When it comes to selling a home, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around. Many sellers believe they need to follow traditional methods like putting a sign in the yard, hosting open houses, and marketing their property all over social media. But the reality is, times have changed, and some of these old-school tactics aren’t as necessary as you might think. Here are three things most REALTORS® won’t tell you when it comes to selling your home effectively.
1. You Don’t Need a “For Sale” Sign in Your Yard
A yard sign might have been essential in the past, but today’s homebuyers are searching online first. Over 90% of buyers begin their home search on the internet, and by the time they see a home, they’ve likely already found it on an MLS platform or a real estate website. A sign in the yard can also bring unwanted attention, including nosy neighbors or unqualified buyers knocking on your door. If privacy or security is a concern, you can absolutely sell your home without a “For Sale” sign, and the right agent will still ensure maximum exposure.
2. You Don’t Need Open Houses to Sell Your Home
Open houses might seem like a great way to attract buyers, but in reality, they mostly bring in curious neighbors and window shoppers who aren’t serious about purchasing. The truth is, serious buyers schedule private showings through their agents. In today’s digital world, high-quality photos, virtual tours, and professional marketing reach far more qualified buyers than an open house ever could. While open houses may work in some cases, they are far from essential, and skipping them won’t hurt your chances of selling at top dollar.
3. You Don’t Need to Be Blasted All Over Social Media
Social media can be a helpful tool in real estate marketing, but contrary to popular belief, it’s not the make-or-break factor in selling a home. The majority of homebuyers—about 98%—use a REALTOR® to find their next home. That means the real magic happens through the MLS, real estate networks, and direct agent connections—not through excessive social media promotion. While a targeted approach on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can help, a home doesn’t need to go viral to sell. A well-connected and strategic REALTOR® will focus on the right marketing, not just the loudest marketing.
The Bottom Line
Selling a home isn’t about following outdated traditions—it’s about smart, strategic marketing and exposure to the right audience. If your agent insists on yard signs, open houses, and constant social media blasts without discussing modern, data-driven marketing strategies, it may be time to rethink your approach.
If you’re thinking about selling and want a customized plan that works for you—not just the typical one-size-fits-all approach—reach out to me today. Let’s get your home sold the right way!