So I just was thinking - what has changed about the way I do business in the last year or so? I have to say I have gotten a lot bolder with what I am willing to tell a seller. This has to do with both price and condition. Things that it takes to sell their home! While I beleive I always knew my stuff - I am a lot more willing to let it show now!
I admit I was much more timid with this during our "boom" years. Perhaps this is because I went into a listing back in 2006 - gave them a listing price based on the data - and they told me they wanted to list it $10,000 higher (this was 2% of the value). Granted percentage wise, not a huge amount. But when I say there was NO data to support it - I mean there was NONE! And of course I based their list price about 4% higher than where I felt they should sell. This gave them 2-3% room for negotitaion which was the norm in our area at the time and 1% room for price drop if necessary.
I told them we could try to price it there and see what the feedback was - (the house really had no upgrades....beautiful lot....but no upgrades....typical 1990's home). I told them I was cautious about doing it - but I would.
Well - if that didn't come back to bite me. Offer on day 1 with the first showing at full price. Great news for seller - but I admit I felt a little like pulling a blanket over my head. The seller was wonderful and never said "I told you so!" Not sure how that home ever appraised. Oh wait, yes I am.....I remember what was happening back in those days!
So I challegend my clients a bit less - and things kept selling. But that isn't the way it works any more. I have to tell it like it is. I tell them what they need to do - where they need to price and sometimes they aren't happy - but I still get referrals so I guess it's working.....
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