How to post a Real Estate listing on Craigslist

This post comes to us from BrokerageU:

Have you ever considered posting your available listings on Craigslist?

If Craigslist is available in your area, this could be a great free tool to use. It is not very time consuming and Craigslist has quite a large audience. Just remember, in addition to any photos or property details that you include directly in your post, you will certainly want to be sure to include a link directing the prospective buyer or investor back to your website.

Not only will this increase the traffic and reach of your site, but once they are there, your new visitor can continue browsing all available listings that you have to offer on your website. Hopefully, they can also access all available listings in your MLS if you offer a home search option on your site. And best of all, ANY listing they want more information for now is your new lead.

Are you wondering how to get started posting homes on Craigslist? Click through to the next page for a step-by-step guide.

1. Find the Craigslist in your area.
2. Once there, choose Post to Classifieds.
3. Click Housing Offered.
4. Next, you will be prompted to choose which type of property you are listing. Most likely Real Estate by Broker.
5. You will then be asked to choose the community nearest you.
6. Once that's all complete, you will be brought to the listing details page. Note that all fields in green are required.
7. After you've entered your property information, click to continue and then you can choose if you would like to include a map with your post.
8. If you want to add photos, you can do so on the next screen. Each listing allows for up to 8 photos.
9. You're almost done! Craigslist will send an email to you to confirm this post.
10. Click Continue and confirm your email. Done!

Here are a few more tips to consider when posting:

• Use an engaging title! Your title should also include the key words of the property type ("apartment", "town home", "retail space", etc.), the words "for sale" and the area the home is listed in.
• Choose quality photos so the prospective buyer can get a good idea of the home. Also, don't skip any steps for the property details. Does the home have beautiful landscaping? Hardwood floors? Recent renovations? Great amenities? This is your space to make the home shine to the potential buyer!
• Finally, make sure to list all of the ways the buyers can reach you. It may be a smart to include an assistant's phone number in addition to yours.

Don't give it all away! Remember, Craigslist can be a great tool to not only get the word out about your new listing, but also to bring in new visitors to your website. Chances are, this first home they clicked on through Craigslist may not end up being their dream home, but if they can click through to your website and continue with a customized search for all listings in your MLS based on what they're looking for, then you just might have found your next buyer!

To view the original article, visit the BrokerageU blog.