![\"the](\"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/unnamed-2024-07-31T193046.026.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n1. Understand every feature, flaw, & selling point of the property<\/h2>\n
You can\u2019t market a home you barely know. Before you even think about writing the listing or creating your real estate marketing plan, you\u2019ve got to know the home like the back of your hand. What makes it shine? What quirks might raise eyebrows?<\/p>\n
- \n
- Identify the home\u2019s unique selling features:<\/strong> Talk to your seller and get specific about the spaces they\u2019ve enjoyed the most. Features like a remodelled kitchen or custom built-ins can set the tone when you start writing creative listing descriptions<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Consider how the property fits a buyer\u2019s lifestyle:<\/strong> Is this home ideal for remote workers, growing families, or downsizing retirees? Use location and amenities to frame the home in a way that speaks directly to the people who\u2019ll see the most value in it.<\/li>\n
- Research the neighborhood:<\/strong> Dig into local highlights like nearby employers, schools, transit access, airports, and development plans. However, be mindful to comply with all fair housing laws<\/a> when interacting with your clients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- <\/ul>\n
- Prepare a detailed CMA:<\/strong> The comparative market analysis (CMA)<\/a> is one of the best tools in your real estate listing marketing plan because it gives you and your clients tangible data to base pricing on. Get a baseline of value for the listing, then discuss options for pricing above or below market value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Spreadsheet](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
CMA worksheet (Source: The Close<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n - \n
- Discuss options with the seller:<\/strong> Break down the impact of each approach, such as going slightly above market, pricing at value, or dipping just below to spark interest. Be clear about what each move might mean in terms of showings, buyer urgency, and days on market.<\/li>\n
- Layer in current market considerations:<\/strong> Research days on market, current pricing, new construction, mortgage interest rates, and changes in the community. These details can significantly influence buyer behavior and should inform how you market the home from the outset.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Prepare the house for sale by maximizing its appeal<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Clean and declutter: <\/strong>Guide your sellers on what to pack away, especially anything overly personal. Once the space is clear, bring in pros for a deep clean to make the home feel fresh and move-in ready.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Handle minor repairs and touch-ups:<\/strong> Recommend changes that offer a visual impact without incurring significant costs. Be honest about what\u2019s worth fixing and what might not be worth the investment.<\/li>\n
- Boost curb appeal<\/strong><\/a>: <\/strong>From planting fresh flowers to power washing the front walk, minor updates can make a big first impression. If the exterior still requires improvement, consider adding visual enhancements to elevate it further.<\/li>\n
- Use staging to bring the space to life:<\/strong> If the house is vacant or the decor is subpar, consider staging your listing<\/a> or hiring a professional staging company to add context to empty or not-so-appealing spaces. Staging is a must-have in your real estate listing marketing plan for luxury homes in particular.<\/li>\n
- Offer virtual staging when needed:<\/strong> If traditional staging isn\u2019t in the budget, an alternative is virtual staging<\/a>, which can also be done for vacant or furnished homes. Use a professional company like Apply Design to give your vacant listing a stunning makeover.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nExample of a home interior virtually staged using Apply Design.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n \n Visit Apply Design<\/a>\n <\/div>\n4. Create and collect high-quality visual assets<\/h2>\n
Strong visuals are non-negotiable. Buyers are scrolling through dozens of listings, and your photos and videos need to stop the scroll. Here are a few must-haves to build out your visual real estate listing checklist:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Professional photography:<\/strong> Bring in a real estate photographer to create stunning images that showcase the best angles and lighting. If you\u2019re shooting it yourself, brush up on photo composition, lighting, and some editing basics. Check out our real estate photography guide<\/a> for some tips for stunning listings.<\/li>\n
- 3D Tours: <\/strong>Invest in 3D virtual tours to provide buyers with an interactive tour experience. Using software like Matterport will ensure that you\u2019re able to create a stellar experience for potential buyers. Visit Matterport <\/a>to learn more about it, or check our best virtual tour software guide<\/a> for more options.<\/li>\n
- Promo videos and virtual tours:<\/strong> Shoot short vertical videos with music and text overlays for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts. Simple walkthroughs shot on your phone can perform surprisingly well.<\/li>\n
- Aerial photography and video: <\/strong>Use drone shots to capture a broader view of the property, neighborhood, and surroundings. This is particularly helpful if the home is located near key landmarks, such as the beach, a golf course, or a university.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nRelated articles<\/div>\n- \n
- \n <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n8 Real Estate Photography Tips for Stunning Listing Photos<\/div>\n
<\/a>\n <\/li>\n
- \n <\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nReal Estate Photography Pricing, Types & Hiring Tips Guide<\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/li>\n
- \n <\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nDrones for Real Estate Photography: How to Get Started + Top Picks<\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
5. Create a listing & post everywhere<\/h2>\n
Your listing deserves maximum exposure, and that means showing up everywhere buyers are looking \u2014 locally, regionally, and online. From your property description to syndication, every detail matters. Here\u2019s how to get it out in front of the right audience:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Write a compelling property description:<\/strong> Focus on the lifestyle the home offers using descriptive real estate words<\/a> that help buyers picture themselves living there.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Upload to your local multiple listing service (MLS):<\/strong> Post your listing on your local MLS with images from your pro photographer. Details matter, so double-check every field before hitting publish.<\/li>\n
- Feature it on your brokerage and personal websites: <\/strong>If you have a website, prominently feature the listing on the homepage with a strong call to action to generate inquiries.<\/li>\n
- List it on nearby MLSs:<\/strong> For homes near city or county borders, posting to multiple MLSs can expand visibility.<\/li>\n
- Syndicate to major listing platforms:<\/strong> Include permission for your listing to be syndicated to other sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com for broader reach.<\/li>\n
- Prepare a listing book: <\/strong>Assemble a book that includes neighborhood amenities and community insights. Add more in-depth information about your listing and make the book attractive. It\u2019s a great tool to leave out during showings or open houses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
6. Host open houses<\/h2>\n
Open houses can create buzz and bring in serious buyers when done right. Whether you\u2019re drawing a weekend crowd or offering a more private experience, the key is creating a smooth showing and following up with purpose.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Kick things off with a traditional open house:<\/strong> Plan a well-promoted event that feels like a grand opening. Coordinate timing with your seller, have the home spotless, and use a tool like Curb Hero to collect visitor info.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Use Curb Hero to have guests sign in to your open house. (Source: Curb Hero)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n \n Visit Curb Hero<\/a>\n <\/div>\n- \n
- Offer a virtual option for remote buyers:<\/strong> Schedule a virtual open house<\/a> through platforms like Facebook or Instagram Live and invite attendees from outside the local area.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Host by-appointment-only showings when needed:<\/strong> If the seller prefers more control or privacy, set time blocks for individual buyers. This gives you space to engage more and guide the experience.<\/li>\n
- Follow up with open house attendees: <\/strong>Reach out to them soon after the event to thank them, solicit their feedback, and address any questions they may have. Personal follow-ups help turn casual interest into potential offers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
7. Leverage digital marketing channels<\/h2>\n
Digital marketing is all about showing up in the right places, with the right message, for the right audience. Develop a strategic approach that leverages both organic reach and targeted advertising.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Create a <\/strong>single-property website<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Use Canva for a quick, low-cost site or explore luxury-focused platforms like Sierra Interactive for something more elevated. Don\u2019t forget to include lead capture forms to turn traffic into inquiries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Example of single property site from Sierra Interactive (Source: Sierra Interactive)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n \n Visit Sierra Interactive<\/a>\n <\/div>\n- \n
- Run <\/strong>real estate ads<\/strong><\/a> on social platforms:<\/strong> Use Meta Business to promote your listing across Facebook and Instagram. Create your ads, set your budget, and you\u2019re all set.<\/li>\n
- Post in real estate Facebook groups and Marketplace:<\/strong> Listings shared in local or niche groups can drive organic interest, especially when paired with eye-catching visuals.<\/li>\n
- Tap into Google Ads<\/strong><\/a> for high-intent traffic: <\/strong>Whether through your setup or tools like Real Geeks or Sierra Interactive, Google\u2019s targeting power helps you reach buyers actively searching in your market.<\/li>\n
- Showcase your expertise on LinkedIn:<\/strong> Use this platform to promote investment opportunities or demonstrate your local market knowledge to your professional network..<\/li>\n
- Create scroll-stopping visuals for Pinterest and Instagram:<\/strong> Pin or post listing photos and link directly to your lead capture pages. These platforms are perfect for visual-first engagement.<\/li>\n
- Show some personality on TikTok:<\/strong> A quick video (set to trending audio) of a unique listing feature \u2014 a swimming pool, gourmet kitchen, or a sunset from the deck \u2014 can reach a whole new audience.<\/li>\n
- Post on Craigslist:<\/strong> You may not think of Craigslist when you start mapping out your marketing strategy, but don\u2019t discount how many eyeballs you can capture on the platform for your listing.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Launch remarketing campaigns:<\/strong> One of the most effective strategies for efficient digital marketing is remarketing, which reengages your existing customers through targeted email or paid ads. You can do this through your Google Ads account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nRelated Articles<\/div>\n- \n
- \n <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n28 Real Estate Instagram Posts That Attract Clients<\/div>\n
<\/a>\n <\/li>\n
- \n <\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTikTok for Real Estate: Ideas & Best Practices for Agents<\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/li>\n
- \n <\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHow to Get Real Estate Leads From Craigslist That Actually Convert<\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
8. Utilize traditional media outlets<\/h2>\n
Digital marketing might get most of the buzz, but traditional media still has its place. From print to radio, these outlets can add reach and credibility to your listing campaign:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Run local TV ads:<\/strong> Use the power of TV advertising to reach your audience who doesn\u2019t spend all their time on their phones. Depending on your target demographic, TV ads may produce powerful results and are a great asset to your overall listing marketing plan.<\/li>\n
- Place radio spots with broad community reach:<\/strong> Consider sponsoring segments or running short promos on popular radio stations in your area. Think about tying it to your brokerage branding.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Advertise in regional or luxury home magazines:<\/strong> These glossy spreads often land in the hands of serious buyers. Plus, sellers love seeing their home in print.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Print real estate flyers with CTAs: <\/strong>Design high-quality flyers for your listing that highlight the features, along with a QR code for more information.<\/li>\n
- Use newspaper display ads for extra visibility:<\/strong> Local newspapers still draw attention. Sellers love seeing their listings in print. And newspapers have digital display ads online, too!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- <\/ul>\n
- Use high-quality yard signs:<\/strong> As part of your real estate marketing listing checklist, ensure your yard signs are in excellent condition and represent your image professionally.<\/li>\n
- Add QR codes for easy digital access:<\/strong> Link directly to your listing site or virtual tour. Create sleek, branded codes using tools like Canva.<\/li>\n
- Try geo-targeted ads around the property: <\/strong>Use a geofencing marketing company to advertise to those who come within the perimeter of your property.<\/li>\n
- Branded directional signs: <\/strong>Invest in branded directional signs to stand out and attract more buyers to your open house.<\/li>\n
- Postcards and door hangers:<\/strong> Use a company like ProspectsPLUS to create marketing postcards for your listing and send them out with just a few clicks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nProspectsPLUS offers tons of postcard templates with postage options. (Source: ProspectsPLUS)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n \n Visit ProspectsPLUS<\/a>\n <\/div>\n- \n
- Generate more leads through circle prospecting:<\/strong> Get out and knock on doors around your open house to encourage people to visit. \u201cLookie-loo\u201d neighbors sometimes bring referrals, so make nice with them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
10. Market to your sphere of influence<\/h2>\n
Your personal network is one of your strongest marketing tools. Past clients, colleagues, fellow agents, and community contacts can help spread the word and offer feedback. Don\u2019t be shy \u2014 always keep your circle in the loop.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Start with your office: <\/strong>Spread the word about your listing to everyone you already work with. They may have a buyer who is the perfect fit.<\/li>\n
- Market to outside agents and brokerages: <\/strong>Post in industry Facebook groups, message boards, or agent networks where peers gather and share inventory.<\/li>\n
- Send a dedicated email blast to your sphere:<\/strong> Whether it\u2019s a one-time send or part of your regular newsletter, ensure your contacts hear about the listing.<\/li>\n
- Loop in local businesses:<\/strong> Reach out to small business owners and community partners who might help spread the word.<\/li>\n
- List on a broker tour or caravan: <\/strong>Showcase your listing through your local broker tour. Create feedback forms for agents to share their thoughts on how you can improve your listing.<\/li>\n
- Update your seller client weekly:<\/strong> Even if there\u2019s nothing new to report, consistent communication is vital for a solid working relationship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Bonus: Apply specialized strategies for marketing luxury listings<\/h2>\n
Luxury listings call for a higher level of presentation and promotion. Everything, from your branding to your materials, should reflect the premium experience buyers expect at this level.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Polish your brand:<\/strong> If you\u2019re breaking into the luxury market, you\u2019ll want to make sure your brand is ultra-high-quality. Everything from your logo to listing materials should signal quality, exclusivity, and attention to detail.<\/li>\n
- Invest in a custom video:<\/strong> Hire a pro to create a cinematic property tour with aerial shots and voiceover narration.<\/li>\n
- Level up your <\/strong>real estate brochure<\/strong><\/a> game:<\/strong> Skip the one-pagers. Go for thick, high-gloss cardstock and multi-page layouts that feel like mini coffee table books.<\/li>\n
- Market beyond your ZIP code:<\/strong> List nationally and internationally to attract vacation home buyers and home investors. Reach out to agents in other luxury markets who might have interested clients.<\/li>\n
- Host a high-end broker\u2019s open: <\/strong>Invite top agents who have worked similar price points, serve upscale food and drinks, and consider small gifts as thank-yous.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n
\nHow to create a marketing plan for real estate?
\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nStart by thoroughly understanding the property inside and out, then develop a comprehensive plan that includes a pricing strategy, effective staging, high-quality visuals, and a distribution strategy across both digital and traditional channels. Remember to tailor your approach to the specific type of property, target buyer, and prevailing market conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nHow do I market my listings?
\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nUse a mix of professional photos, videos, single-property sites, social media, email marketing, and open houses. The key is showing up consistently where buyers are already looking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nHow do I get my listings noticed?
\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nExcellent visuals and targeted marketing make all the difference. Promote across multiple channels, write compelling descriptions, and don\u2019t forget to tap into your sphere and agent network to spread the word.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nBringing it all together<\/h2>\n
In the current market, learning how to put a real estate marketing plan for sellers together and execute it will make a big difference in your level of success. What strategies do you use in your real estate listing marketing plan? Let me know in the comments!<\/p>\n
The post The Ultimate Real Estate Listing Marketing Plan (PDF Checklist)<\/a> appeared first on The Close<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Your listing marketing plan is one of the most powerful tools you have as a seller\u2019s agent. It maps out exactly where, how, why, and when you\u2019ll promote your client\u2019s home. If you haven\u2019t created one yet, I\u2019m sharing our 10-point Ultimate Real Estate Listing Marketing Plan to help you look like a rock star […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":531,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marketing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=529"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":539,"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions\/539"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/531"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livelovebuffalo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Invest in a custom video:<\/strong> Hire a pro to create a cinematic property tour with aerial shots and voiceover narration.<\/li>\n
- Market to outside agents and brokerages: <\/strong>Post in industry Facebook groups, message boards, or agent networks where peers gather and share inventory.<\/li>\n
- Start with your office: <\/strong>Spread the word about your listing to everyone you already work with. They may have a buyer who is the perfect fit.<\/li>\n
- Add QR codes for easy digital access:<\/strong> Link directly to your listing site or virtual tour. Create sleek, branded codes using tools like Canva.<\/li>\n
\nPost an ad in newspapers, both in display and classifieds.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n 9. Implement targeted neighborhood marketing<\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t overlook the power of local buzz. Clever neighborhood marketing can increase foot traffic, spark word-of-mouth referrals, and show nearby homeowners that you\u2019re the go-to agent in their area. It\u2019s old school, but still incredibly effective when done right.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Use newspaper display ads for extra visibility:<\/strong> Local newspapers still draw attention. Sellers love seeing their listings in print. And newspapers have digital display ads online, too!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Place radio spots with broad community reach:<\/strong> Consider sponsoring segments or running short promos on popular radio stations in your area. Think about tying it to your brokerage branding.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- \n <\/p>\n
- Post in real estate Facebook groups and Marketplace:<\/strong> Listings shared in local or niche groups can drive organic interest, especially when paired with eye-catching visuals.<\/li>\n
- Run <\/strong>real estate ads<\/strong><\/a> on social platforms:<\/strong> Use Meta Business to promote your listing across Facebook and Instagram. Create your ads, set your budget, and you\u2019re all set.<\/li>\n
- Host by-appointment-only showings when needed:<\/strong> If the seller prefers more control or privacy, set time blocks for individual buyers. This gives you space to engage more and guide the experience.<\/li>\n
- Offer a virtual option for remote buyers:<\/strong> Schedule a virtual open house<\/a> through platforms like Facebook or Instagram Live and invite attendees from outside the local area.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Upload to your local multiple listing service (MLS):<\/strong> Post your listing on your local MLS with images from your pro photographer. Details matter, so double-check every field before hitting publish.<\/li>\n
- \n <\/p>\n
- 3D Tours: <\/strong>Invest in 3D virtual tours to provide buyers with an interactive tour experience. Using software like Matterport will ensure that you\u2019re able to create a stellar experience for potential buyers. Visit Matterport <\/a>to learn more about it, or check our best virtual tour software guide<\/a> for more options.<\/li>\n
- Handle minor repairs and touch-ups:<\/strong> Recommend changes that offer a visual impact without incurring significant costs. Be honest about what\u2019s worth fixing and what might not be worth the investment.<\/li>\n
- Layer in current market considerations:<\/strong> Research days on market, current pricing, new construction, mortgage interest rates, and changes in the community. These details can significantly influence buyer behavior and should inform how you market the home from the outset.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Discuss options with the seller:<\/strong> Break down the impact of each approach, such as going slightly above market, pricing at value, or dipping just below to spark interest. Be clear about what each move might mean in terms of showings, buyer urgency, and days on market.<\/li>\n
2. Develop a data-driven pricing strategy<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Consider how the property fits a buyer\u2019s lifestyle:<\/strong> Is this home ideal for remote workers, growing families, or downsizing retirees? Use location and amenities to frame the home in a way that speaks directly to the people who\u2019ll see the most value in it.<\/li>\n
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