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Handling Unmotivated Sellers

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential

Most of my customers do a great job selling their home. 

They understand pricing.  Their home is almost always available for showings.  They keep it clean and clutter free.  Some even light scented candles during showings...

These are the good sellers.  Most of them have happy endings.

Unfortunately, with some sellers it doesn't go so smoothly...

Showings are hard to schedule.  Messy homes.  Cancelled appointments.

I am working with a challenging seller right now.  I am not sure she really wants to sell...

She just called and canceled today's showing.  She also cancelled next week's open house.  She seemed to have no regret.  No disappointment at the loss of opportunity.  And this has happened before...

When I first sit with a client, I am always optimistic that it will lead to a sale.  But the seller has to want it, too...

How do you handle unmotivated sellers?

Ken

Comments(6)

Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

Ken, a seller truly has to be motivated in this market (at least in the Houston-area).  Threre is just too much inventory to choose from.  Home must be priced right and look GREAT!  I tell people at the listing appt. (when appropriate) , "I'm not into just having my sign in your yard for FREE ADVERTISING.  I truly want to sell your home!"

Jul 10, 2011 07:50 AM
Mike Carlier
Lakeville, MN
More opinions than you want to hear about.

Thank God I have a right arm.  I raise it in the air and wave goodbye to the non-seller.  Most of the lack of motivation comes out in the listing appointment, but people occasionally have a change in situation that also changes motivation during the marketing period.

Jul 10, 2011 08:05 AM
Stephen Proski
Real Estate Kailua Kona, Hawaii - Kailua-Kona, HI
Real Estate Kailua Kona Hawaii

Ken the beauty of our business is when you have a client that does not want to be realistic and is acting like a jack ass, you have a choice of either hanging in there and getting frustrated or dump them and move on to someone who will work with you not against you. 

Jul 10, 2011 08:18 AM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Ken - perhaps it's time to let go before they give you another one two punch Tish had a head line for  her post "I am your REALTOR®, not your punching bag" that might be appropriate here as you wave goodby

 

Jul 10, 2011 09:26 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Kathy, Stephen, EJ, and Sonja.  Thanks for stopping in...

Great points all.  The signs were certainly there at the listing appointment...

Sonja, you bring up an interesting point.  I also truly want to sell my clients home, but I certainly don't mind the free advertising...

Thanks again,

Ken

Jul 10, 2011 10:58 AM
John Walters
Frank Rubi Real Estate - Slidell, LA
Licensed in Louisiana

Ken have you spoken to her about this?  Might be worth a try since you have some time already invested.

Jul 12, 2011 03:30 PM