Cheap Marketing = Hidden Tax on Your Sale

Words I Like: “Buyers don’t pay your fee—they pay for your exposure.”

Fortes Seller’s Minute: Commission & Net
If you “save” on marketing, the market taxes you later with time and price cuts. Staging moves buyers, pro media multiplies eyeballs, and more eyeballs = better terms. That’s the play I run with clients. NAR: staging sways buyers and can add 1–5% to offers. Zillow shows higher views/saves track with faster, higher sales. In today’s market, more listings cut price and sale-to-list has softened and exposure matters more than ever.

Roadmap (do this this week):

1. Book pro photos + floor plan + 3D/virtual tour.

2. Stage the first-impression zones: living, kitchen, primary.

3. Launch midweek, stack weekend showings, tighten by day 7.

4. Use an agent with a repeatable launch system (not a discount).

5. Track views/saves; adjust fast to stay the obvious choice.

Common Mistake: Chasing a lower fee while accepting a 1–3% price cut later. That “savings” costs multiples.

Home-Selling Tip: Your net is: price × terms × time; marketing affects all three. As promised, value in under a minute.

Even if you’re considering down the road, most homeowners like to know what the possibilities look like now instead of scrambling when the time comes. Want a quick, personalized plan to protect your net? Reply “SELL”.

PS - If you find value in this and you feel compelled, please share this newsletter if you know of anyone thinking of selling that this could help.