Nicole--Glad you enjoyed and will be able to make use of the post. :)

Richard--I think we need to partner with our clients which is so much more than a get the listing attitude. Both parties need to be on board with the strategy.

William--I too have seen many homes that are truly "lived-in". Nothing wrong with that but prior to selling, the homeowner must realize that if repairs are not made, condition will drastically affect the bottom line. In a market that is buyer driven, a lived-in home might not sell at all.

Esko--There is always a certain percentage of practioners that like to tell people what they want to hear instead of telling them like it is. I tell it like it is...Fair, Honest and Upfront. The only way to work in any market.

Missy--I think to truly sell a home we as agents have to go in with the idea we are going partner with the seller to get the home sold. I won't take the listing unless the seller is on board to prepare the home for sale. I have been the 2nd lister on a couple lately where the seller was not told what was necessary to be done after months on the market. Frustrating for sellers and the agent who is spending money on the listing too.

Lynda--Why thank you very much!:)

Lorna--Thanks!!

Sally--That's it in a nutshell! :)

Bryant--It is important that sellers know what they must do. We agents can not do it all. We can only do so much....then price cutting takes over. To get a home sold quickly and effectively in any market, we should work with our clients to tell them what to do before listing the home. AND make certain it is complete or list the home at a lower price from the start...OR don't take the listing at all.

Steve--Thanks!! All 3 steps are important in any market.

Donna--Best foot forward includes sellers if they want to sell. Thanks!!

Susan--Working hard is important...Educating the client is critical. When the market was hot, few agents bothered to educate the client. Now it is essential.

Paula--I bet the builder not the seller selects the appraiser on that one too so that $15K amount will be more like $20-25K in the end. Great deal...Yeah, Right! I understand that they have taken the risk and the other house on but sellers need to be smart and sell first. That takes preparation and realistic pricing.

Leigh--It is tough for a seller to always be the 2nd choice of a buyer...but worse to not even be in the running. Some homes are so unprepared for showings, buyers are only inside long enough for the agent to drop a business card on the counter.

Donna--Thank you! I am glad you found it to be of help now and possibly into the future.

Joanne--Thank you!! Though posted in Minnesota, it is advice that can be used across the US as many markets are in a similar situation. Even as the market changes, partnering with your sellers rather than taking a listing is a sound game plan.

Chris--Thanks for the kudos!! Important information all around. :)

Rita--You are right...It is good advice for all areas in the country for agents and sellers. Work as a team to get the home sold. I appreciate the kind words. :)

Thesa--Thanks for the "5"! Appreciated!

Charles--Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks!!

Neal--The days of letting the buyer repaint and carpet are over. (Were they ever really here anyway?)Do some hard work up front to wow a potential buyer into writing an offer. Agents need to tell sellers how to do this. If the seller won't listen, then maybe it isn't a good listing to take.

Vicki--I think there is a 2 for 1 sale on those magic pills in the Sunday circular! :) Hope the message gets through to all.

Mott--If a seller chooses not to see the flaws in their home, I do not want the listing. I don't like getting feedback on a home regarding the nasty carpet, 20+ roof or anything else that could have been addressed prior to listing the home. It is frustrating for me to walk away from a listing but more frustrating to spend dollars on advertising a home that will not sell. It is up to us as professionals to have the difficult conversation with the sellers prior to listing the home. That way we are partnering to sell the property for the best possible price. If a seller refuses to note the inadequacies of their home, I give an honest and significantly lower price opinion of the property and make certain to note that the home very likely might not sell.  Thanks for the comments...I do understand your opinion.

Diane--An aggressivelyl priced home in poor condition still won't sell in our area unless it is a fraction of the value. Preparation on the part of the sellers is essential too. Understanding the market and educating the sellers is key.

Susie--Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!

Jessica--Thanks!! I keep my magic wand in a draw at home for waving over the lottery numbers when it hits $200million...Doesn't work! Sellers have to realize it is hard work and proper pricing that sells a home. Working WITH your agent is the best strategy.

Yvette--Thank you!!

Michael--Carpet is a tough but important conversation. As soon as someone walks in the door, dingy carpet is a turnoff. Even on the internet a photo with weird colored carpeting can stop a potential buyer from requesting a showing. People are making split second decisions on homes...Sellers need to understand this...Thanks for your comments.

Cynthia--Thanks Cindy! It is necessary or I will end up spending too many marketing dollars trying to sell a home that won't sell. My clients are my partners and I will sell their homes if we can work together to prepare them...Price and condition.

Charles--It is pretty basic isn't it?

Ruth--Absolutely...It is the way we all should be doing business. Partnering with our clients and building an honest relationship.

Brian--Thanks...It is not just sellers that need to read...Some agents need to remember that it is not just about getting the listing but partnering with the sellers and giving them necessary advice on how to prepare their home to get it sold too.

Lizette--Thank you Lizette!! The best thing we all can do is offer a realistic picture of the situation in your area. To paint an unrealistic picture of the market or pricing does nothing for our reputation as agents or getting the home sold. It is a new reality for certain!

Jeff--Thanks!! Anything sounding too good to be true, usually is. The market is what the market is and agents must offer their clients good advice and sellers need to listen even if they don't like the news.

Al--If sellers listen and prepare and agents give good pricing advice, good things happen. I takes working together.

Gary--Working together to get it right will help all of us get though the changing market.

Sarah--Thank you Sarah!! I appreciate your kind comments.

Mana--I really believe that when I take a listing contract, I am partnering with that seller to get the home sold. That means we both have to do our best to get the job done. Thanks for the congrats!! :)

Lexa--Thanks for your comments!

Michael--Glad you found it helpful.

Carole--Fix EVERYTHING really says it all doesn't it...And the right price is important as well...Thank you!!

Diana--I am glad that you found it useful and appreciate the kudos...Thanks!!