We get that call... the one to come and list a home. We get there and obviously the homeowner has only been "thinking" about selling and not putting a plan into action based on the clutter and Christmas lights that are still up on the bushes.
If it weren't so frustrating it could be a skit for Saturday Night Live. Sometimes you feel like you need to keep a straight face while asking how soon those lights will be off the bushes. Is someone playing a joke on their Realtor friend? No, no joke.
So while thankfully most don't still have their Christmas lights up in May, there are a lot of sellers who think that buyers will just overlook their lack of packing, cleaning and preparing for the market. However when most showings are on line first, what sellers are missing are real showings because buyers click on and click off their listing faster than an agent could get a front door open.
So how do we help these challenging sellers?
Take photos of a few rooms and upload them onto your laptop while you are there. Ask them how they think their home will show to others?
Some people need things spelled out... so be very clear. Have your seller take out a piece of paper and make a list of what needs to be done and a reasonable time frame for it to be completed.
Talk money! Time is money and the longer a home is on the market, the more it is believed that something is "wrong" with the home amongst buyers. Also the longer a home is on the market the less likely the seller is to get their list price.
We live one way and sell another. The first few weeks are the most important of a listing life. Can they live for a month being inconvienced and ready for showings? Can they keep the beds made, dishes clean?
Offer contact numbers for hired help. I love the idea of 1-800-Got -Junk! Or how about for the taxes to take their extra items to Goodwill for a tax credit.
Finally, have a plan for these sellers and be strong enough to be firm that time is money for you too. How will you market a home well that isn't very marketable?
It's a Price War And A Beauty Contest! Be in it to win it!
Brenda Swigert CDPE, e-PRO, Relocation Specialist Realtor
ReMax Unlimited www.BrendaSwigert.com 513-378-1461 brendaswigert@gmail.com
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