If you’re a first-time seller, you probably want to know more about commercial real estate sales tips and tricks. It’s not enough to simply put up the selling ad in the paper, hoping for the best. No matter how great your property is, there will be competition, and it’s vital to stand out from the crowd. There are many ways to get ahead of the game, but some of them involve ducking the questions and just going with what feels right to you. Here are a few great tips from seasoned sellers who use social media to their advantage:
Be proactive. A seller’s forum is only as good as the people who frequent it, so before you list any property on there, be sure to have someone talk to you about your plans for selling commercial real estate. Even if you’ve got an open mind about selling, don’t hesitate to ask your real estate agent for advice, even if they’ve sold several similar properties. Your agent may be able to offer you some useful tips and strategies that you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.
Know your target market. If you really want to sell commercial real estate, then you need to make sure you’re targeting the correct group. Don’t assume your buyers will be rich, single individuals with money to burn. Instead, focus on families, couples, and retirees who are seeking a home for personal as well as business reasons. Find out from your real estate agent, whether or not your demographic is one that he or she has had success with in the past. Many sellers choose to go with social media marketing because it allows them to connect with potential buyers in areas that might not otherwise be reachable through traditional marketing methods.
Be consistent. Some sellers are tempted to blow off the social media aspect of their campaign to save time and money. In reality, the use of social media tools should be integrated into the entire selling process. You can still post photos and updates throughout the sale to attract buyers, but don’t stop there. Also, be sure to check in with each prospective buyer after the sale to ensure that they are happy with the choice and that your business will continue to be an option for them in the future.
Give good service. Your real estate agent can help you with this one. Make sure you do good work from the moment you walk through the door to when you close the deal. After viewing your property, don’t leave it to chance that buyers will come and pick it up; be sure to keep them updated on any changes (such as a new address or phone number) to your property.
Maintain contact after the sale. If you’ve been in business for more than a few years, chances are your clients know and trust you. Even if you haven’t had time to work on your real estate career, you can always find time to chat with current clients about their properties. If you have time to stay in touch, you’re more likely to make a solid sale and avoid wasting time and energy with a buyer who has no interest in your property.
Keep your home looking nice. Many buyers are motivated by the curb appeal of a house and what it could potentially sell for. If you are selling a run down house or apartment, keep the lawn well kept, the landscaping appealing, and any pets inside locked up. Don’t forget to lighten up the inside of the home as well; after all, you wouldn’t want potential buyers coming in to see if everything was dirty. A little light cleaning may be all it takes to make your home look like a million dollars.
Take advantage of all real estate listings. With so many listings out there, your next home shouldn’t be overlooked. Most listings feature more than one image for each property, allowing you to get a good idea of how much your property is worth. You should also take the initiative to view multiple properties before making your final decision. Viewing more than one property will allow you to compare price points and make an educated decision. No one wants to purchase a home that’s overpriced and under priced, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.