Thread: Craigslist doesn't work for me to sell homes.

Originally Posted by drflet

I've been using different services to market my listings on Craigslist, and I've never had much luck with the whole thing. I think after putting 20 or so listings online, I only ever see a few hits back to by web site and very few calls or inquiries. It doesn't seem like it's necessarily a great tool for selling a home online.

I ran across this article today on marketing real estate on Craigslist that basically says that my experience is the norm - that homes don't sell on Craigslist. However, it says that it's a good way to generate promotion for the agent themselves.

I was just curious if my experience is the norm for everyone - is anyone having any luck selling homes on Craigslist?


I've lurked here for a while, thanks for the tips over the months!

Hi drflet,

Actually markting homes on craigslist works, I am giving away a free report on how triple your commissions & attract more listing and buyers with ease. The report talks about how to effectively use craigslist to sell your listings and a lot more. 99.9% of the realtors have no clue on this strategy. Put it to use and watch out, your clients will be happy and you will be happy with bigger commission checks.



Cheers,
Trd

It is very helpful in selling home just not always the home you have listed on craigslist. If you think about probability it makes sense. Pictures of homes don't tell the whole story and so many indivduals may really like the property from the pictures but then don't like the busy street near by or don't like the idea of being backed up against the forest or hate corner lots or can't deal with living in a culdesac because kids are always playing in the street. Then some will only buy a corner lot or only want homes backed up to the forest or even some like the conveniece to commercial amenities that the busy road provides.

This being the situation it would be rare that the house one calls on from a classified ad on craigslist would end up having the individual that called on that house buy that house. Now you might have the perfect listing for the person that called on a different home. And then you end up selling the other listing to the individual. You still sold a house because of craigslist it just wasn't the one you posted. Not to mention you need to have good conversion skills and be consistent in your posting.

I have actually had some decent luck on CL with my homes.

Listen, craigslist works! it just plain works because so many people go there. It's a simple user interface, people like to loook at it because it's easy to look at! that being said, it's time for people to take the leap!! Add a mobile marketing code (XAP Realty) to your posting and let people send all your information to their cell phone where they can keep it. This makes it really easy when they leave the house, now they have all your information with them on-the-go! Lastly, if you use craigslist, post specific titles. These titles really help not only you, but prospecdts searching to find the right places!! good luck everybody, and go craigslist! love them!

-Rich

I know several realtors that are doing business on Craigslist, successfully. Your ad will make or break your results, so if you are having problems getting any hits on your listings I would try reworking the listing to appeal to more home buyers. A little tweak might make a world of difference.

This is the third time I have come across this spam post this morning. They are just fishing for links and have not responded to any of the posts.

Hi,

In Fairfield County and New Haven County, CT I find Craigslist to be a great tool for advertising open houses for lower priced properties (in our area under $450,000) and also marketing rentals. When I place a Craigslist ad, I use ad tracking and can track hits back to my various websites and believe it or not, I get a ton of traffic when I post and open house on a Sat or Sun.

I also find it great for offering free reports, marketing MLS search on my websites, etc.

Best wishes,
Christopher Rich
Your Fairfield County Connecticut Realtor
William Raveis Real Estate

Originally Posted by drflet

I ran across an article today on marketing real estate on Craigslist that basically says that my experience is the norm - that homes don't sell on Craigslist. However, it says that it's a good way to generate promotion for the agent themselves!

Your experience is very common. Craig's List has way too many listings for any visitor to go through easily. The layout of the site is very old-fashioned and it lacks any good search functions. If you search any multiple listing service, you can specify your search criteria like location, neighborhood, price range, etc. None of these features is available at Craig's List. So, there is a strong chance that your properties have never been seen by those who you are targeting. Having said that, it doesn't mean you should abandom this free marketing tool. It should be considered as a part of your marketing plan. We have listed our fractional ownership vacation homes at Craig's List and have noticed increased traffic from those listing ads. If you keep doing what you are doing, you may someday soon make a good sale off your listings there. Good luck!

Hey guys, as I said before it is all about your marketing. To be honest 99% of the Realtors on craigslist are using this amazing marketing tool wrong. There is something that you can do right now to stand out from your competition to get your listing noticed and sold quickly.

Cheers,
Trd