NEWSPAPER
You must consider this a primary source for advertising. Be careful that you get your moneys worth. If the newspaper offers photographs in the ad, do it. Do not advertise on a holiday weekend, rates are cheaper but there’s a reason. Provide the basic information especially price. Many sellers think they will generate more interest if you don’t put a price in your ad, all you generate is more phone calls. Target your market by including all pertinent information about your home. You do not want people calling you who either can’t afford your home or who want something you don’t have.

INFORMATION SHEETS/PHOTO FLYERS
These are a must. They should be in a tube or box attached to your yard sign for prospective buyers driving in the area, as well as having them available inside the home. Providing these can substantially eliminate unnecessary phone calls. Again, if you don’t have what a buyer wants, you really don’t want to even hear from them. Information sheets are inexpensive but vital. They should provide a photograph and a complete description of the home.

OPEN HOUSES
This type of marketing can be very successful for a builder with a new subdivision but with existing, owner-occupied homes, it’s questionable. First of all, if a prospect has driven by the home, seen it in a FSBO publication or the local newspaper, chances are they would prefer a private tour. They already know the price and the amenities of the home. Generally they want to ask questions and get very detailed responses. Also private showings allow you to ask questions of your prospect that you probably would not ask during an Open House. Last but not least, you can lose control in an Open House. What if thirty people show up and start heading in different directions? You must control showings and you want feed back. It just doesn’t happen with an Open House.

It’s interesting that different parts of the country view Open Houses differently. In some major Midwest cities, for example, Open Houses are expected if you’re going to sell but in similar size cities in the South, having an Open House is the exception rather than the rule. Therefore, you may need to adjust your marketing strategy to local custom. If having an Open House is expected in your market, then by all means, do it.

INTERNET
Advertising your home on the Internet in today’s world is not something you need to think about, you just have to do it. You do need to make the decision where on the Internet you should advertise. Creating a home page and putting your home "out there" should not be an option. Your ad, and your home page, will simply get lost. Advertise on a site that specializes in FSBO properties.

Northeastpafsbo.com is convinced that this is the site where your home should be advertised. It’s easy to navigate, displays the home exceptionally well and provides a lot of assistance to buyers and a myriad of other helpful services for both the buyer and seller.