Is your Miami Lakes home getting the short end of the banana with a subpar agent?

Jesus M. Fernandez
5 days ago
5 min read

**Don't get the short end of the banana when selling your home!**

With over three decades of experience in real estate sales, I have encountered nearly every scenario imaginable. Yet, I am continually astonished by properties listed with such inadequate and poor marketing that it raises two critical questions: Are sellers fully aware of how their agents are marketing their properties? Have they reviewed the photographs or scrutinized the property description?

Recently, I encountered a property listed for $1.2 million, marred by glaring oversights: dirty dishes piled in the sink, unmade beds, and a neglected, green-tinged pool. Such a presentation undermines confidence in the buyer's mind and speaks volumes about the agent’s professionalism.

Sellers must take an active role in overseeing their property’s marketing. Have you examined the photographs your agent is using to represent your home? Have you evaluated the property description—what I term the "sales message"—for accuracy and appeal? If not, you are relinquishing control over one of the most significant financial transactions of your life. Demand transparency and quality from your agent to ensure your property is showcased with the professionalism it deserves.

Why Your Agent’s Marketing Matters: Maximizing Your Home Sale

Selling your home is a significant milestone, and choosing a real estate agent to represent your property is a critical decision. While you’ve entrusted your broker with the task of marketing your home, it’s essential to stay engaged and review their efforts. The quality of your agent’s marketing—especially the photos and property description—can make or break a buyer’s interest. Here’s why scrutinizing these elements is crucial and how they impact your sale.

The Power of First Impressions: High-Quality Photos

Most buyers begin their home search online, and the photos of your Miami Lakes property are their first impression. Poor-quality images—blurry, dark, cluttered or un-staged—can make even a meticulously maintained home look uninviting. With my decades of experience, I prioritize high-quality photography to showcase a home’s pride of ownership. Here’s why photo quality is key:

Attracts More Views: Crisp, well-lit photos showcasing your home’s best features draw buyers in. Good photography, with proper staging and lighting, can highlight spacious rooms, modern amenities, or a cozy backyard.
Sets Expectations: High-quality images accurately represent your home, building trust with potential buyers and giving buyers confidence in its condition. Poor photos can make buyers skeptical, raise doubts by assuming the property is less desirable than it is.
Boosts Emotional Appeal: Beautiful photos evoke excitement, helping buyers imagine themselves living in the space. A poorly shot image of a cramped-looking living room or a green looking pool can kill that spark.

Action Step: Review the photos your agent is using. Are they well taken, well-composed, and representative of your home’s strengths? If not, discuss hiring a professional photographer or ask for a reshoot to ensure your listing shines. I always strive to deliver top-tier visuals that convey pride of ownership in every shot.

Crafting a Compelling Property Description

The property description is your home’s story—it should captivate and inspire. A poorly written description that’s dry, generic, or overly technical fails to connect with buyers emotionally. Here’s why the right words matter:

Sparks Imagination: Emotive language paints a picture. Instead of “3 bedrooms, 2 baths,” a description like “Unwind in your serene master suite with a spa-inspired ensuite, perfect for relaxing after a long day” invites buyers to envision their life in the home.
Highlights Unique Features: A bland description like “nice or spacious backyard” misses the chance to showcase what makes your property special. Does your backyard have a lush garden, a cozy fire pit or an inviting pool? A skilled agent will emphasize these details to stand out in a crowded market.
Drives Interest: Descriptions that evoke warmth, comfort, or excitement create urgency. Phrases like “host unforgettable gatherings in your open-concept kitchen” or “enjoy morning coffee on your sun-drenched patio” resonate with buyers’ aspirations.

Action Step: Read your agent's property description carefully. Does it feel flat or generic? Does it highlight what makes your home unique? If it lacks flair or fails to excite, ask your agent to revise it with vivid, emotive language that sells the lifestyle your home offers.

Evaluating Your Agent’s Marketing Efforts

Beyond photos and descriptions, your agent’s overall marketing strategy is key to reaching the right buyers. A weak or outdated approach can leave your home languishing on the market. Here’s what to look for:

Online Presence: Is your listing on major platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and local MLS? Are there engaging social media posts or virtual tours to broaden its reach?
Targeted Outreach: Is your agent actively promoting your home to their network, hosting open houses, or sharing it with potential buyers who match your property’s profile?
Consistency and Updates: Are marketing materials updated if feedback suggests changes? For example, if buyers comment on outdated fixtures, your agent should adjust the description to focus on other strengths or highlight recent upgrades.

Action Step: Request a detailed overview of your agent’s marketing plan. Ensure they’re using a mix of digital listings, social media, and in-person events to maximize exposure. If their efforts seem lackluster, discuss additional strategies to boost visibility.

Why Your Involvement Matters

As a seller, you’re not just handing over the keys—you’re an active partner in the process. Regularly reviewing your agent’s marketing efforts ensures your home is presented in the best light. A listing with stunning photos and a captivating description can generate more showings, spark competitive offers, and ultimately lead to a faster sale at a higher price.

Final Tips for Sellers:

Communicate Openly: Schedule regular check-ins with your agent to discuss feedback from showings and marketing performance. I like to provide weekly updates to my selling clients until the property is sold. Is you agent doing that?
Compare Listings: Look at other Miami Lakes listings. Do your photos and description stack up? If not, push for improvements.
Act Promptly: The first few weeks on the market are critical. Ensure your listing is polished from day one to capture early interest.

Your home deserves to stand out. By actively reviewing your agent’s marketing efforts, photos, and property description, you’re taking charge of your sale and maximizing its potential. Have questions about your listing? Reach out to your agent to ensure your home is marketed to sell!

Has your listing expired or about to expire? Let’s get it sold! With 30 years of expertise, I’ll put my proven strategies to work for you. Call me today!

Learn about what we do to sell properties just like yours here OUR MARKETING PLAN