Classified Ad Writing Tips for Home Sellers

Listing your private home sale using classified ads can be very successful. Displaying your property profile on a high traffic website(s) in combination with both/either an online classified ad(s) or newspaper ad(s) can vastly improve exposure to your property.

We recommended that you engage in multiple marketing options in order to get exposure to as many qualified buyers as possible.

Advertising your private home sale using Classified ads online and in local newspapers can go a long way to getting prospective buyers attention and improving exposure to your sale.

A survey by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®* has determined that new home buyers are almost 5 times more likely to hear about their new home via the internet then by newspaper and that number continues to grow. Make sure you get that online ad up and running! 

Tips & Guidelines:

If you want to get the right attention to your classified ad then carefully write an ad to make them to want to learn more about your property without giving away everything about it. You always need to include these three things (4 if its in a good school district):

    - asking price
    - location
    - the # of bedrooms

    - school district (if a sort after school district only!)

Don't mention anything negative regarding your propery such as "in need of repairs" as you may eliminate potential buyers who may have decided to buy your property anyway after viewing it in person.

You want to be to-the-point. Start with the price as this is the single most important factor to buyers. Also mention if the price is negotiable or if financing is available. "Financing Available" will attract buyers as this is often the most complex part of the buying process.

It's encouraging for the potential buyer to know that the party selling the property is working towards pre-qualifying prospective buyers. If you're working with a lender that's willing to pre-qualify, especially if they're a lender that can get the buyer a good rate, be sure to mention this as well. Highlight this fact by citing " Excellent Financing " or " Affordable Financing " is available.

Working with a lender is especially advantageous if you're getting calls from shoppers only attracted to low down-payment options. Send those prospects directly to your lender, explaining the property is only being shown to buyers that have met with the lender.

Some buyers won't be willing to do this, but you can rest-assured those that will are serious, qualified prospects that are truly ready to purchase your property. Take down the name of the lender if someone is claiming to already have been pre-qualified and be sure to verify the pre-qualification before proceeding. Don't feel, however, that you have to provide financing options if you can't or don't want to - Your ad will still be effective either way.

In addition to your price and terms, the first line of the ad should also include the property's location . Since many prospective buyers only thumb through classifieds it's essential your ad is accurate, albeit not too specific. The goal is to get the prospect interested enough to visit the property for themselves. It is important to remember that in most cases buyers will only look at houses in their price range and preferred location.

The next area of your classified ad should provide the specific characteristics of the property . In the case of a house or condo for sale start off stating the number of bedrooms. Then make reference to garage/parking spaces, backyard, fence, and/or street. Make sure you include newly renovated or remodeled areas and elements as these often appeal to shoppers.

Mention any other features that make your property stand out such as a patio, fireplace(s), inground pool, etc.  Do not mention every detail you think is great about your property you want to keep it simple. What you think is good about your property does not always appeal to everyone. For example, a property close to the local mall may be convenient for you but others may associate it with noise and high-traffic surroundings. You certainly don't want to clutter your classified ad with details that will make shoppers lose interest! Just focus on getting them to call you.

Effective ads serve one primary purpose: Telling the prospect what they want to hear about your real estate for sale. They should be short, simple, and to-the-point. Below are some examples of well-written classified ads:

$750,000, Diamond Bar, CA. Best Offer, 
3 bedroom home, 2.5 baths attached-3 car garage, FSBO.
Call 555-555-1234 or visit http://www.uslister.com ID#1837390
 

$405,500, Homestead, FL. Lovely 3 bedroom home,

oversized corner lot, quiet street, Private Seller.
Call 555-555-4321 or visit http://www.uslister.com ID#4583971 
 

$226,900, Lincoln, NE, financing options available,

Over 2500 finished sq Feet 3 bedroom home, great neighbors.
FSBO. Call 555-555-1234 or visit http://www.uslister.com ID#5024963 

The examples above provide the prospect with the information needed, while giving them little cause to not consider the ad. As indicated, start with the price and follow with the location either bolded or in all caps. Classified ads can be an effective way to get more exposure. Just remember to aim the appeal to the serious FSBO buyers.

Recommended Online Classified Resources:

Craigslist.org - Free Classified Advertising Service Online. Post Ads for free (inluding real estate for sale). Ads remain active for 45 days and can be changed at any time. Canada

OLX.com - Free Classified Advertising Service Online.