Have to Sell Your House Quickly in St. Louis? Our area has a huge upside, with property values up 7.5% this year and a market that rewards well-prepared sellers. Here’s a complete list of proven marketing strategies to help you sell your St. Louis home the first time and at the highest possible price.
St. Louis Housing Market: An Introduction
Before moving on to specific marketing tactics, it’s important to understand the current state of the St. Louis housing market. With a median home price of $175,443, St. Louis is more affordable than many larger cities. This affordability, along with a median selling price of $153 per square foot, makes the market attractive for both first-time homebuyers and investors.
The market has been described as “very competitive,” with 39% of homes selling for more than their asking price. All this crowdedness, coupled with an impressive employment rate of 65.6% and an overall livability score of 74, is prime real estate for anyone who knows how to sell their home.
Online Marketing for Instant Revenues
Digital marketing is essential for reaching prospective buyers quickly and effectively in today’s real estate market. Below are proven digital marketing strategies you can use:
Professional Camera and Virtual Tours
- First impressions matter. Consider hiring a professional photographer experienced in real estate.
- Ensure proper lighting and staging before the shoot.
- Use aerial photography for larger properties.
- Offer virtual tours so potential buyers can explore your home online.
Optimized Online Listings
- Write compelling, detailed property descriptions.
- Highlight unique features and upgrades.
- Include all relevant property details (square footage, number of bedrooms, etc.).
- Use keywords that local buyers are likely searching.
- Update your listing frequently with price changes or new information.
Social Media Marketing
- Post your listing on multiple platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
- Use targeted ads to reach potential buyers.
- Create engaging, community-focused content.
- Announce local market updates and open houses.
- Use Instagram and Facebook Stories for behind-the-scenes looks.
Email Marketing Campaigns
- Notify interested buyers of any price changes.
- Share local community news and market updates.
- Promote open houses and virtual tours.
- Maintain regular communication with leads.
- Network with both buyers and sellers.
Old School Marketing Strategies That Still Hold Up Today
While digital marketing is vital, traditional marketing tactics can still be highly effective in St. Louis:
Strategic Open Houses
- Host open houses during peak times (weekends and early afternoons).
- Offer light refreshments to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Provide professional property info packets.
- Collect visitor contact details for follow-up.
- Consider virtual open houses to reach more buyers.
Local Networking and Partnerships
- Collaborate with local real estate agents and brokers.
- Network with local businesses and community organizations.
- Attend local real estate investment events.
- Join St. Louis real estate forums and discussion groups.
- Connect with home inspectors, contractors, and builders in your area.
Professional Home Staging
- Declutter and depersonalize every space.
- Arrange furniture to create an open, inviting flow.
- Update lighting and hardware for a modern look.
- Paint in neutral colors to appeal to a broad audience.
- Enhance curb appeal with landscaping and exterior upgrades.
Print Marketing Materials
- Design professional property brochures.
- Create eye-catching yard signs with QR codes.
- Use targeted direct mail campaigns in key neighborhoods.
- Place ads in local newspapers.
- Print business cards and flyers to distribute.
Strategic Pricing and Timing
With St. Louis home values up 7.5% over the past year, pricing your property correctly is more important than ever.
Competitive Price Analysis
- Study recently sold comparable properties in your neighborhood.
- Keep an eye on current market trends and forecasts.
- Consider your home’s unique features.
- Account for seasonal shifts in the real estate market.
- Track competitor prices in your area.
Timing Your Market Entry
- Know that buyers tend to be most active in spring and early summer.
- Monitor local economic and employment trends.
- Stay updated on interest rate changes and how they affect buyer demand.
- Watch for major neighborhood developments or improvements.
- Observe current market inventory levels.
Price Adjustment Strategies
- Gather feedback from showings and potential buyers.
- Monitor how long your home stays on the market.
- Compare your listing against shifting market conditions.
- Factor in seasonal market changes.
- Be prepared to make timely adjustments based on buyer response.
Property Preparation and Presentation
A well-prepared home will likely spend less time on the market and fetch a higher price. Since 39% of St. Louis homes sell above the asking price, preparation is key.
Pre-Listing Improvements
- Update kitchens and bathrooms for high ROI.
- Install energy-efficient appliances and systems.
- Repair any visible cracks or damage.
- Improve lighting throughout your home.
- Consider eco-friendly features that appeal to modern buyers.
Professional Inspections
- Order a pre-listing home inspection to identify any major issues.
- Address significant repairs ahead of listing.
- Obtain necessary certificates and permits.
- Document all repairs and improvements.
- Keep thorough maintenance records for potential buyers
Closing Strategies and Negotiations
A smooth closing process helps ensure a quick, profitable sale.
Buyer Qualification
- Request proof of funds or pre-approval letters.
- Verify buyer financing in a timely manner.
- Understand the buyer’s motivation and timeline.
- Carefully review all contingencies.
- Account for the buyer’s closing schedule to avoid delays.
Last Marketing Ideas and Conclusions
Selling a home in St. Louis requires a balanced combination of marketing, pricing, and timing. Here are some final considerations:
Marketing Evaluation and Adjustment
- Track and analyze engagement on all digital platforms.
- Monitor website traffic and listing views.
- Gauge open house attendance and feedback.
- Assess the effectiveness of lead generation methods.
- Refine your strategy based on real-time market reactions.
Final Preparation Steps
- Complete any agreed-upon repairs before closing.
- Gather all required documentation.
- Schedule closing inspections and appraisals.
- Prepare for the final walkthrough.
- Coordinate with all involved parties (title companies, lenders, etc.).
Professional Support Network
- Maintain relationships with real estate attorneys.
- Work with reputable title companies.
- Partner with reliable home inspectors.
- Collaborate with experienced mortgage lenders.
- Stay in contact with insurance agents.
Conclusion
Achieving a successful home sale in St. Louis requires a strategic blend of digital marketing, traditional methods, and proper pricing. With property values increasing by 7.5% over the past year and 39% of homes selling above their asking price, proactive sellers can position themselves for a fast sale at a premium price.
Stay flexible throughout the process, adjusting your strategies based on market feedback and changing conditions. With the right tactics and a strong network of real estate professionals, you’ll maximize your chances of selling your St. Louis home quickly and at the best possible price.