Even in today’s very instantaneous, high-tech world, there are still those with the view that all you need to do to sell a property is take a few pictures and put them on the MLS. Yes, if a Buyer is already looking at the specific area, with that exact criteria inputed into a system, they will receive notification of a new listing. However, one thing Claude and I have discovered over the last decade or two of selling real estate is that a Buyer rarely purchases exactly what they start out looking for.
One example is Claude’s parent’s home search. Twelve or so years ago, Claude’s parents decided to move to Spruce Grove, and asked him to show them houses meeting a very specific set of criteria; 3 bedrooms, formal living room, nice yard, and most importantly a BUNGALOW WITH NO STAIRS. What did his parents end up falling in love with? A 2-STOREY home with beautiful high ceilings that reminded them of their previous home.
Although we begin the home search process with our clients by compiling a set wants and needs for their future home, as we tour properties together, “must haves” become “maybes” as a buyer sees a location that would be perfect for backyard parties, or they walk into an entrance that “feels like home”. Now imagine a venue where a buyer’s close friend or family member, who knows this buyer’s taste, could view an engaging video, and tag their loved one in it, ensuring the property was not overlooked because of a difference in criteria that a computer program couldn’t manipulate.
We understand how different the perfect property can look on paper verses in real life. It is so important not to limit your advertising to a defined group of features a computer will pick through. The value Social Media brings to advertising real estate cannot be overlooked!
Not only does Christina have a Marketing Degree, she is now a Certified Professional in Social Media Marketing! There was a time when homes could be sold using one way/informational advertising, such as print, TV or radio ads. Social Media offers us a platform not only to advertise properties, but we can now target market, and engage a specific audience in a two way discussion regarding features of a home. Only through Social Media can someone tag an advertised property and send your listing directly to their cousin’s best friend’s mother, who is looking for an acreage just like yours!
