How to pre-market a home

In today’s competitive real estate market, homeowners are looking for new and innovative ways to make their listings stand out from the competition. Before homes are even officially on the market, savvy sellers are pre-marketing their properties. To create buzz before your sale, consider the following strategies.

Talk to the neighbors. It’s the oldest trick in the book, but the best way to spread local news is to simply chat with your neighbors. Gossip travels fast, and when word gets out that you’re about to sell your home, people will talk — and that’s exactly what you want!

Use social media. The more modern version of “news spreading like wildfire” around town is social media sharing. Prior to listing your home, post photos and information on your social media platforms — such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — and share with your network of family and friends. This information will then be shared with each contact’s sphere of influence and will ultimately reach someone who may be interested in buying a home in your neighborhood.

Host an informal open house. Before involving a real estate agent, extend an invitation to your neighbors, friends and family to preview your home. Consider it a casual open house without any sales pressure — you will simply be showing off your home to anyone you already know. Most neighbors will appreciate the opportunity to be “in the know” about your plans and may even delight in having a small part in picking “their” future neighbors.

By the time you’re ready to officially list your home with a real estate agent, you will have already created excitement around your property. Then you can rest easy and let a professional Realtor take care of the details of a successful sale.