Reasonable Expectations When Selling a Home

Hello Patty,  Excellent blog and you have a great way of putting things.  Suggested.

Hi Patty - your advice that a seller ask their prospective agent how they will price, prepare and market own's home is spot on. Asking how and how often they communicate with the owner is another good questions. Agents should have the answers to those questions, and more, at their fingertips.

Well said and thanks for sharing.. Under promise and over deliver...

Hi Patty - I completely agree with all your points especially the one about preparing the home to make a good impression. A good first impression, along with correct pricing is the best way to meet seller expectations about selling their home successfully!

Chris and Patty, I just had that discussion with a selling agent yesterday, condo prices $320K, across the street home prices $440K.... so why are you even bothering to list the condo at $430K????  His answer is that is what the seller wants...why waste your time, do you really think the banks appraiser is going to agree with that?????

Communicating expectations on both sides is so important, good post. Good agents stick to their guns on price and condition and sellers need to take responsibility in the process...so many don't want to be bothered until things don't go the way they expected or their overpriced and unkept listing just sits and sits.

Good post. Loved the analogies in the first paragraph.

Chris and Patty, this is a great post for the home seller. Reasonable Expectations are important for a successful sale.

Make it a great day.

I agree wholeheartedly with your 3 points.  If all sellers would do just those three things...they will get their property sold!!

Chris and Patty--you're so right.  The absolute level of service has little to do with the client's satisfaction.  Meeting or exceeding relative expectations does.  (Same with a citizen's level of satisfaction with their government.)  And yes, the client and Realtor need to honestly discuss and reach mutual consensus about realistic expectations, otherwise at least one party will be left un-satisfied.

Those are 3 good points everyone should discuss with a listing agent.  Sadly most people are focused on how high a price they can get and sign with the agent the promises the most, but does not deliver the most.

Hmmm... I don't know about the "few inconveniences" part. The seller does need to do their part to prepare and present the house - then to keep everything in show-ready condition while still living there. And then - to absent themselves during showings.

Your analogy is right on the money.The seller has a product for sale in the market. The product should demonstrate the appeal, usage, function, and satisfy the buyers expectations. The motto is " sell a home that sells itself." We, Realtor, are the facilitators and marketers of that product. So, cheers, Sell that delicious Margarita.

"as few inconviences as possible" - HAH!  There are few thinks more inconvenient in life than living in a home that is on the market.

Good list and I also use the same list with deciding if I will take the listing.

Chris and Patty, I think it makes sense to discuss with any client their expectations as well as your expectations to make sure everyone is on the same page. If not, it could lead to lengthy discussions down the line when things do not go just right. Very well said.

So true. If buyers share their expectations then the chance of success does increase while frustrating chances decrease!