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A Message About Selling By Owner

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Haven Realtors
 Last Sunday, I conducted an improvised poll by calling people who sell “By Owner” just to see how quickly sellers respond. I have made 20 calls and in 14 cases nobody was there to pick up the phone. If I were a buyer or a buyers agent, 70% of the seller would have missed a chance. So, the first question: who’s supposed to sell your home? Your voicemail?

When you are selling your home in this market, you have to understand that Buyer is the absolute King! Yes, some of them will leave you a voice message but by the time you call them back there is a good chance that potential buyer has already forgotten what your home looks like and where it is. Because you are not the only seller in your area.

What about real estate agents showing homes to buyers? To start with, if your home is not listed on the MLS, the chance of getting a call from an agent who really has a potential buyer and not just a listing pitcher, is fairly remote. And, if you are not there to answer the call, the agent will most likely move on because he/she has 10-20 more homes to show to his/her clients. Still, a chance for an agent to earn a commission and one less chance for you.

You MUST be easily reachable! Because, if you are not there, your neighbor will be.

More wisdom to follow.

Reprinted with permission from myself from the Haven Blog, where sellers rule.

David Spencer
Keller Williams Northland - Kansas City, MO
Show Me real estate in Kansas City
What's the price on that booth?
Dec 15, 2006 09:11 AM
Marc Blasi
Palm Beach Gardens, FL

You know how it goes - they think they're smart & saving money.

Than several months down the road when the home still hasn't sold - they just can't understand?!?

Dec 15, 2006 09:57 AM
Haven Realtors
Haven Realtors - Bloomfield, MI

Let them try, Marc.  Right?

David, I can get you a good price on the booth.  Make me an offer. 

Dec 16, 2006 10:01 AM
Brian Brass
Brian Brass - Guaranteed Rate - Troy, MI

Recently I tried to refer a Buyer to an Agent I had been courting for some time...

After 2 attempts by the Buyer and several calls myself over 3 days the Agent never responded. 
I was amazed the Agent did not respond or at least indicate they were too busy or not interested.

I doubt I will reach out to that Agent again...well unless they refer someone to me first. 

This is somewhat different than the original post about reaching FSBO's - but still relevant.

The bottom line is be mindful of the message you project by your actions...

Dec 23, 2006 08:09 AM
Anonymous
Haven Realtors
To me, it's all the more ridiculous when agents don't respond. I can only say that the fewer agents like that one remain in business, the better for us all.
Dec 23, 2006 08:42 AM
#5