Craigslist has become a global phenomenon, bringing millions of people from all over the world to its local pages in order to find out about the latest deals. Listing their home on Craigslist could mean more buyers viewing the property. Craigslist can be a great tool for home sellers, but it’s not a magic bullet. Your home could be thrown out if you don’t hire a professional agent. More about the author?
Sites that claim you can sell your house through Craigslist without an agent are misleading. They don’t consider the many details involved in real estate transactions. Craigslist may make it easy to sell your home, but the negotiation process is different. Home buyers often find it difficult to manage the details of a sale when they are juggling a job, a family, and other obligations. A real estate agent can also connect a seller and buyer quickly because they have more contacts than most mortals.
Will Craigslist replace the MLS? Not likely. Craigslist only allows for a few searches – beds and baths, or specific keywords. Keywords are not very useful either for finding your dream home. To find buyers, you have to sift through classified ads that are incorrectly placed and those that are deliberately placed in the category “real estate”. The search parameters of Craigslist are not comparable to the MLS, which offers more extensive searches and filters.
Craigslist has a huge following and is used by many. Should you? Craigslist is a great tool to use as part of a larger campaign, which includes the MLS or other advertising. A comprehensive description, good photos and a link back to the MLS page or agent’s website are a necessity. The Craigslist posting should include words like “For more info, click this link …”” If the agent’s website has fancy features such as virtual walkthroughs, they should also be mentioned.
Craigslist can be a good place to sell your old furniture or other items, but it is not the best way to advertise a house for sale. Use it in conjunction with a professional agent to advertise your home. Clear copy and good pictures can help those looking for the perfect home to narrow down their search.