Chapter 16:

I have Won the Listing, Now What?

 

In the DC Metro market MLS, there’s an allowance of up to 21 days for a “Coming Soon” marketing period, which isn’t always available in other parts of the country. For those who can use it, you might be wondering about its purpose, especially with no showings allowed. Some agents overlook this period, but I believe it’s a missed opportunity for the sellers. Used strategically, the “Coming Soon” phase can be a game-changer for both agents and sellers.

Think of the “Coming Soon” phase as the dress rehearsal before a Broadway show’s grand opening. You wouldn’t dream of raising the curtain without a final practice, so why list a property without proper preparation? This is the time to bring in a home-stager for consultations, and to tackle any necessary repairs or renovations. It’s all about giving the property a complete makeover, setting the stage for a successful sale. This period isn’t just a countdown to listing; it’s a crucial phase for enhancing the property’s appeal and maximizing its market impact.

We advise our sellers to have their homes looking picture-perfect for professional photos and video by the end of the second week of the “Coming Soon” period, at the latest.

To kick things off in the first week, we start with aerial drone photography of the exterior, crafting a listing description so engaging it would impress even David Ogilvy, and preparing those essential floor plans.

You might wonder about the need for a staging consultant. Well, the saying “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” applies aptly here. Homeowners can sometimes be sensitive about their property, and constructive feedback is often more palatable coming from an impartial third party. A staging consultant provides objective recommendations on enhancing the home’s appeal to buyers, thereby avoiding any potential discomfort that might arise from more direct suggestions.

Think of these preparations as creating a tantalizing trailer for your home. We’re not unveiling the full story yet, just enough to pique potential buyers’ interest, leaving them eagerly anticipating the grand opening, metaphorical Playbill in hand. This approach is about building excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for a successful and impactful market debut.

Rolling Action: The Power of Video in Real Estate

Be sure to revisit Chapter 9 for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on organizing the ultimate open house extravaganza.

 

Additionally, don’t miss the QR Code provided for a sample of the open house invitation letter I use. It’s packed with information about the enticing food, refreshing drinks, and enjoyable activities attendees can look forward to. This example will give you a clear idea of how to effectively communicate and generate excitement about your event.

Monday Updates: Your Weekly Digest of Home-Selling Progress

If you appreciate staying well-informed and relish the concept of receiving a weekly summary of your home-selling progress, then you’ll be pleased to know your future sellers will certainly appreciate ‘Monday Updates’. These updates are an ideal way to kickstart the week, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview of the home-selling journey. They represent just one of the numerous ways we go above and beyond for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to exceptional service and communication throughout the selling process.

Monday update Examples:

Faux Leather Listing Presentation Binder With Window

Heavy Faux Leather Listing Presentation Binder With NO Window

Avery 5-Tab Dividers for Listing Presentation Binder

In “Six Weeks to Real Estate Success: An Actionable Guide for Ambitious Agents,“

Dustin Fox provides a comprehensive guide for real estate agents looking to transform their careers. Drawing from his own journey to becoming a top producer, Dustin shares practical advice, innovative strategies, and personal anecdotes that demystify the real estate industry.

Six weeks to Real Estate Success