Episode 100 – How to Pick a Listing Agent: Where Do They Market?

Marketing is where the rubber meets the road. A listing without marketing is just a secret. This is Part 5 — the finale of our series on choosing the right listing agent.The Range of Marketing Approaches:Minimum: Website + one or two listing portals. That's it.Maximum: Professional photography, video tours, drone footage, multiple international listing sites, social media campaigns, email marketing, networking, print advertising, targeted digital adsBoth agents might charge the same commission — but one is actually working to sell your propertyKey Marketing Channels:International listing portals: Realtor.com International, RealtyHive, Viviun, LuxuryEstateAgent's website: Professional, SEO-optimizedSocial media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube — active expat groups with thousands of membersEmail marketing: Good agents have databases built over years (David's is 16 years in the making)Agent networking: Reaching out directly to other agentsVideo and virtual tours: Essential for international buyersQuestions to Ask:"Which websites will my property appear on?" (Get specific names)"Can you show me examples of how you've marketed similar properties?""Do you have an email list? How many people?""Do you do any paid advertising?""Can I get a written marketing plan?"Photography Matters: Studies show you have only 3 seconds to capture attention. Phone photos vs. professional photography — you can tell immediately.Marketing Red Flags:Poor quality photos on current listingsNo video contentInactive social mediaCan't name specific websitesNo email database"We'll see what works" instead of a clear strategyMyth of the Week: "The property will sell itself if it's priced right."Reality: Buyers have to FIND your property first. Marketing creates the opportunity; price closes the deal.Deal of the Week: 2-bedroom beachfront condo in San Pedro — $389,000 USD. Was listed 6 months with minimal marketing: zero offers. New agent took over with professional photography, drone video, 8 international portals, Facebook Ads, email blast to 30,000-person database. Result: 47 inquiries in the first month, offer received. Same property, same price, different marketing, different result.Series Recap — 5 Things to Look for in a Listing Agent:Are they actually there? Not always traveling, not a part-timerDo they have local presence? Living and working in your areaDo they work well with others? Good relationships, fair commission splitsDo they have support? Team or systems to ensure nothing falls through the cracksWhere do they market? Professional photography, multiple channels, real strategyGet all five, and you've got an agent who can actually sell your property.Questions? Email David at [email protected]]]>