I tend to go on two or three listing appointments each week, some weeks more, some less. There is a common discussion taking place at each home, and it goes something like this...."You want me to price it at what? You got to be kidding me! I don't need you to sell it at that price. Anybody could sell it at that price" So, hello to the new FSBO on the street!
Or to the newly listed property from new agent Joe Schmo, at "I'll take any listing Company"
Dear home seller....Welcome to the wonderful world of selling your home on your own, in a buyers market!
The reason you don't hear from your agent Joe is because he doesn't know his market, he knows your home is overpriced, does not have a plan to sell your house and the biggy....does not follow through on his promises. When frustration sets in, when nobody is looking at your house, and you call Joe to ask "What's up?. I will bet that call goes into voice mail. So you are on your own (again)
In a deperciating market, you have to price your home at market price, or BELOW MARKET PRICE!! That is the beginning definition of a Buyers Market, or a depreciating market. Remember the old commercial "pay me now or pay me later"? The market will catch your price at some point (in this case downward)
My advice to you is price it right, the first time! You will save time and money, and be prepared not to hear from Joe, as your home loses more of your money. Joe does not care. He is not calling you, is he?
Dick Beals
Pretty good advice Dick - Price it right the first time. I also like the saying, "Do you want to price it to sit, or do you want to price it to sell?". It's pretty tough times out there. We didn't see much of a slowdown last year but this year is different.
Dick: Great example of this in my farming area. Homes were selling at about $550K-$600K last summer. A seller in the neighborhood chose the Realtor who told them they could get $650K. A year later, and another agent later, they sold for $450K. That advice form agent #1 cost them BIG TIME.
Tracy, You are correct...2 listings I could have taken....both went to the highest bidder
Chris Ann, Thanks for commenting. I wish I could go back and say "I told you so"
Dick Beals
Hi Dick,
Sellers cannot see beyond the $$ signs sometimes but are soon disappointed when the results they are looking for are not forthcoming. People hear what they want to hear.
I think educating our seller is one of the hardest things right now. With gas price and higher food
costs they just feel like they can't win.
Hi Cynthia, some you get, some you don't. Today I had a listing appointment, and I was in and out in 1 hour with the listing, and a great price. So last weeks negatives, are this weeks positives....'ya just never know
Sandy, Like my comment above, there are some educated sellers out there, as todays appointment went well! They were not happy at the price, however, they knew it was the correct price. thanks for commenting
Dick Beals