There’s an art to producing an effective real estate listing, and it consists of various parts. These parts work together to attract qualified buyers, demonstrate transparency and professionalism, and show the home in the best possible light. It’s truly a holistic approach. Use these 10 must-have elements as a checklist to ensure your listing is working most effectively for you:

Building Name

For a condo or apartment building, include the building’s name if it has one. That’s especially important for a prestigious building, where name recognition is a selling point. It will also help people searching online to locate the listing.

List Date

Include the date on which the property went on the market. The owner of a house on the market for some time is more likely to be flexible on price. A list date too far in the past can indicate potential problems with a property, and can make buyers wary.

Google Street View

Google Street View gives potential buyers the chance to check out a listing’s neighbourhood without having to drive there. It can help showcase things a regular photo gallery or listing description might miss: tree-lined streets, elementary schools nearby, great restaurants in easy walking distance. And since it’s produced by an unbiased third party, Google Street View can help improve buyer confidence—viewers know that the property is portrayed accurately, since there’s no motivation to sell.

Exceptional Photography

A picture can make or break a listing and subsequent sale—this is what the listing will be remembered by. Hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate to showcase the home. Homes marketed using professional photos sell more quickly—and for higher prices—than homes advertised with point-and-shoot pictures. For homes on significant acreage or in an outstanding location, consider including an aerial shot. Another possibility is day and evening shoots, if the home warrants it. Viewers will equate the quality of the photography with the quality of the home.

Professional Videos

Hire a videographer for a professional look rather than taking a video with your phone. The more detail, the better. Videos help the buyer to imagine living in the home, which makes them much more emotionally invested in the property.

Virtual Reality Tour

A virtual reality tour in a 3D-scan can replace a real-world tour of luxury homes. With a virtual reality tour, the client can “visit” various homes in a matter of minutes, getting a complete 360-degree view. Since the 3D scan is expensive, an immersive tour via a computer browser is a better choice for all but top-price listings. Look to well-respected companies like Matterport for top-quality production.

Floor Plan

A breakdown of the floor plan allows clients to see where their furnishing might fit (or not fit) in a particular room, and to analyze the distance between bedrooms, entertainment areas, and the like. For best results, include an interactive floor plan so clients clicking on an icon can view the actual room.

List of All Amenities

Include every amenity the listing offers, down to the smallest details like sliding windows vs. pop-up windows. This will help buyers who are looking for specific amenities to locate the property when searching. Additionally, you don’t want a buyer to assume that certain amenities—such as air conditioning—are available if they aren’t. Point out anything that makes the house special, such as a pizza oven or customized wall finishes. Include any community privileges as well, such as golf courses or clubhouses.

Any Restrictions in the Building

Including a list of restrictions may seem counterintuitive, but it can help reduce queries from people who would not be interested in the property. Make sure to mention any restrictions in condo or apartment buildings. You don’t want to waste a client’s time if the building has restrictions they can’t accommodate, such as no pets, smoking, rentals, or subletting.

The Walk Score

For urban dwellers, walkability is paramount. Include the Walk Score in the listing, so potential clients know that the necessities and pleasures of daily life are just a short stroll away.

The End Result

An effective real estate listing not only includes these essential elements, but utilizes effective keywords to entice buyers. It will attract buyers who are genuinely interested in the property, and reduce time-consuming inquiries from others who are not. The end result is a home that sells faster and for a better price than a comparable dwelling with a boilerplate listing.

Creating such a comprehensive listing takes ample time and care—this is where an agent makes a substantial difference. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada’s REALTOR® team will craft each component listed above with the utmost care and professionalism. For even more tips, download Sotheby’s International Realty Canada’s Seller’s Guide to help attract the best prospective buyers for your home.