This list of tips, admittedly, is a bit tongue-in cheek. But I think some folks can use the help. Perhaps they do know but just don't care, or are lazy, forget or for some other reason don't bother. Regardless, some help is needed.

I hope if these apply you take these suggestions to heart. 

Some of this seems so obvious and common sense. But clearly it's not. And it is certainly not doing clients any favors and getting their home sold. 

TAKE SOME PHOTOS

Don't be so lazy. Buyers want to see them. REO agents are the worst. Guess they figure there will be enough interest so no need to bother. And if they are in another county they certainly don't want to drive a distance to get photos. 

MAKE SURE YOUR MLS LISTING INFORMATION IS ACCURATE

And for heaven's sake at least include some information that might appeal to potential buyers. Have you heard of remarks? Don't blame your mistakes, or your lack of or inaccurate information on your assistant (how many times have I heard that one). You are responsible.

UPDATE YOUR LISTING WHEN INFORMATION CHANGES

It's nice to know that there is now a tenant with a dog instead of the home being vacant. You DID know didn't you? Oh, and if it can't be shown because the sellers are moving, put it in the MLS. Ah, so it's now in escrow and not available. The listing is a convenient way to let folks know these things. Are you sensing some sarcasm? 

MAKE SURE THE KEY IN YOUR LOCK BOX WORKS

Some don't. And make sure if you say there is a lockbox that you install it when the home is available to show. It helps. 

PUT THE COMBO CODE IN THE LISTING

And let us know it IS a combo. I hate having to call from the front door when I discover the lockbox is a combo. Especially when you don't answer your phone. That's another tip, by the way.

 LABEL YOUR LOCKBOXES

if they are on a gated complex, especially a condo. This is a common problem. Case in point...I showed property in La Jolla yesterday. There were 21 lockboxes on the entrance gate. 2 had labels. The one I needed did not. How the heck can I figure out which one to use if it isn't labeled with the unit # and your name? I'm not a mind reader. OK so 7 of them were Sentrilock as your listing stated. That helped. NOT.

MAKE THE HOME AVAILABLE TO SHOW

Yes, sometime sellers themselves sabotage their sale and make their homes hard to show with limited hours. But our job is to make sure they understand the risks of limiting showings or making it hard to do so. And making your showing instructions CLEAR and ACCURATE in the MLS listing is key. I can't tell you how many times I have tried to follow them and can't figure them out, or what they say and what you are told by the agent, or the sellers, is very different. And if the instructions are to call you, well, then YOU need to answer the darn phone, or call back. Or email or text. 

PRICE YOUR HOME CORRECTLY AND IN LINE WITH THE MARKET

Get your head out of the clouds and stop mispresenting the value of the listing so you can get the contract.

Following a few simple suggestions makes a home so much easier for us buyer agents to show them. We appreciate it, as do our buyers. I suspect most sellers will as well.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits