#hiddenlistings

https://priceofbusiness.com/how-to-find-cheap-apartments-online-in-the-uk-before-theyre-listed-publicly-agents-hate-these-tricks/

Mission (Im)Possible?

A ‘hidden listing’, or ‘secret sale’ refers to a non-promoted property.

You won’t find it online, in the local rag, in an agent’s window, or with a for sale sign out the front.

Hidden listings also include those listed online, or advertised, but without addresses, or with poorly written copy and photos that look like they’ve been taken on an iPhone.

Before you become excited with the prospect of saving thousands on marketing, you need to consider the pros and cons.

A secret sale is a long process, and should only be considered if you are really prepared to wait. The exposure to buyers is considerably reduced and unless market conditions are on your side, combined with an element of pure luck, they are high risk and could be a waste of time.

If you want to achieve the maximum price for your property you need to invest in some form of marketing. At minimum, you need professional photography, a signboard and internet advertising.

If you have a bigger budget, it’s worth considering spending a bit more. The broader your marketing campaign, the more buyers you are likely to attract.

The ‘golden rule’ is to spend about 1 per cent of the value of your home. Everyone has a budget, but whatever you do, don’t skimp on quality. The presentation of your home, the layout of the advertising and the quality of the photography and copywriting are all vitally important.

Active buyers will find your home on the major real estate portals or your agent’s website. But it’s important to remember not all potential buyers are online. Some might not be in a rush to move, that is, until the right property falls into their lap. These buyers are not scouring the internet – they only act when inspired by well-presented advertisements in a newspaper, real estate magazine, letterbox cards or signboards.