February 27, 2010  Complaints from Sellers (What NOT to do)

 

Here are the complaints I've heard the most:

1. I rarely ever heard from my real estate agent.

In some instances I've heard that weeks would go by without any contact at all from their agent.
If your clients do not hear from you regularly and often, they may think you're not working for them or are too busy with other things to have the time to take care of their real estate needs. Once they begin to feel a loss of connection, they will begin to lose confidence in their agent. Clients such as this are not likely to refer their agent to friends or family and will not return to that agent in the future.

It's a good idea to talk about the methods and frequency of contact at the beginning of the relationship. Some clients prefer a lot of contact, others may be happy with a once a week call or email. Establishing contact guidelines at the beginning and sticking firm to them, gives the client trust and confidence in the agent and gives them a sense that their agent really does care about their needs.

 

2. I didn't understand what the terms in the document I was signing meant and they were never explained to me.

Clients will not always feel comfortable enough to ask about specific clauses and terms in agreements.
Sometimes they feel intimidated and worry about coming across as foolish or unknowlegable if they ask questions.
Explain real estate terms that are found in purchase and sale agreements, listing agreements and other real estate documents prior to asking the client to sign the agreement and without the client having to ask about the terms or clauses.

Spending time to educate a client at the beginning of the relationship goes a long way towards helping the client to feel confident and at ease during the real estate buying/selling process.
The saying, 'I may not always remember what you said, but I will always remember the way you made me feel', applies very strongly in the REALTOR® - Client relationship.

 I always do my best to explain everything in detail.  If I have to explain it once or ten times I will make sure my clients understand fully, the process of selling their home.  I am always available by phone, email and text.  Call me Today!!!!




March 24th, 2011


MISTAKES SELLERS MAKE CHOOSING A REALTOR



Selling a home should be like any other business transaction, but all too often sellers make emotional or impulsive decisions that cost them money and time. Choosing the right Realtor to market a property and negotiate the sale is the most important step in the process.

“My friend (or family member) sells real estate.”

Friendship alone isn’t enough to establish a professional’s credentials. Use tough standards when selecting an agent, just as you would when hiring an attorney, a doctor, or an accountant to handle your taxes.  

“Your presentation sounds good. I’ll list right now”

Look at more than one presentation and consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.  

“You’re the only agent who agrees with my selling price.”

Some agents tell you what you want to hear. In the real estate profession, this is known as “buying a listing” and is employed by shortsighted agents who are more interested in themselves than they are in you.  

“I don’t need references. I’m a good judge of character.”
 You  need to determine if the agent is competent and the best way to do that is to check up on references. Ask for references on recent sales -- check up on references of recent customers. Find out how an agent’s customers feel about their selling experience.
“I’m going to list with the agent who has the lowest commission.”

You get what you pay for. Paying a cut-rate commission will often get you a sign in the front yard and placement in the Multiple Listing Service, but little additional effort from your agent.

Realize that agents and real estate companies put up their own funds to market and advertise your home.  

“I want an agent who lives in my neighborhood.”

Knowledge of the local market isn’t only acquired by living in the immediate neighborhood. Sure, your agent should have intimate knowledge of recent sales, models, schools, businesses, and so on, but that is easily achieved through extensive research. Convenience shouldn’t be the primary reason for choosing an agent.

“This agent sold more homes last year than anyone else.”

That should only be the beginning. What is more valuable -- an agent who listed 32 homes and sold 25 – or an agent who listed twelve homes and sold all twelve? So you need to ask some questions. How many of their listings did not sell? How many were reduced over and over before they sold? How long were the houses on the market? How smoothly was the process handled? How accessible was the agent when there were questions or problems?

Quantity is important, but only if all of the quality questions have been answered satisfactorily.

The best agent is the one who will do the most effective job of marketing the property, negotiating the most favorable terms and conditions, and communicating with the seller to make the process as smooth as possible.

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