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How to prepare your home for a winter open house

February 20, 2019 By

The winter season can be a great time to sell your house, but while your competition is reduced, success during this time can still depend on a successful open house. To help make your open house as effective as possible, follow these tips.

  • Take down your decorations. The holidays are over, but if you’re the type that likes to leave the decorations up for a time, taking them down before your open house is a good idea. Prospective buyers may not celebrate the same holidays as you and you don’t want to alienate them.
  • Clear the clutter. If you haven’t put those holiday gifts away yet, now’s the time. Prospective buyers should be able to focus on your home instead of the collection of things crowding it. Give them nice open spaces to move about and they’ll be appreciative.
  • Turn up the heat. Warm and cozy is more than a catch phrase during the winter. Bring the temperature up in your home slightly during your open house to keep your guests comfortable. If they are too cold in your home, they aren’t apt to stay long.
  • Plan for winter apparel. Be it jackets or boots, take extra steps to prepare your entryway for the added material your buyers will bring with them. A designated spot to place these items can make guests feel welcome and keep your home cleaner during the showing and beyond.

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CENTURY 21® Social: How To Leverage Your Social Networks

May 1, 2017 By

It’s no secret that social media can be a very powerful tool for a real estate sales associates when used in the right way. However, with every social network comes a new set of rules and best practices. To help navigate each one more easily, we’ve created the following list of quick tips specifically for real estate.

 

Network: Facebook

Overview: Facebook is your best resource for reaching the most clients. On it you can share various types of content and reach a more localized audience with the network’s extensive geotargeting capabilities.

 

Quick Tips:

  • Post Your Listings: Tell fans about the home, highlight its major selling points, and post pictures. When sharing a listing on Facebook, it’s important to give it some personality and to make sure you’re not overdoing it. While many people who follow you will enjoy seeing listings, they don’t want their News Feed inundated with them. Your posts can also serve as a place for fans to ask questions about the listing so make sure you are ready to respond.
  • Use Photos: Images on Facebook are much more engaging than text-based posts. The more likes, comments, and shares your posts get, the more they will appear in your Facebook fans’ News Feeds.
  • Share Neighborhood Events: Show off your city. Post about local events in your town. If you’re going to or know about a neighborhood event, tell your fans and invite them to participate.
  • Take Advantage of Geotargeting: Facebook lets you target your ads very specifically. You can use Facebook Ads to give your most important posts some added exposure among users in a desired area. To learn more about Facebook Advertising and geotargeting, check out this blog post.

 

 

Network: Twitter

Overview: Twitter is the best place to share news and updates. Users are looking for quick and digestible information so try your best to keep things concise and to the point—if you can’t say it in 140 characters or less, maybe you shouldn’t say it on Twitter.

 

Quick Tips:

  • Tweet Tips for Buying, Selling, and Moving: Offer advice to your followers by sharing helpful tips about the buying, selling, and moving processes. These tips can include everything from good articles and videos to short and simple ideas.
  • Use Hashtags: On Twitter, using hashtags gets your tweets seen by an audience beyond your followers. Use relevant hashtags to be discovered by those looking for a particular subject matter. For example, use specific hashtags that pertain to your location and more general hashtags that pertain to the industry (e.g. #movingtips).
  • Share Local News: Twitter tends to be a great place for news. If there is something exciting happening in the neighborhood you serve, tweet about it. It will be attractive to potential buyers and keep you up-to-date on local happenings.
  • Use @Mentions to Keep in Touch: Twitter lets you send tweets to specific people. Instead of using the direct message feature, send out a Tweet to congratulate a new homeowner, to thank a local merchant for assisting you, etc.

 

 

Network: Instagram

Overview: Instagram users are drawn to beauty and inspiration. Use this network to show off striking home photography. You can add a few lines in your caption, but try not to say too much and let the images speak for themselves.

 

Quick Tips:

  • Post and Geotag Listings: When posting listings on Instagram, make sure the pictures are appealing and sized accordingly. You can also geotag the location of each listing to make it easier for clients to check out the area on a map.
  • Show Off Your Favorite Homes: Post pictures of some of your favorite homes you’ve sold to give clients an idea of the type of homes you work with—whether that’s a variety or a very specific type.
  • Highlight the Neighborhood: Sharing pictures and information about the neighborhood you work in markets the area to prospective residents and also shows your passion and knowledge of where you are selling homes.
  • Encourage Engagement: Include questions and other calls-to-action in your photo captions to encourage followers to comment. Be prepared to respond and have conversations there.

 

 

Network: LinkedIn

Overview: Aside from being a social network, LinkedIn is a valuable professional networking tool. Save the listings and promotional content for the other networks and focus on marketing your own personal brand to other professionals.

 

Quick Tips:

  • Join and Participate in Local Groups: LinkedIn Groups allow you to use the platform to communicate with other professionals who share interests, work in specific areas, or have other similarities. Use them to communicate and be sure to provide value—remember, this is a network for selling yourself, not your listings.
  • Ask for Referrals: Ask clients and colleagues to give you a referral on LinkedIn. Similar to a traditional referral, this will help potential clients make an easy choice when they’re looking for an agent.
  • Share a Detailed Description of Your Experience: Again, this is the place to sell yourself as a professional. When filling out your profile, be sure to use the Summary section to include relevant education and experience as well as a few facts that will add a personal touch.
  • Network: LinkedIn is a great place to network with other people in the industry. Take some time to see what others are saying and don’t be afraid to share your valuable insight with your network.

 

No matter which social networks you choose to focus on, social media is a great way for you to connect with both clients and peers. What works for some may not work for others, so don’t be afraid to test the waters and see what works for you!

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Agent Spotlight: Q&A with Koi Tasaniyom of CENTURY 21® S.G.R.

April 27, 2017 By

As we approach the height of the spring homebuying season, we had a chance to sit down with Koi Tasaniyom of CENTURY 21® S.G.R. in Chicago. In the interview, Koi shared his approach to the busy spring home buying and selling season and details how his background in business has helped him find success in real estate.

 

CENTURY 21: Tell us a little bit about your career before real estate.

Koi: I worked in the Investor Relations Department of a major Thai commercial bank before coming to the United States in 2006. Once I got here, I earned my MBA from the University of Illinois in Chicago with a concentration in international business and marketing.

 

CENTURY 21: How did you discover CENTURY 21?

Koi: After I completed my graduate studies, I met a Thai woman who owned a CENTURY 21 office in Chicago. That woman was Nancy Suvarnamani, and she initially gave me a job in the accounting department. After a few years, I earned my broker license and become a real estate professional.

 

CENTURY 21: How has your business background contributed to your success as a real estate agent?

Koi: My financial and marketing background has allowed me to help my clients make informed real estate decisions. My MBA has also assisted me in working with investors to find properties that suit their real estate investment portfolios.

 

CENTURY 21: Being from Thailand, do you benefit from the CENTURY 21 Global Network?

Koi: Yes, because the CENTURY 21 Brand has the most recognized global name, the Thai and Asian communities in Chicago feel very comfortable and confident working with a broker affiliated with it.

 

CENTURY 21: Many people perceive real estate as a second career for people later in life, but as we know, this isn’t the case. What would you say to people who think of real estate in this way?

Koi: Myths die hard. It’s difficult to change people’s mindsets. However, the realtor image, at least in Chicago, has undergone a major transformation. As younger people enter the field with degrees in law, accounting, engineering, etc., even those who believe the myth of real estate as a part-time job see the landscape changing right before their eyes.

 

CENTURY 21: You are well-versed in Zap. How has it added value to your business?

Koi: Zap has allowed me to engage and interact with clients on a more professional basis. Zap provides several helpful features: Showing Request, Customized Testimonial, Properties I’ve Toured, resources links, and built-in social media site links—it has simplified my realtor activities. Zap allows me to show my commitment to my clients by providing timely and accurate information.

 

CENTURY 21: Now that we are in the height of the spring home buying/selling season, how do you use Zap to stay on top of your listings?

Koi: Zap allows me to utilize comments on my listing from fellow agents which I then share with my sellers. All of the listings I have are featured on the main page of our office Zap page to create more exposure. The ability to share our Zap property page on social media sites, and send listings to people also helps me to sell my listings in a timely manner.

 

CENTURY 21: What advice do you have for fellow agents who aren’t currently using Zap?

Koi: Use it. It is one of the best tools to showcase your professionalism. Best of all…it’s FREE.  

 

Stay tuned for another agent spotlight next month!

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5 Places You Forgot Potential Buyers Will Check

October 14, 2015 By

An open house is a crucial component of the home sale process. Start with these tips for staging an open house, but don’t stop there. Potential buyers are likely to inspect all areas of the house. Yes, even your “junk drawer” and closets. Here’s a list of five often forgotten places that potential homeowners may check.

The sides of your house

When you spruce up your front yard and backyard, pay attention the sides of your home as well. Potential buyers will likely look at the exterior of your house from all angles. One unkempt side may turn them off from the rest of the home. Make sure the paint and landscaping is in good condition from all angles.

Inside your closets

Don’t stuff everything in your closets and hope no one will open them. Even if the potential buyers aren’t fashionistas, they may still care about closet space. Show it off by organizing it. You wouldn’t want a potential buyer to open a closet just to find a hodgepodge of the belongings you stashed there.

Under your bed

Removing the bulk of storage from your closets is a great way to make closet space appear bigger, but that doesn’t mean your stuff should be shoved under the bed. Not only is it an eyesore, but the potential homebuyer might also see it as a sign that there is not enough storage space. Your best bet is to invest in temporary external storage space so that your open house has all the space it needs.

Inside the shower

Chances are no one wants a small, cramped bathroom. Create storage solutions that may make your space appear bigger and brighter to buyers. For example, stash toiletries and cleaning supplies in a separate closet, a dresser, or under the sink.

Your drawers and cabinets

Potential buyers will probably open drawers and cabinets. Spend time getting inspired by these home organizers. Think about all of the details like your spice rack, whether your dishes match, and finally taming your “junk drawer.” In need of more inspiration? Our Pins may help!

Go the extra mile, and don’t get caught off guard. You wouldn’t want to scream a slow motion “nooooo” as a potential buyer innocently reaches to open a closet.

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Seller Checklist: Staging Your Open House

September 8, 2015 By

An open house may be the best way to show potential buyers your listing. A house might look nice in a few photos but not so nice in person, or vice-versa. So how do you put on the kind of open house that is likely to leave you with an offer? Our Open House Checklist can show you what to do (and what not to do) to increase your chance of putting on the best and most successful open house.

What to do before the open house:

You need to take your place from lived-in to open-house-ready. At a loss for where to start? Follow these suggestions!

  • Clean, clean, clean.
  • Work on your landscaping.
  • Get rid of any personal items (especially family photos).
  • Declutter the house—no knickknacks, please!
  • Plan the open house for off-hours, like weekends.
  • Create an info packet about the house.
  • Put up signs advertising the event.
  • Clear out the driveway so there is room for guests to park.
  • Manage the temperature so the home is not too warm or too cold.
  • Set out some fresh-cut flowers or other plants.
  • Turn on all of the lights and open the curtains.

What not to do for the open house:

Everyone has different preferences, but the following things may have an adverse effect on potential buyers. Avoid these mistakes when you’re planning your open house.

  • Don’t wait until the last minute to fix broken objects.
  • Don’t hover.
  • Don’t put on music.
  • Don’t run out of copies of the info packet you made.
  • Don’t have an overwhelming smell—whether that be cleaning products or cookies.
  • Don’t let your pets stay around during an open house.
  • Don’t leave any room or area in the house off limits.

The main objective of your open house should be to make prospective buyers envision your home sweet home as their own. If you follow these tips (and avoid the mistakes) you may be able to create an open house that does just that.

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How to Sell Your Home in the Spring

May 11, 2015 By

Spring is an excellent time to sell. When you sell in the warmer seasons, you are given more leeway in how you can present your home.

Here are some tips to help enhance your home and increase the likelihood of selling in the springtime!

  1. Open Windows: The bitter cold isn’t ideal for open windows. Having the windows open during a showing allows a nice breeze and a lot of natural light to flow into your home, showing off its best features. There is something so satisfying about seeing the sunlight reflect onto the floor, and the curtains blowing in the breeze. It gives a comforting and homey feeling, appealing to buyers’ interests.
  1. Curb Appeal: One of the many benefits of selling in the spring is being able to show off your landscaping. It’s hard to see how beautiful a yard is when it’s covered with mountains of snow, so now that your lawn is visible, it’s important to get it into good shape. Make sure the outside of your home looks great.
  1. Spring Cleaning: Your home should be tidy for the showing. Clear out cluttered closets and pantries, deep clean the carpet, polish the floors, and show off all the potential your home has!
  1. Pre-Inspection: Winter may have prevented you from doing a full pre-inspection on your home, but the warmer weather welcomes it. Take a sunny afternoon to go outside your home and look at everything from the roof to the concrete. Make sure you take care of little repairs around the home and pay special attention to any foundation damage left over from winter.
  1. Bright Colors: Gone are days of heavy throw blankets and comforters. Now it’s time to lighten up your home with bright colors and lightweight materials. Bring out the linens, colorful solids, and bright throw pillows to accent your home. All of these light layers and colors complement the natural light and breeze that comes from the open windows.

 

Spring is a great time to put your home on the market. Buyers will love attending showings and open houses on a warm, sunny, Saturday afternoon. Follow these best practices for selling in the springtime.

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