Marketing Your Home in Grand Rapids

December 10th, 2007 3:47 PM

Before Officially Putting the Property on the Market
1) Property preparations: See detailed description in previous blog post.

 

2) Take property/home photos: Be sure to take both exterior and interior photos for websites, brochures and newspaper/television ads.  For exterior pictures make sure the sun is at your back (preferably in the morning or late afternoon but not when the sun is directly overhead).  For interior photos be sure to remove clutter, turn on all lights and use a flash when.

3) Prepare property flyer/brochure: Many computer programs (Microsoft Word, Publisher, Adobe PhotoShop, etc.) have this capability.  Additionally, your local office supply or copy store should also be able to help.  Be sure to use high quality paper.

4) Order preliminary title work: Contact a local title insurance company to get started and find out what services they offer.

5) Obtain paperwork (purchase agreements, disclosures, etc.): State- and local are specific purchase agreements and disclosures are often available online or in office supply stores.  Additionally, you can sometimes obtain the necessary paperwork for free from a local attorney or Realtor®.
 
First Week on the Market
1) Put up “For Sale” sign: Hardware stores usually have a good selection.  Local real estate boards also often sell “For Sale” signs. 

2) Run an advertisement: The local newspapers, internet and television channel’s are all good places for a first ad.  Additionally, some real estate brokers will allow individual property owners to pay a flat fee to get their property listed on the local MLS.
 
Second Week on the Market

1) Mail postcards to neighbors: This will help get the word out about your home and possibly bring a buyer if one of your neighbors knows of someone who might want to move to the neighborhood.

2)Schedule an open house for an upcoming weekend: Be sure to advertise the open house with both a newspaper ad and a yard sign.
 
Ongoing
1) Show property to prospective buyers
2) Review price and marketing strategy based on buyer input and market conditions

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