This is not the first time I've come across this scenario, and I am sure I am not the only one that has encountered this. When someone has listed their property with a Realtor.. just because they are a friend of theirs.
We have written blogs here about how buyers should interview Realtors when they are looking to purchase a home. Should prospective sellers do the same?
I live in a condo complex where I have sold many units, and can be at a sellers home in a matter of minutes. I try to keep up-to-date on what is going on in this community by also being a member of the board of directors. By no means do I claim to be the best when it comes to selling condos, but I do when it comes to where I live.
This past summer, I listed a condo in the same court I live on. These clients (sellers) of mine saw a home they wanted to buy and put in an offer to purchase with a hubbard clause. Believe it or not, this offer was accepted, and I had 30 days to get their condo under deposit. You name it, I did it.. open house, personal websites, all website, ads... etc (not giving away all my tricks here). With the luck of God.. I had it under deposit in 28 days. The asking price was $152,900.. we sold it for $151,200.
Now their neighbors, right next door, are selling their condo.. with a friend. This listing has been on the market for over 90 days, and they have dropped the price. The sad news is that the friend/Realtor had wrong info (which has since been corrected) on the MLS.. and they are NOT, NOT marketing it to it's fullest. ISN'T THIS WHY SELLERS HIRE REALTORS? Isn't it our job, and aren't we hired to market the property to the hilt.. especially in the economy?
Last week I saw the wife, and just asked how things are going.. being neighborly... AND NOTHING MORE. She told me that they haven't had anyone come and see the place in a while. She blames the economy. I just shook my head and said nothing.
My thoughts were "MAYBE IT IS NOT THE ECONOMY IN TOTALLY.. BUT THE REALTOR YOU HIRED". My advice is whether you hire a friend, someone that was referred to you, or a neighbor (like I'd be)... YOU SHOULD ALWAYS INTERVIEW THEM. Make sure that they will work for you, and they are giving you the best of service. The commission you pay is for the work they do... not because they are your friend.
DON'T YOU AGREE??
FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE.. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT
Info about the author:
Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.
For real estate... all you need to know, is VALERIEO
If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT there are plenty of great buys in today's market. There is no better time than now to take advantage of these homes while interest rates remain at an all time low. For more information on Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell- valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net.
Copyright © 2009 By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR, All Rights Reserved...*SHOULD YOU LIST YOUR PROPERTY WITH A REALTOR... JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE YOUR FRIEND?????*
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