Buyers love floorplans. They help listings stand out from the crowd. They can generate more inquiries and viewings. They also help sell properties quicker. But many estate agents don’t think they’re necessary. I wonder why?
In a UK survey of property sellers, 80% said floorplans are essential when selling. A massive 88% agreed when it comes to buying a property. Yes, a floorplan isn’t technically necessary to sell a property, but neither are photos or property descriptions. How many listings do you see without those? Floorplans are attention-grabbing, and they help simplify a buyer’s decision-making. They’re every bit as important as great quality photos, and here are three reasons why:
1. Floorplans help a buyer visualise the property better than photos alone
More than a third of buyers are less likely to inquire about a property if there’s no floorplan. One in five would actually ignore the listing completely. They’re also better at displaying selling features such as knock-throughs and extensions.
High-quality property photos are vital in showcasing a property in the best light. Wide-angle shots score well with buyers, but some people (me included) feel they can be misleading when it comes to
accurately portraying space.
You know those viewings where the buyer’s disappointed that the property isn’t what they thought from the photos? A floorplan helps avoid that by giving potential buyers and tenants a clearer visual of the entire property before they step through the door.
House-hunters can use a floorplan alongside photos to understand the layout and space of the house. That means no nasty surprises when they get there.
If a buyer can see themselves living in a property, half the estate agent’s job is done already. Research goes on to suggest that buyers want a floorplan showing room layout, and how rooms fit in relation to the rest of the property. But what buyers rate most important in a floorplan is room dimensions.
Floorplans showing room measurements and window and door placements allow potential buyers to imagine where their own furniture will go, and how they would use the space.
Once they’ve started mentally planning the move, an emotional attachment to the property and a decision to buy isn’t too far off.
2. Floorplans make a property memorable later
Helping a buyer visualise a property’s potential before and during a viewing is one thing, but what about after they’ve gone home? You might be getting great signals during the viewing, but when you follow it up with a call where they ask ‘which house was that?’ It’s never a good sign.
Remember that house hunters are looking at many properties at once, and the features of each house can get mixed up when they’re seeing several each day. Including a floorplan in your listings and marketing materials help it stick in the mind.
A floorplan can also help in a buyer’s decision making after the viewing. Don’t forget that for some people viewing a property in a perceived time limit, and in the presence of an estate agent can be daunting, or even stressful. Having a floorplan available means they can sit down, study and plan later.
3. A floor plan makes you look more professional
A clear floorplan will help put your listing to the top of the pile as a professional listing from a professional agent. To wrap up, having a floorplan makes sense for you, the buyer, and the seller. You’ll attract better informed buyers to sell the property quicker.
Sellers get added value to the professional service you provide. It’s a win-win-win.
Tim Groves
Black Grace Cowley
tim@blackgracecowley.com
(01624) 645555
