Web Appeal is the New Curb Appeal

June 19, 11:41 AMReal Estate Marketing ExaminerSpencer Rascoff

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What's the secret to selling a house in this recession? What attracts buyers? Recently, ABC News correspondent Elisabeth Leamy wrote an online article, "The Secret to Selling a House." She contacted me for my input on what attracts buyers to a home. My answer to her is this:

"Web appeal is the new curb appeal"

Since 87 percent of all home buyers look online when initiating their search for a home, it's important that your home's online presence is compelling. My colleague, Zillow PR manager Jill Simmons, consolidated these thoughts in a blog post, citing important tips for sellers. Here they are:

Use the Internet:

• Use top real estate Web sites. This is a no-brainer, especially since there are many real estate Web sites where you can list your home for sale -- for free! Why wouldn't you take advantage of a free billboard? We offer this at Zillow, where we had 8.9 million visitors in May.
• Use social networks. Make these networks work for you. If you're not already on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Flickr, you're missing out on another free opportunity. Get a membership on each of these sites and start spreading the word about your house. Again, these are all free sites, and, they're kind of fun.
• Local blog sites: Here in Seattle, there are many local, neighborhood blogs. Find an angle on your house and try to get a blogger to mention it. 
• Discussion/chat rooms: There are robust discussion groups in Yahoo! (Yahoo! Groups) and elsewhere to get the word out. Remember: All real estate is local. Find your local neighbood or city discussion board and begin a discussion about your home.
• E-mail your friends: Send an e-mail blast to your network of friends and family to get the word out about your house. You never know who could be looking for a house just like yours.
• Lots of photos: You can never have enough photos online to draw people's attention. Take the best photos possible and hire a pro, if you can afford it. It's amazing what a professional photographer can do to make a home look bigger and more enticing than just an amateur photographer.
• Price it to sell: Compare your home to others on the market and make sure you price it aggressively. This will attract buyers who will also think they're getting a good deal.