Technology affects nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and online listings for housing is just one manifestation.
Now more than ever, people turn to digital tools and the internet to fulfill their needs, including looking for houses in the homebuying process. Let’s explore why listing online is important when selling a home in Oklahoma City, and how to improve your experience.
The Digital World Makes Things Possible
There has been a trend toward using online resources, which spans generations. The majority of people looking to buy and sell homes turn to the internet first, for researching, finding comps, and the like. In 2018, the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report found that 63% of home sellers were using online resources. In younger generations, the numbers were even higher, with 67% of Gen Xers selling their home using online resources, and a whopping 86% of millennials doing the same. In fact, looking for housing online has become something of a pastime, even parodied in a comedy skit!
The past year has seen the world experience a pandemic, and the housing market across the nation has reacted dramatically. One fallout of COVID-19 restrictions is that access to online resources has only increased in importance. With no possibilities for open houses, showings, or other typical avenues for house selling, online listings are a more valuable resource than ever before. In many cases, the photographs and information contained in the online listing are all the experience a buyer has with a property before purchasing it, making the listing truly important.
Two Main Ways to Sell Your Home Online
There are two main ways you’ll likely use an online listing when selling your home. The first is using a for sale by owner (FSBO) specific website. These can be appealing because you don’t have to hire a real estate agent or pay commission fees. You can upload pictures and information yourself, and handle all the marketing and communication, such as sharing on social media.
It’s also possible to create an online listing with a real estate agent, where you are banking on the agent’s network, marketing skills, and social media reach. All of those factors may help more eyes to see your online listing and attract more potential buyers. Additionally, agents have access to MLS databases, including more refined search capabilities through Internet Data Display (IDX). You should still expect to pay 5-6% of your home’s sale price for agents’ commissions.
Benefits of Listing Online
Of the many benefits you’ll find listing your home for sale online, here are a few to consider:
- The internet is the fastest growing source for inquiry
- Wider reach and visibility
- More targeted advertising
- Ease of searching and sorting properties
- Less expense
- More comprehensive listings
- Ease of communication
Try Another Avenue with Sell Your OKC Home
Online listings can range in the amount of pictures and information they include, and the seller can put as little or as much effort into them as they wish. Another way to sell your Oklahoma City home online is to reach out to Sell Your OKC Home. We make the process as simple and streamlined as it can be, no photos or listing needed. Contact us online today for a no-obligation cash offer.