BIGGEST Marketing Mistakes When Selling a Home Right Now

The COVID pandemic has disrupted just about every aspect of life. But despite the stay-at-home mandates and social distancing, real estate is still on the move and prices have remained steady. Selling today is different than just a few months ago, however. Below are a few of the most common mistakes I keep seeing…

Mistake: Poor Photography

A buyer’s first impression of your home is through the photography. The majority home shoppers are looking online first, and using sites like Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com to filter out potential homes before going to tour in person. However, nearly half of local listings have amateur photos – usually an agent or home owner using their smart phone. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL!

Mistake: Not Utilizing Video

Video continues to make strides as the preferred medium for consumption online, especially with social media. Even still, most home listings do not use a professional marketing video. Zillow has updated their search algorithm to favor listings with videos, and Facebook provides more exposure for video content than photo content.

With stay-at-home mandates and people more reluctant to venture out, video has become even more important in marketing a home. Buyers are doing more viewing due diligence before taking that next step and seeing the home in person.

Samples of listing videos:
Video with agent in it
Video without agent

Mistake: No 3D Walkthrough

Similar to video, 3D walkthroughs are increasing in popularity among home buyers (unfortunately, not yet among home sellers…). Zillow added the 3D walkthrough preference to their search algorithm, giving an even bigger boost when paired with a professional video walkthrough.

Again, with the COVID pandemic, home buyer’s are doing more virtual due diligence in their home shopping. A 3D walkthrough gives them more to see and helps nudge towards an in-person tour.

Bottom Line

There are still a lot of buyers looking at homes and wanting to buy! Your home is your biggest asset, and how you market your home can be the different between tens of thousands of dollars and/or months of time trying to sell. Why not put the extra effort into selling something that costs $1/4 million, $1/2 million or more?