Marketing and Showing Your Home

Marketing and Showing Your Home: Teaming Up with a Pro to Sell Smarter

When I decided to sell my home, I knew I didn’t want to do it alone. That’s why I teamed up with a professional real estate agent. From the very first conversation, it became clear that selling a home isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard—it’s about strategy, presentation, and partnership. Together, we created a solid plan to market my home effectively and make sure it showed in its best light to every potential buyer.

Strong Marketing Strategy

One of the first things my agent did was explain how buyers shop for homes today—mostly online. That meant we needed to make an unforgettable first impression digitally. My agent brought in a professional photographer, and I made sure the house was sparkling clean and clutter-free. We walked through the house together and made small changes that had a big impact—like rearranging furniture to make rooms feel more spacious and removing personal photos so buyers could picture themselves living there.

The listing photos turned out beautifully, and my agent used them to create a stunning online profile for the home. He also wrote a listing description that didn’t just list facts—it told a story. He included details I wouldn’t have thought to mention, like the afternoon light in the living room, the way the backyard blooms in spring, and how close the house is to walking trails and local cafés.

Alongside the photos, my agent wrote description that was honest, appealing, and detail-rich. He avoided generic phrases like “won’t last long!” and instead focused on specific selling points:

• • Did my kitchen have new quartz countertops?
  • Is it walking distance to parks or shops?
  • Mentioned what makes the home—and the neighborhood—special.

These touches helped show not just what the home was, but what life could be like for the next owner.

Kentucky Tom Pro Tip:  It’s easy for buyers to get confused about the layout of your home by looking at even the best photographs that are in seemingly random order.

• • • • Good photos should include the kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, bathrooms, backyard (if applicable), and any standout features like fireplaces, home offices, or finished basements.
      • Have your realestate agent create a floorplan diagram that’s part of the photo set and label each room.
      • Each photograph should be labeled with the room being shown.
      • Virtual video tours are very helpful with narration that lets people know where they are in your home.  Upload the video to YouTube and then include the link to the tour in your listing description.
      • Zillow’s “360 Tour” and “Showcase” features are very helpful but require that your agent or you hire a photographer or videographer that understands how to create this type of photo/video and that your agent understands how to upload the required photos/video to Zillow.  (Example house for sale).

These touches helped show not just what the home was, but what life could be like for the next owner.

Leveraged Online and Local Networks

My agent made sure my home was listed on all the major real estate sites—Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and the MLS—but he didn’t stop there. He promoted the listing on his own website and social media accounts, and he even created a custom flyer for open houses. I shared the listing with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor, which helped spread the word even further.

Kentucky Tom Pro Tip:  Does your neighborhood or one nearby have a Facebook group? Consider posting there as well (if allowed). Make it easy for others to share by including the link to the listing and a short description that highlights the most attractive features of your home.

It felt like we were casting a wide net—but every step was targeted. My agent knew how to get in front of the right people and build buzz quickly.

Preparing for Showings—Together

When the showings started, my agent gave me a checklist to make the home feel warm and welcoming. I kept the house tidy every day—beds made, counters wiped, and lights on. We agreed that I’d leave the house during showings so that buyers could take their time and feel comfortable exploring.

My agent also helped me stage the home. He brought in fresh flowers, fluffed pillows, and added little details like a bowl of fruit in the kitchen or a throw blanket on the couch. It was simple, but those touches made a big difference. The home felt lived-in but elegant—a place you’d want to come home to.

Staying Flexible Paid Off

Buyers don’t always stick to a convenient schedule, so I made a commitment to be as flexible as possible. My agent coordinated all the showings and gave me as much notice as she could, but we both understood that short-notice appointments could be the ones that lead to offers. And in fact, one of those last-minute showings did end up turning into a serious buyer.

We also hosted an open house early on, and my agent handled everything—from signage and flyers to greeting guests and answering questions. I didn’t need to stress about a thing.

Creating a Great Buyer Experience

One thing my agent emphasized was the buyer’s experience. So we thought about the showing process from their perspective.

• • What would they feel when they walked in the door?
  • What would they remember?

We kept things bright and welcoming, and we left out a printed sheet listing home upgrades, recent maintenance, utility averages, and neighborhood highlights. That made it easy for buyers to visualize themselves living there—and helped them feel confident the home was well cared for.

For Your Consideration

Looking back, partnering with a professional agent gave me clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. He brought the marketing expertise, connections, and negotiation skills I didn’t have—and I brought the knowledge of my home, the flexibility to show it, and the motivation to make it shine. It was a true partnership.

Together, we didn’t just list a house. We told a story, welcomed buyers in, and created an experience that made someone else fall in love with the place I called home.

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