When it comes to selling a home, marketing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the difference between sitting on the market and securing a strong offer quickly. But not every tactic brings the same return. Some strategies resonate with today’s buyers, while others fall flat or waste valuable time and resources.

This guide breaks down which home-selling marketing strategies are proven to work, and which are more flash than substance, based on real data and industry insights.

1. Quality Photos and Virtual Tours: A First Impression That Lasts

In 2024, 43% of buyers began their home search online. The most valued feature on listing websites was photos, with 41% of buyers calling them the most useful content.

Visuals directly influence how fast and how well a home sells. Homes with professional photos sell 32% faster and often for higher prices. Listings with aerial images perform even better—selling at a 68% faster rate than those with standard photos, according to MLS data.

Professional photography, drone shots, and virtual tours help your listing stand out. Low-quality or limited visuals can lead buyers to scroll past without a second thought.

2. Pricing It Right: The Most Powerful Marketing Tool

A strategic price point attracts attention—and competition. Overpricing a home to “leave room for negotiation” often leads to longer market times and eventual price drops, which can raise red flags for buyers.

Pricing should be based on a comparative market analysis (CMA), neighborhood trends, and buyer demand. Your agent will use a CMA to dial in a competitive number based on what homes are selling for today.

Stats to know:
Homes priced correctly from the start sell faster and for closer to the asking price, reducing average time on market by up to 57% on average.

3. Staging the Home: A Visual Investment That Pays Off

Staging helps potential buyers emotionally connect with a property, making them more likely to make an offer. This can be done physically (with real furniture and décor) or virtually.

Real vs. Virtual:

• Real staging offers tactile appeal and is ideal for high-end properties or vacant homes.
• Virtual staging is cost-effective and especially useful in online listings.

According to NAR, 20% of sellers’ agents reported that staged homes received offers 1% to 5% higher than similar homes that weren’t staged. Another 21% noted that staging significantly reduced the time the home spent on the market.

Skip it if:
Your home is already professionally styled or owner-occupied in a clean, minimalist way.

4. Digital Marketing Strategies: Meeting Buyers Where They Are

Digital marketing is now the backbone of real estate visibility. From targeted Facebook and Instagram ads to search engine optimization (SEO), the goal is simple: get in front of the right people at the right time.

Key tactics that work:

• Social media campaigns tailored to buyer demographics
• Boosted posts and geo-targeted ads
• Website SEO and listing syndication across platforms (Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com)

All home buyers used online tools during their search, according to NAR's most recent report—making digital strategy a non-negotiable.

5. Open Houses and Neighborhood Tours: Are They Still Relevant?

Open houses are a classic tactic, but their effectiveness varies. While they can generate buzz—especially in hot markets—many serious buyers prefer private showings.

What’s more effective?

• Hosting neighborhood tours or local events (like a coffee pop-up or sunset viewing) to connect with engaged buyers
• Virtual open houses for remote or early-stage buyers

In competitive areas, open houses may still lead to multiple-offer situations. But in slower markets, they’re often better used as supplementary exposure.

6. Professional Networking: An Overlooked but High-Impact Tactic

Behind many real estate deals is a strong agent network. Marketing to buyers' agents can be just as critical as marketing to buyers themselves.

Tactics that work:

• Sharing listings in local real estate groups
• Hosting broker open houses
• Email marketing to regional agent networks

Word-of-mouth still plays a huge role, especially in tight-knit markets or among relocation clients.

7. Print Media and Direct Mail: Low ROI in a Digital Age

Flyers, postcards, and brochures might feel like you're doing something—but they rarely bring in buyers. In fact, less than 1% of homebuyers found the home they purchased through print ads.

Buyers today are online. They’re searching listings, taking virtual tours, and scheduling showings through apps. Print simply can’t compete with the reach and speed of digital marketing.

Skip it unless:

• You’re targeting a 55+ community. Some older buyers may still respond to physical mail. But even in these areas, internet use is growing, so print should be supplemental—not the main strategy.
• Your agent has the data proving it works. If you're in a neighborhood where mailers consistently drive real results and your agent can show you those numbers then it might be worth including. The best agents track what works and can tell you if mailers have been successful in your specific area.

For most homes in most markets, digital strategies offer more visibility, better targeting, and stronger results. Stick with what works—where buyers are actually looking.

Know What Moves the Needle Before You Market

Not every marketing idea is worth pursuing. High-quality visuals, strategic pricing, staging, and digital outreach consistently deliver strong results. On the flip side, overinvesting in traditional media or generic open houses could lead to underwhelming returns.

For sellers, the goal isn’t to try everything. It’s to focus on what works. By investing in data-driven, modern strategies and avoiding the fluff, you’ll increase your chances of selling faster, for more money, and with less stress.

An experienced real estate professional with a strong local track record can help tailor a marketing strategy that gets results. For guidance on effective home-selling tactics in today’s market, reach out to start the conversation.