Selling Your Home with Effective Online Descriptions and Classified Ads

Well written classified newspaper ads and short descriptions for online internet ads can attract potential buyers to your home. Remember that you are competing with hundreds if not thousands of other internet and classified ads for the attention and interest of qualified buyers looking for the home of their dreams.

Ad Space is Limited and Valuable

Not only must you attract the attention of your potential buyers, but you must do it in a very limited amount of space and with few words, so it's important to choose your words with care. Your ad text, whether its for a classified ad or for an online For Sale by Owner ad "teaser", should not exceed 250 characters - (that's characters, not words!) so every word counts.

Divide your ad into Three Parts

Own A Sunset View

Full deck overlooks inground pool with sunset view of a wooded pond. This professionally landscaped executive home with every amenity including finished lower level with sauna is bound to sell quickly! $495900. Tour online at MichiganHomesFSBO.com #10001 or call 999-999-9999

• Headline
• Best Features
• Closing

Our sample classified ad (right) covers all these requirements and has exactly 250 characters! On top of that, the ad includes a link to the online internet ad giving a lot more details and with pictures of the home to give prospective buyers a chance to look over the home at their leisure before they call to schedule a showing. Having an online home tour can help reduce the number of unproductive home showings and save you a lot of time and disappointment.

Grab Attention with a Catchy Headline

Remember the salesman's adage: "You're not selling the steak, you're selling the sizzle". Write a headline that grabs the buyer's imagination or offers fulfillment of a dream or a wish. In our sample ad, who wouldn't want to "own a sunset"?

Mention Your Home's Best Features

Consider your probable buyers and focus on your home's features most attractive to that market group rather than the general public. For example, is your home suited to a family with young children? Are schools nearby? Retirees? Close to golf courses or senior activities? Working couples? Easy commute...close to shopping?

Remember what attracted you to your home? Was it the view, the large kitchen, finished basement, proximity to schools or shopping? Chances are what attracted you will attract someone else. But remember, your ad space is limited so pick the most unique and best features to list. You can always go in to great detail in your online ad listing and actually list dozens of great features.

Close with a Reason for Buyers to Call

Close your ad with a reason for buyers to call and schedule an appointment to see your home. Use a phrase to create a sense of urgency, such as "bound to sell quickly". Or capitalize on the buyer's desire to own a home such as you've described..."be the proud owner". You can always close the ad with an investment related phrase such as "a bargain at this price".

Pull out all the stops

Use both printed classified ads and internet listings for their unique advantages. By listing your house online you have an opportunity that classified ad space won't allow, a venue to display pictures, a virtual tour and extoll all the features and benefits of the lovely home you're offering for sale.

Use your classified ad to attract local buyers and direct them to your online listing for all the details and photos. Your online listing can become a virtual open house, eliminating shoppers who are not really interested in purchasing your type of home.