SELLERS: Highest list price doesn’t mean right price or right agent.

SELLERS: The highest proposed list price doesn’t mean you have the right price or the right agent in Alameda CA


Yes, sellers want the best possible price -- but the highest list price proposed by an agent competing against other agents for the listing doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get that price.  

Highest list price isn’t always the best price --- and as a matter of fact, it could be the reason why a property may languish on the market until the seller sees the light and reduces the price. In the meantime, valuable marketing time and potential buyers are lost.

Google the reasons why a property doesn’t sell, and the number one reason is always the price.

Over price, and you might as well hang up a sign that says this "House is NOT for sale."

Most REALTORs won’t and don’t want to “buy” a listing.  

“Buying a listing”is when the agent sets a price higher than what the property is worth, and tells the seller what the seller wants to hear. This typically happens during competitive situations when some agents will agree to list at the higher price than they’re comfortable with just to get the listing --- and then hope that the seller will agree to price reductions down the line.

Do you want the property sold, or do you want it to be merely listed for sale?

But if sellers insist on listing with the agent who proposed the highest list price, the sellers should at least be prepared for the following:

• How will seller and agent overcome objections to the price and perceived value
• What marketing strategies will the agent use to generate attention and interest from the most qualified buyers
• Does the agent know the local market
• How does the list price compare with other similar homes that are active, sold and pending in his immediate area
• What is the seller willing to do to enhance and improve his property to increase value -- upgrades? staging? bonus? pay for buyer’s closing costs?
• How long is seller willing to wait for an offer before he adjusts his price
• What will the seller do if the house doesn't sell?

Sellers with unrealistic expectations should brace themselves. Even in a seller’s market, price will determine the level of the buyer’s interest.