10 Things Sellers Don't Hear From Their Listing Agent (But Really Should!)
1.) You have a great house and I know what you think it is worth.
We have to get past your emotional issues! Markets set the price, not sellers. Lower priced comparable homes sell while higher priced homes are not seen and sit until the price reductions.
2.) It seems you're an avid collector.
As your listing agent I'm selling your house not your collectables. Cluttered homes don't sell nearly as well as a staged home. Less is ALWAYS more!
3.) Your decorating and style may raise some issues with buyers.
I see you really like orange, pink and blue colors. Why don't we give your house a simple face lift and paint a neutral color throughout your house. It is no longer the 80's.
4.) What's that smell?
Are you smoking just before I have an open house? I have a good maid service if you need one! If there must be a smell, make sure that it is cookies or something soft like vanilla or cinnamon.
5.) Have those minor repairs fixed up front.
We want to make the best first impression during a showing to get buyers interested and back for an additional showing appointment. Pick the easiest repairs and get those minor repairs addressed so we don't have buyers scared away.
6.) I'm glad you updated or added X to your house, but it's not worth a $25,000 price increase.
Refer back to point #1. Pricing a house is the most crucial item when putting your property on the market. A good listing price will get your house sold and is the main criteria to get multiple offers in any market. Multiple offers can lead to pricing wars often getting a sale price over the original listing price.
7.) I am not a pet sitter.
I know your dog or cat is adorable, but they should be in a kennel or crate if they are staying home during a showing appointment. I wouldn't want them to accidentally get out! Sorry cujo and fluffy kittenballs. If you leave the door open and the animals stay inside then that is not a problem.
8.) Let's spruce up your curb appeal!
If a buyer pulls up to the front of your home and loves it, he will overlook many issues inside the house. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes and make it homey.
9.) Validating the listing price on your home's potential is a tough sell.
Could a listing get a much higher price if it were gutted? Banks will have a difficult time getting financing on such a basis and buyers who aren't real estate investors don't get passed this phase.
10.) See item #1. Markets set prices not sellers or EVEN agents.
Lisa Ludlow Archer
2007, 2008 and 2009 FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfation
www.mycarolinahome.net
Saturday, October 17, 2009
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