When sellers ask me how I am going to market their home, no problem. When sellers ask me about their neighborhood, I qualify the question to home sales prices, current listings and expired listings. They already know about the neighborhood they live there.
Sellers can ask about my commission, not how I compare to others, I don't know and frankly that is not related to my expenses or marketing costs. Sellers can as if I will hold open houses. I always ask if they would like an open house. You would be surprised with the answers your get. They can ask how will my home be shown. I always say by appointment "only". They can ask about the yard sign and it's placement. They can ask about my pets, family, education and so on.
I change expressions immediately when a seller tells me who we can and can not sell too! I give them a little lesson in law and then inform them I will not be able to represent them if they persist in this direction. That usually does the trick....especially when I mention it being a Federal law.
I can not comment on other agents that the seller may be interviewing, I do not know how they work, what they have to offer this seller. I can say that I know or do not know them. My lack of commentary in this regard is basically ethics. Each agent represents clients differently and each situation and client is unique. I can only comfortably comment on how I will provide service to the client.
I always answer clients on my success rate of selling. In fact, I carry (authorized use) referral letters from past clients in my listing presentation. I feel I have been personally blessed with the clients I have represented and the success I have been able to maintain.
I do not get involved with family arguments....I have had family squabbles erupt during listing presentations and I interject that I did not bring my striped shirt to referee! They usually laugh and get the point. Then I take the question that caused the confrontation and cover issues for both of them so they feel better. (this is if it is real estate related, kids, money, church and politics are off limits!)
My allowable issues are pretty broad, but sellers are not allowed to cross the lines on who they are willing to sell to for any reason. It could be they don't like kids. I have been told, "if the buyer has children forget it". The seller said they did not want to do that to their neighbors. I have had to tell them they are not in a restricted community and would have to sell if the buyers had financing. The answer is usually, "really, well OK". I am always amazed when these comments come up. You would think this has been so publicized that everyone would know by now! Not the case. Every year I have one seller that will use poor judgement and say things they should not. I have not lost a listing because of this. Each time with a little counseling they understand and change for the better. I make sure my sellers maintain their focus on selling their home and the who, why and so forth are left behind. Most sellers really appreciate the information and others put up with the responsibilities of having to do the right thing.
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