OK, I know you are asking, "Todd, you are joking right? Where are you taking this?"

Well, here it goes.

Have you ever heard that when you buy furniture you should always take it home with you right from the store and never have it delivered?
If you haven't you had better start doing it that way! The reason why is a lot of furniture stores go out of business all the time and did you know that if you order the furniture, pay for it and they file bankruptcy they have no obligation to deliver it, even though they have your money!

Now, let us look at selling your home. Most agents do all the work up front, then hope to get paid and the only way to do that is if your home sells. If they stop working, then they more than likely, won't get paid, even if they file for bankruptcy. But, recently I've seen agents asking for a retainer like lawyers do and they use that for their advertising and overhead and then get paid the remainder at close. In some cases, I've even seen the whole commission paid up front.

So, what does that do for you if they go bankrupt or leave the business? It leaves you without your furniture home sold and out a lot of money with no recourse. When I list a home, I spend a lot of money marketing it and I expect to get paid for a job well done. That is why I don't take every listing that is offered to me by
sellers, if I can't sell it, I won't list it! Why would I spend thousands of dollars to list your home, so I won't get paid?

So don't hire a furniture salesman, hire a professional that won't get paid unless you do!

For more information on selling your home in Beaverton, Oregon please contact me anytime.

 



Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

                    

                                    

 

12 Comments on How buying furniture and selling your home are similar

MAR
29
2008
172,279 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Amen Todd!  I agree that we shouldn't list homes that can't possibly sell.  If you factor advertising costs times the many, many months that it sits on the market, it is probably a net loss!  Great post....
10:38am • #1
1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Great post, and interesting comparison!  So many agents just take overpriced listings 'just' to get the listing.... What a waste of time and $$!
10:41am • #2
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor
Time is just as valuable as money as well. Not only is it a waste of money to take an overpriced listing, but lots of time too!
10:42am • #3
Todd, that was a great post. I never looked at it that way. Thanks, Royal..
10:51am • #4
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Todd, we suggest a 1% retainer on listings that have a pricing channel that is too small.  I doorknocked a neighborhood for an agent yesterday.  List price was $220,000 and last week it dropped to $185,000.  Just based on the feedback from doorknocking, I've recommended seriously thinking about dropping the price another $10,000 next week.

What happens to the agents on other homes in this area that put work into doing everything possible to move their clients' listing when we are bringing our price down to market based on a new market?  Those agents, if they gave the right pricing channel to their clients, will probably end up below the "lowest" acceptable offer and lose their listing.  Especially since I've picked up another potential lister at below $200,000.

I'm just asking and not forcing the issue.  Your insight has and will be appreciated.

11:22am • #5
373,101 Points 23 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Todd - I saw your comment on my 'million dollar' blog - and wanted to thank you ...........What a cool idea........to do the RV and different campsite - think - that would be the trip of a lifetime for your family wouldn't it?  :-) I also checked out your website.......and was touched by its uniqueness and its pesonal quality.........very nice!  

Also a retainer?  Wow now isn't that a great concept......I was wondering how long it would take for us as realtors to work so extensively with no compensation, so much of the time........hmmmm.......thats something to think about!  

12:10pm • #6
Todd, next to buying a car I hate buying furniture.  I will make sure to not order it in the future.  Great tip.
1:17pm • #7
700,793 Points 72 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Todd, it somehow never occurred to me to collect a retainer up front.  I'm wondering what happens when an agent moves from one brokerage firm to another in that situation.  
4:56pm • #8
APR
21
873,762 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Greg - I have yet to find someone who hasn't shown me it wasn't a net loss on the sale itself, yet they say they pick up buyers to make it up... Not sure if that is a great business model.

Jonelle - They think it isn't, but I would rather have my good name than take an overpriced listing!

2:05pm • #9
873,762 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Matt - I agree 100%

Royal -
I'm glad I could change your way of thinking about it.

2:07pm • #10
873,762 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Mark - Lowering the price based on door knocking the nieghborhood, I love it! What a great way to show yourself as the neighborhood expert also.

Liz - If they want me to take the listing, I need to get paid something or I will be out of the business.

2:13pm • #11
873,762 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jimmy - Most people don't realize that if you don't get it and they go out of business, you will lose all your money you put toward it.

Patricia - I think the previous brokerage keeps the money unless it has already been given out.

2:17pm • #12

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Todd Clark (Broker) (503)524-9494 (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert)

Beaverton, OR

More about me…

Palazzo Realty Group

Address: Beaverton, Tigard, Aloha, Hillsboro, Tualatin, Portland, Oregon City, Sherwood, Lake Oswego, Gresham, West Linn, OR

Office Phone: (503) 524-9494

Cell Phone: (503) 524-9494

Email Me

Helping Families Home is a blog set up to teach you to invest your money and maximize your profits in Real Estate. Starting with your first home all the way to your 150th investment property. Creating wealth through real estate is the best way to financial freedom.


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