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Prejudging A Property Based On The Listing

By
Real Estate Agent with Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 BRE# 01494165

Prejudging A Property Based On The Listing

 

I read a featured post today by Becca Rasmussen, Listing Snob. In it, she highlighted all the ways listings can be done wrong. Oh there are so many listings we see that are just awful. From the bathroom picture with the toilet seat up to the fluffy-say-nothing descriptions.

It made me think about how I respond when I see a poorly presented listing. There are some agents who might refuse to show them, or send to their clients...but I love them. 

Why? 

Because I'm judging the quality of the people behind that listing.

There are three parties to blame with a poorly presented listing. First and foremost is the agent. The fuzzy pictures or hastily written description shows a lack of caring. It can't be blamed on the amount of work they have....the best listings we see are always done by the "mega agents."

Next in line is the seller. They are responsible for choosing the agent. This is normally their biggest financial asset and they should be over seeing the entire process. They should interview agents, choose one they feel will best represent them, and then oversee everything that happens.

Finally...where is the broker in this? A broker's obligation is to supervise his/her agents. To me, this includes reviewing all the listings placed in the brokerage's name. Unless the listing agent is an independent broker, then the listing belongs to the broker....not the agent. Do they not care how they are being represented?

So...all this judging! What does this mean to me? Why do I like them? Simple! This kind of listing shows me that there is no one behind it that is professional nor really cares all that much. Perfect situation for negotiation. 

 

Comments (21)

Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

I thought the same way as I read her post.  I like that I know that I could have an advantage in the negotiations....on the other hand though, I don't like sloppy agents.  The lack of attention to detail drives me bonkers.  Thank you for the post and discussion.  I like it!

Jan 12, 2016 10:11 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Well, Karen, way to put a positive spin on this. Love your thinking, and well, no surprise...get those negotiating tools out, here comes Karen!! 

Jan 12, 2016 10:18 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

yes yes yes.  And I hate it when the broker doesn't do their job.  I know what my agents are posting.

Jan 12, 2016 10:19 AM
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Karen,
I 100% agree with you. I hope other buyers pass up the house so I can come in and negotiate a good deal for my clients.

Jan 12, 2016 11:25 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I agree. Even if the listing agent doesn't provide the seller with copies of listing before it's "live," sellers go right to one of the listing websites to see what their listing looks like, and if they didn't like it, they should definitely speak up! 

Jan 12, 2016 08:02 PM
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Good morning Karen,

Not only your factors; but when the description does not even come close viewing the property!

Make yourself a great day.

Jan 12, 2016 09:12 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Karen. I love this post and think you are aware and that makes you better. I hope this is featured.

Jan 12, 2016 10:49 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

If' it's just a matter of crappy pictures, yeah...the seller's liability is choosing a crappy agent.  If the house doesn't show well in pics, maybe the seller didn't take the prep notes from their agent.  

Jan 13, 2016 03:27 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Karen, it always amazes me how so many sellers don't even check out their listings online.  They don't look at the photos, and they don't look at what the agent says about their home.  A lot of people are just dumb about selecting a listing agent, and like you, I see the situation as something that could work to my buyers' advantage.

Jan 13, 2016 10:04 AM
Claude Labbe
RLAH / @properties - Washington, DC
Realty for Your Busy Life

I've in the same car with you on this Karen.

It doesn't matter how I judge the listing, if it checks enough of the boxes for my clients, it gets a preview or a full buyer showing.  If the listing is bad, that's even better for my buyers since we likely will have less competition.

I'll work any advantage I can get for my clients, unfortunately for the seller at times.

Jan 13, 2016 11:43 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Karen, so much of the MLS data and photo is relied upon and it is "judged" to be a property a buyer wants to see ... or not. 

Jan 14, 2016 01:42 AM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

I always wonder what a seller thinks when they see shoddy work on their listing. Great Post!  thank you

Jan 16, 2016 03:48 PM
Marney Kirk
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Towson, MD
Towson, Maryland Real Estate

Good morning, Karen, you are so right - we do make these judgements on these parties involved -- even if we hadn't realized it up front.

Jan 16, 2016 10:25 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hey, Karen!

I included this post in today's Last Week's Favorites on ActiveRain.  And enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

Jan 16, 2016 11:33 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner ,

So glad Patricia Kennedy featured your post today..not sure how I missed it! Love..love it!! I always look at a poorly presented listing as a golden opportunity for my buyer!!

Jan 17, 2016 07:17 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

When I see a poorly presented listing on the market, my first thoughts are did the seller even look at it, and if so how could they approve it?  Those are the listings that should get first attention when they expire.

Jan 17, 2016 08:50 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

What's really sad is the seller who is NOT getting the representation they need, and deserve. And what about the ethics or representing the client?

I wonder how many brokers actually review the listings they have or take up issues with their agents who are doing a crummy job?

Jeff

Jan 17, 2016 12:57 PM
Becca Rasmussen
HomeSmart Cherry Creek - Highlands Ranch, CO

Thanks for the mention. I like your idea of turning a non-stellar listing into a leverage point for negotiation. :0)

Jan 17, 2016 09:34 PM
Barbara Calwhite
Keller Williams Realty of Southwest Missouri - Joplin, MO
417-438-7387 Specializing in Relocation

Great point of view!  I don't know how I missed it.  Thanks Patricia Kennedy.  This type of listing gets my attention when it expires but you are right about negotiations also.

Jan 17, 2016 09:39 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner oops why did you share the secret? (just kidding!)

I have got great bargains for my buyers with such listings - and yes, whenever I look at the pictures....

Ka...ching.....

Jan 18, 2016 01:41 PM