For those considering selling a home, it is sensible to sit down and take an honest look around your property and decide what features make the home unique from other homes for sale. Sellers have an emotional attachment to their home, in many cases they have lived in the home for years, raised their family in the home and in some cases, the decision to sell is difficult. However, sellers can help sell their home faster if they create a fact sheet that is specifically designed to make their home sell.
When creating an informational sheet, it is important to recognize there is no one size fits all solution. Different people will be searching for different things when they are considering purchasing a home. Sellers would be well advised to take a look around their neighborhood and understand the current demographic makeup before starting their sales sheet. For example, what will appeal to a family with children (large yard, nearby playgrounds, etc.) will not appeal to a senior couple. Business people will be interested in access to major roadways to make commuting easier and younger couples without children may be more interested in a home they can “grow into.” These factors will all play a role in how your fact sheet is constructed.
Sellers need to design a fact sheet for selling a home and this template from our Media Gallery, will help decide what should be included and what should be excluded.
The premise of creating a sales sheet is to convince people they want the home being sold. This often means using strong, definitive statements highlighting the best features of the home. There are some steps that should be taken to create a strong sales sheet including:
High quality photograph - It has often been said that a picture paints a thousand words, and this is very true when creating a sales brochure. Home sellers who include high quality images on their sales sheets can appeal to those buyers who are very visual. In a case where the outside of the home may be in need of repair, it is not unheard of to include photos of the home interior.
Needed information - The street number, name, city and state should be included along with any information regarding upcoming times the home will be available for an open house. This will encourage potential buyers to drive by to see the home and perhaps encourage them to visit the open house.
Descriptive phrases - Using strong descriptive phrases can help buyers make a connection with the home. Sellers can select from any number of phrases that can help draw attention to the home. Remember, this is where the demographic range of potential buyers must be considered.
Overall and individual sizes - The size of the home and room sizes may also be included on a fact sheet if they are known. In addition, individual room features such as walk-in closets, breakfast bars, sunken living room, etc. are often helpful to encourage potential buyers to view the property.
Property highlights - For properties with great views, large yards, trees or other unique features, it is helpful to describe them on the fact sheet. These features may not be evident when reviewing a photograph of the home and may be something buyers have an interest in. Other features that should be mentioned include finished basement, attic (where applicable) and anything else that may highlight a unique feature of the home.
Neighborhood information - Bearing in mind the demographics of potential buyers, it can be helpful to include information regarding the neighborhood. Features like “quiet neighborhood” will likely attract all types of buyers of all age groups. However, homes more suitable for families may include information about schools, playgrounds and area amenities like public swimming pools.
Homes that are more conducive to professional couples should include information about proximity to highways (or major roads), shopping centers, cultural opportunities, etc. Any information available about public transportation will be welcome by any age group interested in purchasing a home in the area. Links to the town (or city) website can be helpful in providing additional information for interested buyers.
Pricing information - Sellers who have had a professional appraisal may include the appraised price on their information sheet as a comparison (especially if the sale price is substantially lower). It is important to remember that appraised value and assessed values are not the same, so it is critical to not confuse the two as this could confuse potential buyers.
While a sales sheet should contain pertinent information, it is important that a seller not “oversell” the property. Stick to facts when discussing room sizes, features of the home and neighborhood amenities. If exact room sizes are unknown, avoid providing this information, instead just use number of rooms. Remember, the goal of a home sales sheet is to get a potential buyer interested in a property on an emotional level. While deception should be avoided at all costs, there is plenty to be said for tugging the right strings.
If you are considering putting your home up for sale, the fact sheet for selling a home template (provided in the link above) can be invaluable in finding the right buyer.
