When Realtors list homes one of the initial steps is having the seller sign a listing agreement. This contract varies from state to state, but the fundamentals are very similar. When you agree to let a Realtor market your home you are agreeing to let the agent and his brokerage "do the marketing." Sometimes an overzealous home seller can compromise and even create problems when getting too involved. Here are some simple examples of do's and not's when it comes to selling your property with a real estate professional.
Do's
1. Spread the word through social media. I send each of my sellers a link to multiple marketing examples that they can share on Facebook or other ways of online communication. Some examples of marketing can be custom website links and virtual tours.
2. Pass around flyers that the Realtor has created. Each flyer should include a QR Code or Text to Feature that allows the person viewing the flyer to learn more about the home by simply scanning the code with their smart phone or by texting a customized set of numbers assigned to the property. Each example routes the individual back to a unique mobile website that is enhanced and designed to be cell-phone friendly.
3. Encourage passers-by to contact your Realtor. A good listing agent will have their mobile number attached to the sign in the front yard in addition to the office phone number. Most Realtors are available 7 days a week by either text, phone and/or email.
Don'ts
1. Never attempt to conduct a home tour to complete strangers who are pulling a flyer. This is unproductive and potentially dangerous. If the buyer is serious, willing and able, they will demonstrate their interest by contacting either their own agent or the listing agent. The vast majority of all real estate transactions include a Realtor. Attempting to lure a buyer without the agent could also make the home seller look anxious, if not desperate.
2. If you are out of real estate flyers simply call your agent. Creating your own flyers is a mistake. Your homemade flyer will almost definitely violate the rules the Realtor is required to follow, including the Realtor Code of Ethics. Other agents and potential buyers are used to seeing a professionally put together piece of marketing. The flyer you made on the computer is likely missing many pieces Realtors are required to include when marketing their on listing.
3. Attempt to conduct your own open house without discussing this with your Realtor.
4. Promote your property on websites like your neighborhood website. Offering a link that your Realtor provided is fine, but pushing your house and including your own phone number is not permitted - per the contract you sign to list and sell your home.
Texas Residential Real Estate Listing Agreement Exclusive Right To Sell. TAR form 1101.
Often times a home seller *thinks they're helping* when in fact they are sometimes complicating matters, if not potentially costing themselves both money and a potential contract.
Several years ago one of my sellers told a buyer while the home was being shown that he'd "be interested in helping with the buyers closing costs." Prior to this conversation (the night before) the seller went online and read somewhere that a buyers closing costs were about 6-700 dollars. That couldn't be more accurate ... if the buyer was paying CASH. When you borrow money to buy a home your closings costs can range between 3 and four percent of the sales price! A huge difference. The misunderstanding infuriated the buyer when he asked for almost $9,000.00 in closing costs concessions from the seller. When the seller declined the buyer screamed "bait and switch" and declined to move forward with the sale.
In another situation one of my sellers promoted her property (without me knowing) on a neighborhood website where she notated "Price is Firm" and "Lake Views." The only views of the lake would be possible if you were sitting on the roof, perhaps on a ten foot chair - maybe. To complicate matters, our list price had been reduced from her original posting and it sent mixed signals to potential buyers. Especially since her statement of "FIRM" was written in bold.
You're likely paying 2 Realtors to do their jobs when selling your home. Let them earn it. In fact, encourage it. I have always appreciated a seller who asked questions. It's important to remember that selling a home is a combined effort of not only the seller (and their family) but also from the Realtors.
As a seller there are plenty of other things you can do to "help." Here's a few simple suggestions:
1. Keep the home clean, simple and odor free.
2. Keep all pets crated.
3. Keep the lawn maintained, watered, mulched and looking as nice as possible.
4. Communicate with your Realtor as often as necessary. Don't skip mortgage payments or cancel your home owners insurance prior to closing.
5. Allow all showings on your home, even if it's a mess - these buyers won't come back!
6. Be polite and inviting to buyers, but get the hell out when they arrive! There's no reason for you to show the home, offer a tour or discuss upgrades. This behavior is often seen as intrusive, desperate and in some cases, annoying.
7. Remove the cars from the driveway so people can have fee access to your front door without trampling through your front lawn and stepping on your sprinkler heads.
8. Keep the air condition and heater at comfortable levels.
9. Keep your bathrooms, toilets, showers and personal areas hotel clean!
10. Don't be afraid to hold your Realtor accountable by simply asking questions, communicating often, and being equally aggressive about your goals.
Comments(8)