Sellers whose homes have not sold in the peak selling market of Spring and Summer are worried. Not enough showings, no offers and how are they going to get their homes sold. The biggest problem seems to be, as always lack of communication, between the listing agent and the sellers. Agents don't like to talk to sellers when they have no good news, no activity to report.
The sellers at today's listing appoiintment have had their home listed since February. They have made price reductions; both times they suggested the reduction to their agent. Other complaints were that the agent never made suggestions of what they could do to enhance their home through buyers' eyes. They were of course concerned that their home will not sell if they do not get buyers in to even look at the house.
The solution is simple but not simply executed. Honest, prompt and on-going communication. We can't change the market but we can try to make the selling process as "pleasant" as possible. First, sellers need reassurance. They are "hurt" that no one likes their home. They need a reality check....honest pricing and suggestons about what needs to be done to get their house sold. They even accept some of the responsibility. Perhaps they priced the house too high to start. Mostly it sounds like they were not educated about the process or the market. Education needs to be on-going.
Many sellers are ready to move on. Not just to their new life in a new community but until that happens, to a new agent. Someone who can help them move the process forward. They don't want false promises. They are more saavy about the professionals they choose. This is a great opportunity for agents to prove they are professionals and despite a soft market work with these motivated sellers to markeet the home, bring in new buyers and hopefully put up that red SOLD sign.
Beth Carlson Ganem
Lic. Real Estate Associate Broker
Audrey Edelman Realty USA
