Listing of the Day - Dayton OH

In an effort to improve the impact of the marketing of listings, I randomly choose current listings around the country in a variety of price ranges and comment on their effectiveness. No current clients of mine are used, nor do I know any sellers or buyers or have any additional information about the property.


1500 Elm Brook Trail, Dayton OH 4 + 3 1/2 $250,000


http://classifieds.daytondailynews.com/real-estate-homes-apts/all/single-family/listing/636710/?sale=for_sale&q=dayton%2C+oh&minprice=150000&maxprice=250000&bed=2&bath=1

So what if the primary exterior photo is not from a bright, sunny day. The first impression photo is very real. Snow on the ground and a cloudy day in the background. Yet, the size and scope of the house comes "shining" through to a potential buyer. The wide driveway and 3-car garage as part of this large 2-story home are immediately evident.

This ad has one of the best photo spreads I have seen in years, and not because there are 20 photos overall. A couple of them wisely duplicate a room but provide different angles to give a more positive perspective. From having seen the photos, and seeing a large amount of description copy to read, I already feel as though this is a very professional presentation of an upscale listing.

The description does not let the reader down either. I didn't find any spelling errors or confusing abbreviations. Better yet, there is absolutely no "Realtor fluff" (such as "shows well", etc.), leaving every phrase to bring out selling points.

Many of these selling points are unique, and the agent carefully brings them out. Points such as "sunny morning room", "bay window", and "basement is plumbed for an additional bath" add a ton to the first impression. This is important when you consider there are several other homes in this price range also available right now.

I especially like the "finished basement features a media room wired for 7.1 surround sound" line. A movie or music lover understands he/she could have a state-of-the-art system right off the bat. If a potential buyer doesn't care about that, it still shows the precision and capabilities of the property, becoming an immediate future selling point.

Even at the end of the description, major sales points are still flowing. From the "oversized shower" and "double sinks" of the master bath to then pointing out it is a 3-car garage, the benefits continue.

This agent even includes "high speed internet" among the "Interior Features" below. A great strategy, especially for a 4-bedroom home where chances are more than one computer would be in use.

Mentioning features such as the surround sound, internet, and double sinks are huge because they tell us exactly how the buyer can and will use the home on a regular basis. These are practical amenities that some homes either do not have or fail to point out.

Simply put, this is one of the most well done listing ads I have seen in years. The sellers should be pleased with how their home is being marketed.

GRADE: A




Note: This commentary is uncompensated and for marketing purposes only and is no reflection on the featured property. Its accuracy is not guaranteed. Neither Dave Kohl nor First In Promotions shall be held responsible for any representations.

At this time, I have openings for more realty agent/office clients to critique current and brand new listings on an hourly basis. No current or past client listings are featured on this blog.Random listings are chosen around the country.

Your comments are most welcome!