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We Countered Our Way Out Of A Deal

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Coastal Properties BROK.995683208

We Countered Our Way Out Of A Deal

century 21 millennium

A while back I was blessed with a "hot" listing. Great location, popular schools zones, and smart updates. All this while priced smack in the middle of Alexandria's hottest price range. What could possibly go wrong?

Sure enough, an offer came in within days of the listing. The offer was strong (in fact, better than the owner's desired net) and so I was confident when presenting the deal. Good thing I didn't spend that commission check on the way over...

It seems my clients had discussed the deal with their friend in Wyoming. "Never take the first offer unless it's full price, you have to give the house time to sell". With a straight face and firm eye contact I explained to them the error in that logic.

But wouldn't you know it, they listened to their friend. After all, he just sold a house last summer in Wyoming. Why listen to the agent that sold six homes in the past thirty days?

How did the story end? The buyers moved on to another property. And not wanting to participate in a bidding war, our other hot prospect disappeared as well. The home did find a buyer, a brief 63 days later. For less than the offer I presented early on. Their friend in Wyoming was shocked...

century 21 millennium

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Searching for a Top real estate agent in Destin Florida ? Need help selling your Emerald Cost home? Either way call Doug today!

Doug Rogers

Real Estate Agent 

RE/MAX Coastal Properties 

Destin Florida 32541

 

 

(318) 613-1994

 Equal opportunity housing. Doug Rogers is a licensed real estate professional in Florida and Louisiana. Each office independently owned and operated

 

 

 

Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hey Doug,

Could you resist the temptation to say, 'I told you so' to the seller?  Missed opportunity.  Best of good success to you this year!

Mar 06, 2013 06:09 AM
Caroline Fitzgerald - BestPreppedListings.com
Real Estate Client Prep - Richmond, VA

Why why why do people listen to friends over the experts they have hired to help them??? Ugh! That must have been insanely frustrating for you! Hope they learned their lesson, albeit the hard way. Did they ever say anything about it? Other than that their friend was shocked? Did they regret listening to them?

Mar 06, 2013 06:09 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Doug.... they got what they deserved for not taking direction from the agent they hired..... tough lesson for them to learn.

Mar 06, 2013 06:09 AM
Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

They hired you, so they really need to take your advice. In this case it cost them. 

Mar 06, 2013 06:13 AM
Jeanne Dufort
Coldwell Banker Lake Country - Madison, GA
Madison and Lake Oconee GA

Doug - its a crazy world when a seller hires a local expert, then follows the advice of an out of town friend.  The cost of friendship is quite expensive, isn't it?

Mar 06, 2013 06:14 AM
Kimberly Tapscott
Keller Williams Prestige Properties - Stamford, CT
Giving you the service you deserve!
Hi Doug. That's why they hired a professional. They learned the hard way. But congrats on the sale. And others 6 homes in 30'days? Awesome.
Mar 06, 2013 06:17 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Doug, I wonder how many Louisana homes the guy in Wyoming sold in the last thrity days?

Mar 06, 2013 06:27 AM
Kathy Stoltman
Ventura, CA
RETIRED

Wow, what is it about this first offer thing that some seller's have, jeez, if it is a good offer run with it.  Hard lesson learned by the sellers.

Mar 06, 2013 07:38 AM
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

You just can't please some people no matter how hard you try. That saying is too funny, around here I always here " The first offer is usually the best offer."

Mar 06, 2013 08:48 AM
Laura Gray
RE/MAX Realty Group - Gaithersburg, MD

Doug - It amazes me when Sellers turn their noses up when an offer somes in too fast , it never occurs to them that the Buyers have been looking for weeks and have been waiting for the right house to come on the market.

Mar 06, 2013 09:22 AM
Brian Rayl
Home Value Leads - Highland Park, TX
Active Agent and Co-founder Of Home Value Leads

Sold a home in Wyoming last summer and didn't take the first offer? They were brave... 

But it is an age old story... buyers or sellers listening to a friend, a family member, or a coworker who knows it all and will give them advice based off of nothing. Clients ignore the experts and get burned for it. 

At least you have the story to share with the next sellers that do that, but I doubt it will work on them either. 

Mar 06, 2013 02:36 PM
Jim Palmer
Chipola Realty - Chipley Office (850) 638-2777 - Sunny Hills, FL
Washington County, Florida

And I am quite sure that the "friend" offered to make up the difference for them because of their sound advice!

Mar 06, 2013 08:04 PM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

Thanks for the comments. At last update Mr. Wyoming's check was still in the mail :)

Mar 06, 2013 10:35 PM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

WHY oh why do people listen to their FRIENDS, family members, preachers.... everyone EXCEPT the person that does this for a living RIGHT THERE -- 365 days a year? :(((( Oh my!!

Mar 07, 2013 03:46 AM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

I'm glad you still got it sold. It was a hard lesson for your sellers and hopefully one that others will learn from by reading this post!

Mar 07, 2013 03:47 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

Joni--Amen!

Mar 07, 2013 05:29 AM
Melissa Zavala
Broadpoint Properties - Escondido, CA
Broker, Escondido Real Estate, San Diego County

I truly believe that some people really do need to learn from experience. Sometimes that has a cost!

Mar 07, 2013 10:52 PM
Eric Crane -- Your Full Service, Discount Fee Realtor®
DPR Realty LLC - Gilbert, AZ
Greater Metro Phoenix Arizona

this is a great story.  why hire a professional and then not follow their advice.  happens now and again of course, and you've got to roll with it.  have a great weekend!  Eric

Mar 07, 2013 11:19 PM