4 Tools for Real Estate Private Sellers
From time management, to e-signatures, there are a ton of tools for real estate out there to help independent sellers.
It’s all on you when independently selling. Luckily, we live in a time where there are a new and easy to use tools for sellers to help them out when it comes to getting their place sold.
The following is a list of tools all private sellers should consider using. Each of these tools will help you save time and money.
1. Lock Box
Just a simple, combination lock box will do. Something you can place your keys in and leave attached to your house, so that buyer agents can unlock your door and enter with their buyers, and you can be out at the beach.
Why wait around for showings to be finished. Schedule them when you are not going to be home and have the buyer agent do all the work.
You have the protection of the real estate board behind you when a buyer agent is involved in the transaction. You don’t need to worry about being around for the showing.
Quickly scrolling I found a lock box on amazon for under $30.
You can also find them at Home Depot.
If you are just using them for the sale of your property I wouldn’t worry too much about your selection. However, from my experience, the combination lock boxes do wear over time, especially in the winter.
2. Google Calendar
When the calls start coming in from agents you need to stay organized and on top of things. I highly recommend Google Calendar for scheduling in these appointments.
You can do a ton of cool things with Google Calendar like set notifications and reminders for showing appointments.
There is even a useful tool that allows you to set appointments with other people, who can confirm with a “yes”. This would be great for tenants when booking showings with agents. They will confirm through email and as long as you give 24 hours you are all set to go!
When selling privately, the only person you have to rely on is you. It is important to stay organized.
3. Killer Photos
Photos are your first point of contact with potential buyers. Now a days you do not need to go buy a fancy camera. Most cell phones come with an amazing camera.
The MLS allows for up to 31 photos, why not use them all?
For a nice video on how to shoot photos of your property with your phone check out this YouTube video.
Let’s be honest, if your photos suck no one will show.
Take the time to deliver some beautiful shots for your listing.
4. Dotloop / Docusign
I am a huge fan of E-signatures. They save a huge amount of time and money for our brokerage.
My company Air Realty uses Dotloop and it is free for the sellers or buyers we send docs to for signatures.
Alternatively, you can sign up for a free account with Docusign.
If you are using a Google account, Docusign links right to it in the Apps which is very handy.
The buyer agent may already have e-signatures through their brokerage for you to use.
When the offer comes in, check with them before spending money on a system of your own.
Final Thoughts
When privately selling, you are your own agent.
Today’s agents have a wide variety of tech at their disposal to guide them through the transaction. You should too.
Arm yourself with the same tools agents use to assist you on a successful private sale.
If you are using a tool not listed above to help you sell your property, let me know about it in the comment section.