am a Realtor and have several homes currently listed. I would like to be able to find more buyers for the homes I have listed. I run big, expensive ads in the newspapers and do not get any calls. I have Open Houses and no one comes. I send out monthly newsletters to past clients and feature the listings, but no one is interested. Me and my sellers have to wait for other agents to bring clients through, which I hate waiting! I would like to be more proactive and find creative ways to find buyers myself so the homes sell! I am thinking maybe people out there have ideas I can try or things you wish your agent would have done for you when you were selling your home. Maybe there are agents out there who are doing something creative now and want to share. Any ideas??

Answer 1

If possible, tell them they get 3 free months of home repairs.

Advertise on free internet sites. Try selling cheaper homes (who has the $$ to buy homes that cost $300 k nowdays I have no idea.

Tell the buyer they get free home inspections for older homes.

Not a lot you can do, the housing market is going through a hard time, foreclosures are at an all time high. People are in debt up to their ears.

We are trying to sell a CHEAP property and have had many calls, but no takers.

When we sold our other home, we had this lazy realtor who didn't even advertise the house right! We got rid of him and I figured out to go with a company that actually advertised in the newspaper. THEY got our house sold, although the realtor was an idiot.

Answer 2

Strangely enough, put a listing on craigslist (make sure you put in the ad that you are a Realtor). I am in the same position as you with one of my properties, and I tried this and got some people asking questions. No takers yet, but I figure it is a start.

You could also put out flyers/brochures of the property in nearby stores (deli, shopping market, etc.)

Depending on the house, you might want to have a Broker's open house. Some homes are not all that impressive from the outside, but if you get some other agents in the door to see them, it might help.

Are any of the homes good for first time buyers? You could target market to an apartment complex with some nice flyers.

Answer 3

Try offering items which don't usually transfer with the real estate: payment of future club membership/dues; future HOA fees (up to the next year?); payment of buyer's closing costs; the inclusion of appliances like washer, dryer, refrigerator; etc. I'm writing to you from San Diego, where the overabundance of condo conversions made one developer decide to give away a car with every sale!

I know that resale home sellers aren't inclined to give away too much compared to the developers of new construction, but in a tough market you have to get creative. Perhaps you can offer to pay a certain amount for new landscaping or remodeling - the offer to include a few thousand dollars in these areas might draw in a buyer, while at the same time give you leverage to not drop the price any further.

Answer 4

As "mrtopproducer" stated, it might just be the price, if not then the condition. I'm not sure if you are getting feedback from buyer agents that are stopping by. They would, for the most part, give you a hint of in sight. I don't believe you can really buy buyers with stuff. If they don't want it, nothing is going to make them. I don't believe luring them with monetary items will do.

Sorry I'm not much of help, but good luck.

Answer 5

In 30 years in the business its about location, pricing and marketing. I have learned print media is a waste of $$$$ and if you are having showing's by MLS members it's a good sign and no offers ,its about value. What are the sales comps showing?

Never give up

Best to you