My mother lives in a condo in Falls Church, VA, and having moved here back in September, and recently wanted to see what other homes in her building look like, as many neighbors do.    She went to an open house on her hall last Sunday, and what she told me about the agent's behavior made me cringe, and inspired a blog.

1) He said he'd been playing solitaire all day, hardly anyone had been by...so lonesome.

2) He doesn't work a lot of condos, just doing this for a friend of his daughter's (who says this at an open house to a prospective buyer, seller or potential spy from the seller?).

3) He had zero answers about the community - how far to metro, what school districts, what do the dues cover?  My mom was answering the questions for the poor perspective buyer.

4) His heart was not in it, she said.  I asked if he actually said that, but she referenced the above and that was the impression he was giving to her and anyone else who walked through that door.

5) Home was not at all staged, over priced by about 30K and will probably take months to sell when it should take about a week.

So sellers, when you are planning on selling your home, make sure the agent you choose actually wants your business.  You do not want an agent holding open your house acting bored, generating no excitement, telling people how slow it's been, who didn't bother to do a simple Google search or ask you about community ameneties.  You would be better of FSBO, frankly.

Your agent should be thrilled about your house.   I have to say, I can find something to be excited about every single house I've ever sold.  If an agent can't generate some real enthusiasm for your home, you shouldn't hire them!   Even the open house is slow, your agent should not highlight that fact.  It is not appealing to a buyer to think they are the only one interested in a home.  They will immeditately think (Especially in this hot Northern VA market - what's wrong with it?)

Your agent should KNOW all there is to know about your home, your neighborhood, proximity to schools, stores, and public transportation - that is part of being a good agent!  And if they don't know, they should say, "I'm not sure, but I will get that infor for you asap, may I please follow up via phone or emall?"  

When this agent didn't know the answer, he simply said "Thanks so much for coming!" ---Huh?  

Did you hear me? I asked you a question and you dodged me with a generic thank you line?  

This is why so many people are leery of agents.

There are better agents out there than this, sellers, just make sure you find one for your home when it's time to sell, and not this guy!