Earlier this week I met with a seller who had contacted me via email. "Susan" and I had met last year when she had her house on the market as a FSBO and I was searching for a home in the area for some buyers. I was happy and flattered to get her email, as it said she was going to try again as a FSBO for a month--if no buyers, she wanted me to list it.
While visiting with her at the home, we talked about the market and I made several suggestions on what she could do to make the house more attractive to buyers: replace the garage, ask the renters to leave (I've never seen a house show well with renters and this was no exception) and bring in a few pieces of furniture (that she has at another location) for staging. The house is in an excellent location, has an unusual floor plan, and will sell if priced right. I sensed a bit of resistance from her regarding doing these things and yet still she may not net the profit she was hoping for. But I assured her, honestly, that the prep work would pay off in the end and that I would pay for a stager to come in and do the rest. Later that evening, I followed up with a thank you email, and also sent her several current listings near her home so she could see the current competition.
No response.
Now I'm wondering, did I say something wrong? Did I come off as too blunt and not diplomatic? Is she just too busy to respond? Even a short note saying something like "I've looked at the listings--will talk to the renters--will get back to you" some sort of reply would be nice. Should I call her? Should I send her an email? Of course I will, in a week or so, but I suppose it's a bit of insecurity to think that she didn't reply because she has decided not to use me as an agent. I know I can sell her house--and I hope she sensed that during our meeting. After all these months, it was she who contacted me about listing the house. Of course, she could be contacting five other agents as well! And if that's the case--fine, just let me know.
We ask sellers to do a lot of work to get their house ready for the market. I have four other clients now doing the same thing right now, spending time and money to paint, declutter, make repairs, add decor, etc. And then sometimes the house hits the market--and there are no showings, a lowball offer, petty and critical feedback comments. Sellers may think, 'why did I do all that work sprucing up the place?" It's always a more successful deal when the seller realizes that it takes a partnership between the seller and the agent to make a sale. It takes motivation and a positive attitude to attract buyers. In the beginning, when you are first forming the relationship, honesty from both sides pays off in the end. Yes, it's still a tough market--but play up the positives, hire a good agent who knows the area, price it right and it will sell.
I hope I hear something from Susan within the next few days. If not, I will call her. And whatever happens, I'll keep you posted via the blog!
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