How to Use Technology in Your MLS Listings

Maggie Roth -

The real estate market is expected to change in 2023. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that "the median home value in 2022 was $386,300, up 10.2% from 2021 and the highest on record." It is predicted to balance out this year but depends on the market you live in. If you are thinking of selling your home, you will want your real estate agent to do an exceptional job when it comes to marketing your home. One of the ways your agent can do this is to use technology in your multiple listing service (MLS) listing.

Virtual Staging

Virtual staging is one tool to use when listing a home for sale. According to an article on the RISMedia website, "According to NAR's 2021 Profile of Home Staging, 47% of buyer's agents cited that home staging has an effect on buyers' view of a home, and 82% said that staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home." The article also cites, "From the seller's agent perspective, 23% reported an increase of 1% to 5% of the dollar value offered by buyers, in comparison to similar homes without staging."

Real estate agents have to be careful, however. To remain in accordance with the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics, all advertising must be truthful. For example, adding furniture to stage a listing is fine. However, changing the paint color, virtually remodeling rooms or adding features that are not actually in the home may be considered deceptive. Some multiple listing services have disclaimers which agents can use to let buyers know that some rooms have been virtually repainted, remodeled or a feature added. However, it is still important to be careful not to misrepresent the property.

Virtual Tours and Videos

Virtual tours and video walkthroughs are becoming more popular as well. First and foremost, it is important for listing agents to use professional-quality photographs. Many professional real estate photographers also offer virtual tours and videos as part of their services.

Drones

Using drone photos and videos in your MLS listing is another way to enhance your listing by using technology. Having a drone photo taken from above your house will add perspective on how and where the home sits in relation to others and the neighborhood as a whole. The photo will show your entire lot, including your backyard. Have the drone take photos or videos of anything special and of importance in your neighborhood, like a park, clubhouse, pool, walking paths and more.


Apps for Setting Appointments

Ask your listing agent if he uses an app for setting appointments. Many multiple listing services have appointment-setting software such as ShowingTime, where agents can easily make an appointment to show your home with a few clicks. If you have a battery-operated lockbox on your house, it will be even easier for other agents to show your home.

Real Estate Websites and Other Social Media

Be sure your listing agent places your listing on the top real estate websites such as Realtor.com, Homes.com, Trulia, Zillow, Redfin, and the like. You and your agent can also market your house on social media such as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and more.  

Using technology in your MLS listing is also important because more and more millennials and Gen Z buyers are entering the market right now. These homebuyers are expecting properties to be showcased in a digital space. If you are in need of a listing agent who uses technology, visit any number of industry or real estate broker websites to find an experienced agent.