The internet has a head-spinning number of articles on the interview questions you should ask a Real Estate Agent when you are ready list your home for sale.  In my opinion, the most important question that doesn't seem to get a lot of attention is "What will be the marketing strategy for my home?".  During the 2020-2022 sellers market we just went through, many Agents didn't do much, if any, marketing.  They simply entered the listing into their MLS because they felt the home would sell regardless, and in some cases that was true.  However, with a buyers market fast approaching, those agents are going to need to step up their game.  So now, more than ever, it's important for you to ask the Agent you are interviewing how they plan on marketing your home. 

Marketing a home takes time, effort, and creativity.  Not everything on my list below is applicable to every home I market but see how many items on my list the Agent you interview even mentions; and then call me!

• MLS (Multiple Listing Service) – There are a couple of MLS's that cover different areas of Eastern TN. How many will your home be listed in? 
• Documents added to the MLS listing - What documents will be included in the listing? This is helpful information about your home for a buyer and their Agent. However, a notation in your listing will state that the buyer should do their own due diligence. If your Agent does happen to locate any of these documents, it may not be the most current or complete information, hence the notation.
  • Septic Permit – Buyers want to know where the septic is located on the property. If your home is on a private septic system and you don't have a copy of this, it may have been recorded at the county courthouse.  
  • Survey – If you have a survey of the property or a copy of the subdivision plat, great! If not, one might have been recorded in the past at the county courthouse. Most of the new surveys are recorded but the older ones may not be. 
  • Subdivision Restrictions – Restrictions are sometimes listed in the warranty deed but typically in a subdivision it is a separate document. Most subdivision restrictions can be found in the county courthouse records.
• Floor plan – Most homeowners don't have blueprints of their house, but buyers still want to know if their furniture (or a baby grand piano) will fit. A floor plan with room dimensions will tell them.  Taking room measurements and drafting the floor plan takes time so it's rare that an Agent will do this.
• Custom Brochure – A lot of buyers drive around neighborhoods they might consider buying in. A custom brochure with a color photo of the home and key information will instantly satisfy their curiosity.
• Buyer packet – A bundle of information available for buyers to take home after they tour your property will remind them of what they loved about your home. This might include the septic permit, survey/plat, restrictions, floor plan, and listing information.
• Advertising media – What form of media will be used to promote your home? Company website, global websites (realtor.com, redfin, Zillow…), print, social media, direct mail, email?
• Neighborhood notification – This is especially useful in subdivisions. A direct mailing to the other homeowners might prompt them to tell a friend or relative looking to move to the area.
• Agent notification – An email blast to Agents in the area notifying them of the new listing.
• Open house – The pro's and con's of having an open house, and whether it's a viable option for your property should be discussed with your Agent.

These last items will impact the quality of your marketing materials.

• Staging – Is your home inviting both inside and out? Will the listing photos in the marketing material make buyers want to see your home?  Agents should give you some staging advice. The degree of what you do or whether you choose to do any of it is up to you. 
• Photographs – The first glimpse into your home is via the photographs that are taken for marketing it. Photographs of the most luxurious home taken with a cell phone are probably not going to do it justice.  Professional photographers are not necessarily required in all cases, but you should ask how the Agent plans on shooting your home and whether there will be any aerial photos (drone).
• Video Tour – This is applicable for larger homes and estates where the number of photographs might become too overwhelming or confusing. 

Maximizing the exposure of your home to potential buyers is what marketing is all about.  Make sure your home is being proactively marketed to take it from "For Sale" to "SOLD!".