One of your real estate agent's key responsibilities is to create and implement a marketing plan for your property. In fact, you should see the real estate marketing plan before you agree to work with any agent. The plan should include:
Posting a FOR SALE sign on your property
Arranging one or more open houses
Advertising your home in local papers. The plan should be detailed and clearly spell out exactly how often, when and where your home will be advertised. This plan becomes part of the listing agreement. The agent covers the costs.
Posting your home with the Multiple Listing Service* (MLS)
Preparing a flyer or mailer for local distribution
Tip: Use RBC’s Community Corner to print out a map of your neighbourhood with local amenity and demographic information on it. Add the map to flyers or home specification sheets given to prospective buyers.
Organizing a real estate agents' open house, or "caravan," to acquaint other agents with your home
Networking with associates, past clients and current buyers about your property (referrals are the lifeblood of a real estate business)
To get the most from your marketing, ask the agent these questions:
What will you do to target buyers in my neighbourhood? Over 48% of people who move remain within a 10-kilometre radius (or 10-minute drive) of their current homes.
What will you do to target out-of-towners? Your home may be very attractive to someone wishing to move to your community.
Are homes in my area selling at a discount or a premium? The marketing plan should make the most of your home's advantages and make it stand out in a "hot" or "cold" marketplace.
*MLS is a registered trademark of the Multiple Listing Service
