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Being A Home Seller Sucks Worse Than Being A REALTOR(R)!

Being a home seller sucks worse than being a REALTOR(R). I should know. I'm both of them. Been wearing the seller shoes since the end of April.

But unlike most sellers, I do everything my REALTOR(R) tells me and always practice what I preach. Right? Wrong! Can you spell "do as I say, not as I do"?

No For Sale sign in the yard (don't want the nosy neighbors to know. I'm sure they won't notice herds of people spilling out of magnetic-signed real estate cars)

No lockbox (don't want people snooping around in the house when I'm not there)

No "get out of Dodge" when buyers come to look (I'll just stay out on the porch - they might have questions)

I do, however, perform the pre-showing interrogation well.

"Do your buyers have a current pre-approval letter or proof of funds?"

"They're from out of town? Are they planning to make a purchase decision while they're here or are they just starting to look? Are they buyers or tire kickers"?

"Do they have a home to sell? Is it under contract? Do you have a copy of the contract on their home? Why are they moving to Florida? What's their astrological sign"?

And, in my defense, I always do the 1 hour Power Clean drill before a showing.

Dust, alcohol spritz the mirrors, remove everything from kitchen counters, hide all evidence of human life, hide all evidence of pet life, toilet lids down, fresh bars of soap out, fresh towels out, empty wastebaskets, turn lights on, open blinds, arrange and light candles, arrange cookies on antique cake pedestal, vacuum, take another spin through the house, put lid back down after hubby uses toilet, anxiously await the arrival of buyers.

So what's the part that sucks, you ask? REALTORS(R) who fail to communicate and can't return a phone call! Of all the things REALTORS(R) suck at, this is the worst.

We had a second showing yesterday with out-of-town buyers. They stayed for almost an hour. Ate cookies, drank ice water, complimented us on how nice everything was, rang every buying signal bell possible and just shy of asking us point blank what we'd take for the house, appeared to be serious players. They even asked about ceiling fans, window coverings, appliances etc.

Afterwards, we anxiously awaited a call from the agent to let us know which way they were going to jump. Were they going to ask for our hand in marriage or choose someone else? No call.

Okay, so they'll call today. 9:00 am came and went. No call. I called and left the REALTOR(R) a voice mail to please call me. Lunch time came and went. No call. Dinner time came and went. No call. Pretty soon it'll be time for bed.

No call. No email. Zip. Nada.

Now I appreciate the fact that it's Father's Day and also Sunday. But a quick courtesy call or email would have been so easy and painless. Let me know something. Even if it's bad news. Don't just leave me hanging!

Is it just me? Or is NO COMMUNICATION the biggest reason it sucks to be a seller and THE biggest reason people think REALTORS(R) suck?

Posted by Laraine Shape - Broker on 06/22/2009 05:58 AM

Comments (108)

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108 Comments on Being A Home Seller Sucks Worse Than Being A REALTOR(R)!

JUN

Laraine, There are some good real estate folks and some bad. I believe I have seen the whole gamut...

Your building consultant for life in Nashville, TN

Oohhh, that would drive me NUTS not to hear! Especially after a second showing like that! Fingers crossed - they;ll call!

Michael - Yep, me too. Scary. :-)

Leesa - Hope you're right. Not that I'm not patient, mind you. GRRRRRRRR!!!

Laraine, you are gutsy :-) I've already told myself that when it comes time to sell our own home that hubby and I will hire another agent to represent us. Why? I'd be my own worst client!

I hope the buyers that came through again are *the* ones!

You are right, no one in this business returns calls. Actually, some do but a lot of the newer ones don't for some reason. Think training is the problem?

A couple reasons why a Realtor does not communicate

#1 He/She got so busy suddenly that they do not have systems in place

#2 They do not know/want to give bad news

either way . .it is bad business practices

Laraine, good luck, selling your own home is difficult in the best of times, and we're definitely not in the best of times.

Laraine, Hopefully the agent has contacted you by now. Keep us posted, I hope they buy it!

Laraine,
I feel your pain! Just call, bad news is better than no news!

Laraine...

It isn't just you. When we do 'listening' appointments, that come from our expired letter, one of the questions we ask is why they didn't re-list with the Agent that had the listing? I'd say about 90% of them tell us they never heard from their Agent. It's an industry wide problem and has been for as many years as I've been in this business. All it takes is a phone call or email to solve such a problem. You'd think Agents that with hold communication would understand that sucks :)

TLW...ROAR!

Laraine,

Lack of communicating in real estate is one of the biggest frustrations Realtors, buyers and sellers all have. When we don't hear, we play all kinds of weird scenarios in our heads, most of them negative.

Just don't take it out on Ralph.

Rich

Laraine, I'm with you on this one. It would drive me crazy. It reminds me one appointment, when another agent called me at 2:00PM if I could show her house at 3:00. That was Sunday, owners were out of town. It was possible. I dropped everything I was doing to accommodate that agent. They came, they left. No feedback, not even after I left a voicemail and email to the other agent. I'm sure you can figure the "pet" name that I have for this agent.

Laraine, I think you hit the nail on the head. There have so many blogs about feedback with many saying it's not important and that you have to assume if you do not hear from the agent it means the buyer is not interested. But the important part is why? Why are they not interested? You have proven just how very important it is. Good luck though, I hope these are your buyers.

Laraine, I've had plenty of Realtors not returning calls lately. This really irritates me, as you stated, a courtesy call or email would suffice. When they do get around to calling,

I was in that situation back in 2005...I had to lower my price twice after not seeing the results I wanted. It was when our market was still crazy. I didn't take the attitude that I would lose money because I never had the money so how could I lose it? I ended up selling a month after the big hurricane. We still made a nice profit but it took 8 yrs to happen. If we sold it now it would be worth 100K less...I guess we made the right decision . I also took care of everything in the inspection report which was minimal anyway even though it was an as-is deal. The only difference was...I was my own agent and the agent that sold the home worked with me through out the whole process so it was worth it. It took about 60 days to sell after the price was adjusted.

Featured @ Club Chaos

I'm sure this experience will make you an even better agent.

I hear this all the time from Realtors--about other Realtors! I also hear it from my clients--their Realtor doesn't communicate. I look at it this way: if a Realtor doesn't return my phone calls, they probably won't return those of a client. So, because like all stagers, I'm often in a position to recommend a Realtor, I never refer the ones who don't call me back. I hope those buyers will give you a great offer soon. I'm sure the whole process is frustrating!

Laraine...

I never give "sellers" feedback if we are considering an offer because it may tip our hands. Be patient, it sounds like an offer is on the way.

Laraine - many realtors are bad at communications, unless it is directly related to a paycheck. Richard does have a point, though. I like your power clean drill. Hope that you are keep Ralph and the dung flys out of sight for the showings.

Laraine, on the flip side of this, I have been with out of town buyers since Friday. All day, every day. The listing agents keep calling and I'm with people. I can't take their calls. Those that have email requests for feedback have gotten answers. Everyone else will hear from me today, Monday morning. Thats when I do me follow ups. Sorry.

Now the truth is... I'm getting ready to move myself. I also don't want to put a sign in my yard. We as Realtors are our own worst enemies. I truly feel your pain. I think by having to move every few years it would make us all better agents. We would understand, so much better, how our Sellers feel!

Some buyer's agents may not realize that listing agents desperately look for feedback .They only call you if the buyer is interested. I am always patient.

Wow, it is tough selling for a family member or yourself. You always put much more pressure on yourself and can not get away from it when you go home. Just hang in there.

It seems to be a trend now that it is a buyers market to expect the buyer to give feedback. When it was a sellers market the home was sold so fast that the buyer did not have to leave feedback just leave an offer on the table... maybe this is way they don't give it up easily because the table is now turned in their favor.

Guilty about being the seller/owner. This is probably why we are renting the old house.

On feedback: Absolutely needed for client relations, absolutely useless as a selling tool. People buy a house because it feels like home, not because their agent gave feedback to the listing agent.

IF you do get an offer from these buyers, GREAT! If not... (you aren't going to like the following opinion)

do what you KNOW you should be doing and get the hell out of the way while it is being shown. Buyers always speak highly of a house TO THE SELLERS - that's just human nature and common courtesy.

You have no business being there when it is being shown or talking to the buyers and you know it. In my opinion you are, indeed, your own worst enemy. Also, you are causing yourself undue stress in the process.

I am obsessive/comulsive about returning calls and giving feedback but I probably wouldn't have even shown your house if you insisted on sticking around and if I had shown it because the buyers reaaaaly wanted to see it I wouldn't be quick to call you since you didn't show me the courtesy of leaving my buyers alone while they considered your house.

Courtesy is a two way street, ya know.

BTW, I'm not fussing or lecturing... just lettin' ya know the other side of this coin. ;)

Laraine, I listed my personal house and it closed about three months ago. I had my girlfriend list it. It is easier to let her rant to them than me. As a realtor selling your own home it can be frustrating as you illustrate. She really took care of business, and her fee? Alright, no excuse for not taking a vacation. We are heading to Cabo.

As a buyers agent, I would not call all the listing agents whose homes we viewed. If a listing agent called me for feedback I am willing to answer any call and return calls. If it was a second or sometimes a third showing I could tell the listing agent, this home is in our Top 3, 4 or 5 for consideration. Until we are writing a contract I do not want the listing agent to get excited and then I have to call and disappoint them when my buyer changes their mind at the last minute. (had that happen more than once).

Don't blame it all on the Realtor. He/she may have wanted to say somethingto you like 'these flakey buyers have run me ragged. They love EVERY house they go into but there are so many on the market and so much competition that they can't make up their dang minds.' Of course, that may be unethical or at least tacky to talk about your buyers that way, but the Realtor may want to. I have been working with some nice but maddening people lately.

I do hope you hear from them and that there is a good offer.

Sarah in Nashville

Kris - Thanks. Me too!

Dennis - Ha! Don't say that too loud - we don't want to get the House Hag riled up

Fernando - I agree. In my book any news is better than no news.

Gabe - Ugh. To say the least.

Jen - Will do and me too!

Cynthia - Exactly!

TLW - Amazing, isn't it? By the way, how much does Broker Bryant charge for his famous expired letter? Will he trade it for a 2010 Dung Fly calendar?

Laraine...Sorry I lost your number, I must have placed your card on the roof of my car before I drove away from the showing...thanks for contacting me, I did mean to give you feed back...Which house was yours? We did end up looking at 46 properties and now I can't remember which was which...You didn't happen to catch the buyers name when you were ease-dropping did you? Thanks "Billy Bob your #1 Agent Expert in your town USA"

Laraine- It takes on a whole new meaning when it is personal. In the end, you will be the Seller's best Realtor having walked a mile in their shoes. I think overall people are afraid to call when they have no news. I am willing to be- the showing agent settled for a "We will think about" deferment on making a decision.

Rich - Yes! Exactly. No worries, Ralph is safe.

Joanna - What a DIPSTICK!

Barb - I know! Say something!

Rebecca - Someone should teach a "manners" class for REALTORS(R). But then the ones who need it would probably never show up.

Neal - It's great that you had a competent agent on the other side of things.

C - Thank you!

Dianne - Yes, it will.

Kathi - No matter how many years I'm in this business, things like this still amaze me. You'd think I'd get used to it.

It is rude to not at least acknowledge your calls. Perhaps an offer will come from out of the blue....good luck.

Laraine -

With all the fancy communication techniques - it's amazing that some folks can't return a simple phone call!

And the real estate business is not alone in this.

Just plain rude!

Thanks for the share!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Have you tried texting and e-mailing the agent. Some agents will respond better to different forms of communication - as will so buyers and sellers.

I have a listing right now where I am getting along with the great with the seller. Her former agent liked her, but thought she was a bit of a pain. Why? Communication, of course. The seller prefers e-mail. Her former agent didn't. I love e-mail. I find it much easier to e-mail and say "Nothing yet", than a long phone call saying "Nothing yet."

Anyway. Send the agent a text and see if you get a response.

Let us know what you find out. (and how)

Richard - You are such a "glass half full" guy, aren't you? No wonder every body loves you

Mike - Ha! Yes, Ralph hides in the liquor cabinet and the dung flies play out on the compost pile.

Connie - I agree with your flip side. I hate when agents bug me like that, too. But after such a lengthy second showing, it seems a quick call or email would have been in order. And yes, we are definitely our own worst enemies.

Gita - Unfortunately, patience has NEVER been one of my virtues.

Mary - Yes, you're right.

J - BINGO!

Tim - Okay (blush) I've been duly chastised.

Laraine, buddy, I am in complete agreement with #27 ! Don't stay there for those showings. That's the worst. You need to fire yourself asap to get your house sold!

YES YES YES!!! The number one reason that the public thinks that agents suck is because of poor or NO communication! As a profession, we probably have the worst reputation for follow up and follow through and I'll be hanged if I know how to fix that!!! You have been exposed to the consumer point of view by being in the shoes of the seller...too bad more agents can't be in that place so they can see what it is like! Great post and you are totally on with your point and have a right to be frustrated! Best to you in getting your place sold!

Joe - Ha! Good for you!

Gail - I know you'd return a call, though. Just common courtesy.

Sara - Good point. Thanks.

Steve - HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Maybe you should practice what you preach. At least go back and re-read this blog with an open mind. Would you take your buyer to this home?

Shelton

I am fairly new to the business and I find the lack of return calls to be the most annoying part of it. I saw someone say it was the new agents who don't call. Not true from my perspective. I do return phone calls and make them.

I hope you get that call today Laraine. And take your advise and don't hang around. It makes buyers uncomfortable.

Allison - You're absolutely right.

Gary - Thanks! Hope you're right.

Dean - Where is Miss Manners when we need her?

Julie - Thanks. Good idea and will do!

Dawn - Eeeeek! I'm afraid you're right.

Jeani - YES, YES, YESSSSSSS!

Shelton - Yes, I would. I may not like it, but I would. I've actually had several homes go under contract recently where the sellers WERE home (out of the way) and were able to answer questions their agents weren't able to answer.

Thank you, Kim. Me too!

**NEWSFLASH**NEWSFLASH**NEWSFLASH**NEWSFLASH**NEWSFLASH**NEWSFLASH**NEWSFLASH**

The REALTOR(R) called. We're getting an offer. YAY! :-)

Doing the Snoopy dance!!! Awesome! I hope you don't move too far away from me before I get there. :-)

This post and all the comments are interesting, hope you relieved a little stress by writing it? The buyers may be hemmin' and hawin' about the details of their offer, but sounds like they are ready to make an offer. Hope they do!

Laraine,

It's definitely lack of communication.

Zijuzijazijana

Congrats!!

Laraine - I was happy to see your update above. I had a hard time imagining that those people wouldn't even bother with an offer after the amount of time spent in your house. On a side note, I was surprised to see that you don't require a small blood sample, thumbprint, and retinal scan for showings.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C- Me too! We're gonna have to do lunch at the very least!

Sara - Thank you!

Eva - I agree.

Jason - Thank you, my dear. And just for the record, Ralph is in charge of the lab testing. The good news is I'll be able to buy a new computer now. That will mean I'll be able to comment more frequently on your blog. This old clunker is so slow I literally fall asleep waiting for you to download.

LOL...I was going to leave another comment, but just read your update. Congratulations! I am certain you can make this deal work out! If you need any of us to work the contract for you and leave emotions out, we are here for you, rotfl! Good luck and let us know!

Laraine...

I'm thrilled to find out that you're getting an offer. Pleased keep us posted and let us know how things go.

TLW...ROAR!

Elizabeth - Ha! Thanks for the offer. I just may take you up on that!

TLW - Thank you, tootsie! Will do!

I have had a few second showing and many agents asking if we have offers yet. I am still waiting for an offer. Glad you got one!

I agree, the unknown is THE WORST. And even though I sometimes can't get around to calling agents back with feedback before a reasonable hour, I look them up and email them a quick thank you for allowing me to show their listing and some sort of indication of their interest level. I know what it's like to be on the selling side and I know how nice it is to be able to update an anxious client.

Yes, the not knowing is agonizing! Unfortunately it is what it is and you have to live with it...

Patricia AAulson/portsmouth nh

I've been on both sides of the equation myself and they both have their own unique challenges without a doubt. Congrats on the feature.

I TRY to be good about calling Sellers with feedback, because obviously I would like the same courtesy. I keep notes of my showings for several days so that I can remember what my Buyer did/didn't like.

When I have a listing however, I e-mail cooperating Realtors a link to my listing and ask for feedback. I tend to get a good response, because they can respond at 3:00 am if they want AND I've provided photos in case they don't remember which house I'm asking about.

Your case is a little different though, since it was a 2nd showing and they stayed so long. Will send positive thoughts your way!

Thanks, Bridget. Hope you get one too.

Loree - You're the kind of agent I LOVE to work with.

Patricia - I know. :-(

JL - Challenges, indeed. Thanks! :-)

Lori - Hey, now there's an idea (the link). Thanks!

Laraine - yeah, it's hard to be on that side of the fence, but then you get to see how agents and buyers act, and are perceived, when you are selling. Some agents are great about follow-up, others are not. That's been a gripe from buyers and sellers for a long time. But it's not just our industry either. It's part of being human adn developing good skills, or not.

Hope things move along for you soon before you decide to fire your agent for not selling the home.

Jeff

Amen sister! I was wearing both Realtor and seller hats last year and it was SOOOOO frustrating! It really helped me empathize with my sellers though.

Laraine - You are in an interesting situation - I have to admit, that I am guilty of not returning calls. But usually it is because I don't have any extra information to offer.

I probably wouldn't stay at home during showings if I were you - it can make it very awkward for the buyers to feel comfortable looking around.

I hope you get an offer!!!

P.S. Your title CRACKED ME UP!!!

Jeff - Yes, good points. I've seen some amazing things with the few showings we've had. Some good, but mostly pretty scary. Thanks for the well wishes!

Jamie - Ain't that the truth?

Emily - See newsflash above. We're getting an offer - Woo hoo!

I'm so used to agents not getting back to me for listing feedback that if someone actually DOES, I think they are the most wonderful, thoughtful people in the world!

I am a seller right now too(vacant rental), and I don't have a sign out either!! I'm trying to stay under the radar of the neighbors and HOA, I just want to get out quietly; I also don't want too many signs up in the complex, it doesn't look good. Good luck selling your place!

Laraine! Congrats on the pending offer!!! Fabulous news after all the waiting.

Ok now here is the real problem coming up........who will be your buyess agent seeing as your listing agent was a bit wacko!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats on the offer.........what's next? )

Sometimes I can talk communicate too much! So what's your next move? Ever think of relocating to the GREAT Pacific NW? I know a really good agent . . .

;-)

I'm really happy for you that an offer is coming in. As for the feedback or lack thereof, I find in this market that many times the buyers just don't communicate with us about their level of interest until they're ready to make an offer. I've been in the position before of telling a selling agent that my buyers have shown a serious interest in the home only to have them change their minds and totally dismiss that property, leaving the agent and seller disappointed, thinking they might have an offer coming.

Lisa - Ha! I know what you mean about the unexpected feedback. Good luck on selling yours, too!

Erika - Thank you!

Anna - Haaaaa! Good point. Not sure yet, but I'll keep you posted. You're keeping a desk open for me....just in case, right?

Carla - Yes, actually I have! I understand Portland is just gorgeous and there are a lot of fun things to do.

Geri - You make some good points. I've had the same thing happen myself. Thanks for the input.

I sold my home in Bethesda MD in May 2005. However, I did it quite differently.

I engaged and listed with an experienced broker that knew my market. I knew that I wasn't going to be objective. It was worth the $42,000 broker fee to not have to be involved.

Took her advice about pricing primarily because it was just what I was looking for. Had a home inspection done and fixed everything before entering in the MLS. Had a sign, lockbox, brochure box, etc.

I didn't leave when the house was shown because I work from home and just stuck to my office.

My agent did an open house the second week and a buyer came in with her mother the agent.

The house was under contract at full price in 13 days after hitting the MLS. My agent discounted the fee to 5.5% as a professional courtesy, but she was worth every dime in the professional job she and her son partner did and I didn't have to lift a finger.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Laraine,

Shame on all agents who show and do not provide feedback. Bad enough they don't volunteer; worse they don't respond when contacted...

Hope the offer is a great one without any snags!

Lenn - You're such a pro. Wish I'd had the benefit of working with you over the years. I'm certain it would have benefitted me immensely. Good mentors are so hard to come by. Hope the newbies out there are paying attention to you! :-)

Irene - Thank you so much

Laraine!!! You sound like one of those Sellers I'd just have to fire!! Seriously though....wait a minute...I was serious. REALTORS(R) usually make the absolute worse customers. Myself included.

And you are correct that lack communication is BY FAR the number one reason why people think we suck. Personally I find that strange since we are in the communication business. It is however a skill many are lacking in.

Bryant - I've always thought "only in Florida" but from what I'm hearing....it must be pretty universal. What exactly is it that agents do with their cell phones, anyway? Let's all write a book, shall we? And by the way, I still haven't heard back on your "expired" letter. Are you willing to trade a 2010 dung fly calendar for a copy of it?

completely agree. It sux to be a seller, especially when you can't get an answer from the agent. An answer that would take a 30 second email that I would be totally happy with!! Just give it to me!

Kristin - You got it, girl!

LOL Laraine...

I'm sorry. I forgot to answer you about that :)

There's a link in his last post with a copy of the expired letter. It's Free. Run with it :)

TLW...ROAR!

It is so easy to pick up the phone and call the Seller after a showing. What better opportunity to let them know any feedback from the showing agent and use it as a way to stay in touch. Even if the message isn't what they wanted to hear they will appreciate the call.

I don't know why agents don't call back and give feedback. It's not hard. Sometimes I forget to call before the listing agent calls me, but I never dodge a follow up call. And I do try very hard to provide meaningful feedback...

TLW - Found it - thanks! (He's still gonna get a calendar)

Stephan - I completely agree. I don't always do it (especially if sellers are out of state) but I do try my best to keep in touch and let them know what's happening.

Christianne - And I'm sure that's why other agents appreciate the opportunity to work you you.

Lack of communication is the biggest complaint I hear with regards to agents from the general public and other agents.

Laraine -- hoping you heard from the agent today?!?!?!

Laraine - I had no idea you were selling your home. Give em hell!

Congratulations on your offer Laraine!!! I'm not going to admonish you on being the "overzealous" Seller who hides in corners and snoops on the buyers as they tour your home :)

Great Job!!!!

JUN

Yep, it's got to be tough to sell, especially in FL. I'm in Seattle and it sucks bad enough here trying to sell a house, and we're actually pretty well off here!

Christine - Amazing, isn't it?

Marney - Yes! She says an offer is coming this week!

Greg - Can do, Chief!

Vanessa - Thanks on both counts!

Tim - It's brutal here in Florida

so does the old saying "a lawyer that represents himself has a fool for a client' apply to REALTORS.... i think probably.... right off the bat it limits you in this situation... a third party negotiator can call and not appear anxious...looking for feedback... there are other reasons too... ever check your E&O...it might have limits if you represent yourself...plus there is the client issue...

Lots of luck!

Wow, that is great news. An offer for the home. Now send some of that luck my way. I am selling my home too.

Perrin - Yes, I'm afraid it does apply. I'm the perfect example

Angelia - Thank you. A big, fat good luck cloud is on its way as we speak!

Laraine,

Congrats on your contract. Hope it works for you.

JUN

I hope things get better for you! It will sell. Things are picking up!!!

Thank you, Brenda!

Thank you, Team Honeycutt!

Laraine,

I was happy to read your post; not because of your frustrating experience, but because I too am baffled about real estate agents' lack of communication.

I'm a real estate stager and so consider myself to be at least peripherally (SP?) involved in the industry. I also have a home on the market like you.

We went through six months with an uncommunicative agent who did absolutely nothing outside the cookie cutter box of initial marketing efforts. So when we changed to a new agent, we were cautious and hopeful - Please, we thought, be DIFFERENT! Treat us differently! Act like you care!! Talk to us!

This is all any seller can ask and yet, for many of us, these requests go unheeded. Knowing a lot of agents, I had a hard time selecting one so went on the referral of a friend. The agent was a marketing dream come true DURING HER INITIAL INTERVIEW AND SUBSEQUENT LISTING APPOINTMENT. And that's where her uniqueness ended.

We have been with her for nearly 4 months and I have had to hound, email, call, call again, email again - all to find out what she is doing to earn her commission. On our property, that turns out to be quite a huge chunk of change. We have not seen her since we listed. She has arranged several showings, that we prepare for, and then they fall through, GRRRRRRRRRRRR.

What do you suggest? When an agent is not communicative with the client, it leaves us wondering what in the heck is going on? As months pass and nothing happens, we wonder, Is changing agents really going to produce anything different?

AGENTS please - communicate with your sellers - they are lonely and desperate and so want you to show that you care and are taking steps to sell the home.

And so Laraine, you may be an agent who is different , but tell me, why are you not selling your own home?

Mel

Mel - Wow! What a great comment. It actually makes a great post all by itself and I think you'd have a feature here! (Seriously) What you're going through is the exact crux of what bugs people about REALTORS(R) or any profession for that matter. I would recommend that you invite the agent over for a heart-to-heart, Be completely open and honest. Tell her you feel she's failed big time in the communication department and give her an opportunity to correct it. Ask her to withdraw the listing if she can't or won't correct the problem. Make her be accountable. And to answer your question, YES, YES, YES! Changing agents can and does make a difference. Get the new agent's promise (in writing) that he/she will keep you informed on a weekly basis as to showing feedback, pricing, marketing actions, networking (specifics) etc. As for my own home, we're in a BRUTAL market here in Brevard County, Florida. Glutted with foreclosures. In light of what's going on around me I'm pretty happy with the activity we've had so far (We've been on the market just a little over 60 days) and have a feeling the offer that is coming in from this last agent is going to be "it." I just wish she was more tuned in on the communication aspect. PLEASE WRITE YOUR COMMENT AS A BLOG! It's a winner! :-)

JUN

Laraine - The lack of acitivity probably indicate no intereswt! Sucks ... aome agetns just can't split outn thhe truth!

I agree, Mell should psot this so everyone can benefit!

Thanks!

JUN

Laraine, just wanted to say kudos for the title of your post. Very funny!

JUN

Thanks Lisa and Brad!

JUL

I hope you are finally out of your misery and that offer did come through! Thanks for sharing.

JUL

THis is the biggest problem in our business and then there is the other side of the coin..the buyers that call you 24/7 over every little thing 10 times a day...

Lise - Keep your fingers crossed!

Mary - Aaaarrrrrgggghhhhhhh!

JUL

Any word on your offer Laraine?

JUL

Kim - Sorry, I can't talk right now. I'm bizzy packing. Stay tuned!

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