FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions Sellers Ask

How soon will things start to happen?

Many of the things on the “Guaranteed Marketing Checklist” will be done within the first two or three days. Within hours the listing will be in the multiple listing system. I’ll get a draft of the brochure to you within a day or two, and detailed marketing materials will appear very soon - books, brochures, pictures, sign, lock box, writing of initial ads.

How do you advertise to agents?

For some listings, I hold a lunch to get agents from many companies to preview. I send fliers and frequently get very good attention this way.

Within the first week, publicity to agents goes out by fax or flier service. This is updated as new comparable properties are listed, or as I have opportunity to visit agents marketing such properties at their open houses. This often gets better results than my sitting at an open house. I’m more concerned with getting it to the attention of a lot of agents as well as buyers than I am in which of us actually brings the buyer to the house. If a buyer reads my advertising and comes with his agent, I’ve still done my job for you, even if I make less that way.

Do you do a lot of networking?

Networking is important. I call agents and do mailings to other agents who have similar listings, or who have recently had properties which might have attracted buyers who might like yours, or who just sell a lot of houses. Agents know I tell the truth and play fair, so they pay attention to my listings.

Are you on the Internet?

My listings are on the Internet on several sites, including my own personal sites, Realtor.com, the company site, pages in professional organizations I belong to, and the sites of the various magazines and newspapers in which I advertise. I do a lot of business by e-mail, with buyers responding to my advertising, agents from across the country sending me clients., etc. If you check e-mail regularly, we may use that for quick correspondence. The most important thing about the multiple sites is that people aren’t just looking for a house; they are looking for an agent they can trust who will help. Obviously, if my listings are at all appropriate, those are what they see first and what I concentrate on.

How about open houses?

Open houses will depend on location, condition, available time, and results. Most agents know that the main purpose for open houses is to meet buyers and that qualified buyers are usually already working with agents who can show the house at any time, whether or not there is an open house. Open houses can be advertised in a variety of ways.

Announcement on MLS

Fliers to real estate offices near your property

Invitations by phone, mail or door-knocking in the neighborhood

Calls or faxes to agents who have comparable listings

Newspapers and picture magazines for homebuyers.

Open houses in some neighborhoods have about the same results whether or not there’s an advertisement. I’ve tracked it by asking buyers and agents what brought them to the house. The weather has more influence - and anything that draws people past our sign. You can even hold open house any time you’re home, whether or not I’m around, and I’ll follow up on every contact you get, which is less restrictive for you than either leaving because I’m having an open or having me “invade” your privacy if you stay home. If few come when you do it, you haven’t lost anything because you were going to be home anyway.

What other advertising do you do?

A color photo ad in Real Estate Book gives me reprints which I use on bulletin boards and carry to pass out every chance I get. I’ll “let” you and your neighbors and friends help with this - people like to be helpful if you let them know how.

Frequent ads in Homes Magazine. Repeats depending on response. Attractive properties get full page ads and I prefer larger ads rather than lots of little ones on a page. I put notices with color picture on several bulletin boards.

I’ll keep you informed of these and other advertising. Your suggestions are welcome.

What happens when you or I are out of town?

When I am away, which is seldom, a trusted colleague will help you with anything that comes up, and if it’s an offer, I can be in on the negotiating by conference call. My co-worker will have seen your property and will have a detailed file including property information, recent advertising, possible action, and how to get in touch with me quickly.

When you are out of town, you will have with you a copy of the standard sales contract and likely addenda, all of which we’ll have talked about so you are clear about the implications. You’ll have with you also a clear form on which you can write down what I give you over the phone if we get an offer and I can fax or e-mail the offer to you if it’s convenient, along with a summary of what you’d net, pros and cons of the offer, etc. Adds a little excitement to all our lives, and happens surprisingly often.