Tips for Marketing a Property for Sale

Malibu real estate investors have to work hard to market their properties and ensure that they make a profit. While there is no shortage of investment opportunities in this wealthy area, investors need to appeal to keep their properties in excellent condition and using creative market tactics to get the attention of potential buyers. Use these tips to attract buyers and reduce the amount of time it takes to sell your investment property.

Repairs and Maintenance

Buyers are on the lookout for any problems that would make them wary of buying a property. They are also looking for ways to get a lower sale price. Property owners need to repair any damage immediately and make sure the property is in excellent shape. Maintaining the grass, trees, shrubs and flowers is the best way to showcase the exterior of the property. Since potential buyers may see the mailbox before they even see the house, make sure it is in good repair. Make sure all exterior lights are in working order, especially if buyers will be visiting the property in the evening. Make it easy for potential buyers to find the property by making sure house numbers are large enough to be seen from the road.

Home Staging

If you have Malibu condos for sale or Malibu beach homes that you want to sell, you need to make them look livable. If you stage a home properly, you can help potential buyers imagine living there. Paint the walls in neutral colors and use understated accent colors to add flair without overwhelming buyers. Play soft music during open houses to get buyers in a relaxed mood. Instead of using cloying chemical air fresheners, bake a cake or pie so that the house smells wonderful when buyers enter. All interior areas should be clean, especially the bathroom and the kitchen.

Marketing Tactics

Putting ads in newspapers and waiting for buyers to show up is no longer the best way to market a property. Taking good photographs should be one of your main concerns, as many buyers now use online listing sites to check out properties before they commit to attending an open house. If you don’t post any pictures, buyers may wonder what you are trying to hide. Avoid taking pictures in poor lighting conditions, as bad lighting can mask the selling points of a home. If you know other Malibu investors, work together to trade leads and tips for making sales. Have regular open houses to maintain a high level of interest in the property. When you have an open house scheduled, run ads and mark the property with signs and large balloons. Get to know several real estate agents and invite them to attend a luncheon or dinner at the home.  Color flyers with pictures and a discount coupon can also attract buyers to your property.

Following these tips will help you prepare your property for sale and attract the best potential buyers to your open houses and other special events. Although these tactics take some time and money, the opportunity to make a sale is well worth the investment.

Russell Grether of Compass Real Estate is a real estate agent based out of Malibu, CA. He specializes in Malibu real estate, Malibu homes for sale, Malibu properties, Malibu land for sale, Malibu rentals and surrounding area real estate from Montecito to the Pacific Palisades.