"Telling" an Owner Often Doesn't Work. Asking Them the Right Question... Usually Does !

Great Post!!  Thanks!

Good questions are an excellent way to get people to see what they need to do on thier own.

Good Advice Karen.  I also tell the sellers that this is joint venture. Unless we are together in it, I won't be able to use all my resources to market the property and you won't be able to get the top dollars. In one of my listings, I asked my client to pack the unwanted stuff into boxes and decorated the boxes with colorful wrapping paper. Since her home was missing color, we used those boxes to add some color and décor to the home.

Nima Buva

So simple, yet so effective.  I'm going to tuck this one away for future use!

Great Post Karen.  I'm going back to get a price reduction and will use your advice. 

Great info and technique. I will be using that one.

This blog reminds me of the bat over the head approach I took to "telling" a muckity muck at the World Bank that he had to stop smoking in his beautiful Georgian Colonial home.  Oh, and neuter Bill the Cat while you're at it!  It would have been nice to have your advice back then.  He is a chapter in my book!

That's a really good idea, creating a question and letting them give you an answer. Now it's on their heads, but sadly, many still won't get it.

You know that technique works with kids and husbands too, not just sellers!  

Great answer and great advice, thank you for sharing it.  Sometimes the best solution is the easiest choice which you so well stated!  By posing a question it puts the ball in their court.  No one likes to be told what to do, but anyone can respond to a question. 

I'll definitely be posing questions to clients more often rather than listing to-do's!  Thanks!

Hi Karen,

Asking them "Open Ended Questions" is always better, since you, as their Realtor, can analyze them quicker and more accurately!!!  Great post, now I think I might write one on what questions to ask... Thanks Karen for the thought!!!  ;>)))

Karen Anne- You are right. Asking questions is the key to communication and then listening and not thinking about what you are going to say next. Most often they answer their own questions. 

Hi Karen Anne... you always have such helpful advice and a unique "spin" on such matters!  Congratulations on the feature!

I used this technique a few weeks ago...the house had 13 cats inside. I told them that all people remember about their home was the cats. Did they have any suggestions to help people remember the house??? They suggested moving the cats out until after the sale! Brilliant.

Great Idea!

Makes a lot of sense.

Great blog! 

Great Idea, then just recommend they use a Home Stager who will provide them with a complete DIY list or will perform the needed services.

I've had instances like this so many times. But then again, I care not about putting it in gently. Hey, they want to sell or not? If so, they better get their hands dirty and sweat it.

The seller needs to be motivated to sell the house.  Sometimes they can't or won't change and the money isn't as important as their comfort/clutter/dirt/mess.  Congrats on your featured listing.