Ad writing tips for listing real estate for sale

When you are selling a home, writing clear copy is more important than ever these days. With the number of homes available online, buyers are able to jump from listing to listing quicker than ever before so the key is to make your listing interesting and attention-grabbing. Also, since your ad is the first point of contact you have with potential buyers, it is crucial that your listing be clear and complete.

We have listed some tips and things to keep in mind when you are creating your home listing.

Write a Clear and Interest-Grabbing Headline: The headline will be the part of your ad that almost every potential buyer will see so this is your chance to get their attention. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, they suggest that you spend at least half of the time creating your ad working just on the headline. With so many other housing options on the market, if you do not grab people's attention with just the headline, chances are, they will not read the rest of your ad. Be honest when writing your headline but add a sense of urgency so it appears that this is a great and sought after home.

Know Your Local Housing Market: Be specific about your area. Know the school districts, parks, businesses, landmarks, cultural centers and be sure to list them as specifically as you can. Potential buyers may be unfamiliar with the area and by doing this, you can show that you have expertise and knowledge of the local area and can answer almost any question they may have not only about the home itself but also about the general area.

Proofread Your Copy: Remember, your ad is the first impression you will give to potential buyers and nothing can ruin a buyer's confidence quicker than an ad with typos. After you finish your ad, save it as a draft, take a break and then come back to it later with a fresh set of eyes. Make sure everything is correct and then read it out loud. It is much easier to catch any possible mistakes when you hear them rather than when you read them and it can also help you find better ways to word certain passages.

Include Clear Contact Information: The goal of advertising your home is to set up showings to potential buyers. If your email address and phone number are not clearly listed in the ad, it will be hard for people to contact you. Make sure they are easy to find and readily available. If you are having an open house, make sure you list the date and time along with the address or directions.

Include Photos of Your Home: Pictures can display your home in ways words never could. This in mind, remember that you want to use honest photos of the property. Never over or under promise the home with your photos. If you use only the best parts of the home in your photos, when a potential buyer comes to see the property, they may feel that your ad was less than truthful. Remember, your ad is the first point of contact you will have with buyers so you do not want them to feel like they have been tricked. Instead, use this to show your home in an honest light while still pointing out all of the great features it has to offer.

Don't Forget to List the Features: Be sure to list all of the advantages your home has such as hardwood floors, garages or swimming pools. Also, be mindful of how you word your features. Almost every house says 'three bedrooms', make yours stand out by offering not just the features but a vision of living in the property such as 'three bedrooms, perfect for children, a home office or a workout room'. If a buyer can imagine themselves living in the home before they even come to see the property, you have a better chance of making a sale.

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