Destin home selling tips
I always advise my sellers to leave the house when there is a showing. That philosophy was recently reinforced to me when I was house-shopping in Destin, Florida. I set an appointment to view a home for myself and my husband. The house would be vacant and open for us, according to the listing agent. We drove up, parked in front and went to the door. I gave a courtesy “knock” before turning the handle, then heard dogs barking. Not a good sign.
The seller answered the door, holding back several large jumping dogs. Here is what I was thinking as the “buyer”.
“Dogs! All I see are dogs trying to jump on me! Where is the house? I wanted to relax when I walked in, taking in the feeling of the home.”
Next, the seller pulled the dogs away, introduced herself, and said she could hold them while we “started” in the kitchen, then she would lock them in there.
“Great! I have to look at the kitchen first. I cannot even look at the foyer. Oh, she’s not leaving. She’s going to stay during the showing. Wonderful. I haven’t had a chance to think about the house since she answered the door.”
We hustled through the kitchen, knowing the seller was making an effort to controlDestin home selling tips her dogs. I didn’t like it. I couldn’t verbalize my thoughts to my husband, as the seller was within ear shot. After she put the dogs in the kitchen she proceeded to tell us about all the improvements to the house. That's when I noticed the music... I suppose it was what the seller liked.
“What is that blaring music? I just want to look at the house.”
She followed us from room to room. When I needed to tell my husband something privately, such as a remodeling idea, I would waive to him to follow me. I think the seller thought it was odd. When we got a one minute "break" it was a lot. We learned the cost of construction of the home, and what a great value it was. We couldn’t “re-build” it for that price, we were told. And on and on.
When we left, we eliminated the house. If the seller hadn’t been there, it would have made a better impression. With the seller there, it took away the buyer’s free “eyes” for the property. The dogs and distraction immediately upon entering were another “take away”.
If you really want to sell your house, don't be present during showings. Don’t meet and greet the buyers, “while” you are leaving or taking the dogs out. You should already be gone. Don't play your music. If you have to be home, don’t be seen or heard, just be "sold".

It's Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call toll-free 1-877-487-9639 or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, is a short sale and pre-foreclosure specialist and has been featured in "Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine" and "Florida Realtor Magazine". She has successfully helped hundreds of families avoid foreclosure through short sale along the Emerald Coast of Florida. Wendy Rulnick is knowledgeable in all aspects of short sale, including VA Compromise Sale, FHA HUD pre-foreclosure sale, HAP military PCS, HAFA, Bank of America Coop program and more.  She is also co-founder of www.ShortSaleSuperstars.com and short sale instructor to agents across the United States. Wendy Rulnick sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Crestview, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Panama City Beach, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. 

                                                                  Rulnick Realty 
                      

Wendy Rulnick is the marketing choice for sellers on the Emerald Coast who want to list and get their homes and condos sold in Destin, Sandestin, Bluewater Bay, Santa Rosa Beach, 30-A, Watercolor, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest Beach, Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, Destiny and more.

www.ItsWendy.com 

www.ShortSales-EmeraldCoast.com

Co-Founder www.ShortSaleSuperstars.com  national network

Email Wendy Rulnick

call Wendy 1-850-650-7883

 
Posted by Wendy Rulnick Destin FL Real Estate on 09/11/2012 09:37 AM   Comments (5)   in the ActiveRain Channel   home selling tips  
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5 Comments on Want to Sell? Don't Be Seen or Heard (and Your Little Dog, too)

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11
370,361 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Wendy  - if only the sellers could see it as if they were a buyer.. but as we all know-  it is always different.
9:40am • #1
333,173 Points 6 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I couldn't agree more Wendy.   Buyers do not need or want a guided tour from the seller when viewing a home.  
9:44am • #2
424,967 Points 39 Featured Posts Hit Router Called Shot Master

Gay - It was stuff I already knew, but such classic mistakes. The whole time I ran that scenario through my head. When we got in the car, oh, did I tell my husband!

Jim - What a total distraction! 
10:14am • #3
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1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router

So very true.. I am late to this thread, but just wanted to add that time and time again, I've seen homes linger on the market much longer than they should have because the seller felt like they had to show the house.  It's sort of creepy to be followed around or to see someone lurking watching you while you are trying to make your clients comfortable and help them see the house.  They usually can't wait to get out of there.
3:43pm • #4
SEP
17
424,967 Points 39 Featured Posts Hit Router Called Shot Master

Mary Ann - You said it "they usually can't wait to get  out of there."
6:46am • #5

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Wendy Rulnick Destin FL Real Estate

Destin, FL

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Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Address: 12889 Emerald Coast Pkwy West, Ste. 107-A, Destin, FL, 32550

Office Phone: (877) 487-9639 x 204

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Author Bio: Wendy Rulnick, Rulnick Realty, Real Estate Broker in Destin Florida and all surrounding towns

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