Land for sale by owner presents a special challenge. The homeowner must find creative ways to attract potential buyers. Here are some suggestions for listing lots for sale.
The first step is to review the parcel, on paper and in person. Write a list of all the amenities it has. If it is a farm, how many acres does it have? How many buildings? How many of those buildings are useable? How many bedrooms does it have?
If it is hunting land for sale or other acreage for sale, describe the acreage. Is it wooded? Is it hilly? Is it close to roads or to a town? How is it zoned?
When writing the listing, the most important part is the headline. Create a listing that attracts the buyer's attention. "Cheap land for sale" is a headline that always gets people to read the listing. Stir up the buyer's emotions in the headline: "Romantic country cottage" attracts more readers than "50-year-old bungalow".
When writing the text, consider what it was that attracted the owner to the property. Chances are, those same reasons will attract new buyers. If the quiet rural atmosphere is the draw, start with that. If the friendly neighborhood or well-maintained home is most important, use those factors.
Real estate listings generally have limited space. Try to include all the most important features on the listing. Then create a data sheet with all the information to give to those who respond to the listing. The data sheet should be very detailed with information on taxes, utilities, local services, number of rooms etc.
In any real estate listing, it is important to include a picture. Because generally only one picture is included, make sure it is a clear picture that shows the best feature of the property, such as a stream or a romantic old farm house. If the listing is for hunting property, try to use a picture with the deer or other wildlife that can be found there.
There is some debate as to whether the listing should include the reason for selling the property. Some believe that listing such matters as retirement or job relocation encourages potential buyers to low bid on a property. Others say listing the reason alleviates any doubt about the condition of the property, thus encouraging potential buyers to find out more.
Of course, a listing should include contact information so potential buyers can arrange for a visit and to get the details they need.
Once the listing is written, read it, pretending to be a buyer. Is it compelling? It is important to have another person proofread it before publishing it online or in print. Writers, even professional ones, often cannot spot their own mistakes. A second person can spot them. Make sure to especially double check prices, telephone numbers, email addresses, street addresses and sales price. The second person should also read it to see if the listing is compelling enough. Does he or she want to immediately pick up the phone to find out more?
Listing land for sale is a tricky business. A lot of information must be persuasively presented in a very small space. However, a good listing is a quick way to get the attention to potential buyers. Take the time to write a great listing.
