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Can a home be sold without placing It for sale first?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

A unique marketing plan by a mega company states "Sell your home without listing it". They tout selling your home but not placing it on the actual market? I am guessing the premise is they match buyers with home owners, but in order to sell a home, a buyer still has to see it. Therefore a seller needs to be ready to sell, have the home ready to be seen and kind of know what the home is worth. The other premise is the seller stays in the home until they find a new one...

 

I am not sure how this helps a home seller?  Here in the  Manchester NH area, I believe a home seller should have every tool in my tool belt when selling. That includes full service marketing through each step of the selling process.

 

I am seeing and speaking to home owners that ask me about this high intensity TV campaign from the mega company.

 

I like to start with how the selling process works. What they can expect. What they need to do. The time frames involved and what the final outcome may look like

 

EVERY time i meet with a seller I ask where they are moving and incorporate their time frame for moving to their new home into the sale of their current home. It is reassuring to the seller that they have options. That there are ways to buy a new home while selling their current home. That full service is their best friend when the agent is there for them through each step of the buying and selling process. From pricing the home. Getting it ready to show. To showing and answering the offers that will come in. Coordinating their purchase with their sale can reduce the stresses of the move.

 

In the end, taking a listing and NOT marketing it but waiting for a buyer who may like the home, does no justice to the seller in my view. I look at it as the home is fully for sale or not for sale. Not "maybe" for sale if a buyer comes by and we scramble to get them in.

 

The MOST IMPORTANT message is to share with every consumer that my philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other.

 

 

To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com .

 

About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. Proud to be locally owned and operated with 32 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area.We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs. Servicing Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack and Belknap counties. 

 

    

Comments(9)

Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I can see the appeal of this approach for a certain segment of the market;  selling your home is hugely intrusive, buyers and their agents seem to have the attitude that sellers should put up with any manner of inconvenience since they want to sell their home.  I'm not arguing that it is necessarily in the sellers' best interest, just that I can see why it would appeal to certain people who don't want strangers in their homes, who perhaps have physical limitations that make vacating for showings very difficult, etc. Again, not arguing that it makes sense, just saying if they phrase it properly, I can definitely see why people would be at least interested. 

We have never been in a position where we had to sell first before buying and frankly, I cannot stand the thought of someone coming through my house while we are living here.   

Apr 12, 2018 06:22 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I agree Susan Haughton that it will appeal up front to some consumers. It does sound like the best of all worlds for a seller. It may even work for a few. Many sellers do not know how the home selling process works and learn the hard way. I like to offer a full service alternative to those who do want someone to guide them through every step of selling. 

Apr 12, 2018 06:28 AM
Susan Haughton

Oh, absolutely, and I think you offer what the majority of sellers need, for sure. 

Apr 12, 2018 06:29 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Scott. I think this doesn't serve the seller period. Not new though.

Apr 12, 2018 07:07 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Scott, for sharing your experience.

Home sellers will be in very good hands when they select you as their listing agent.

Apr 12, 2018 07:42 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I've done this a couple of times but they were very unique situations. But not something that should be considered the norm.

Apr 12, 2018 02:56 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

That is what we call hip pocket listings and if you have signed paperwork that the seller will pay you if you find a buyer, it could remove all the hassle of showing and being on edge about selling.

Apr 12, 2018 04:42 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I see some pitfalls in this type of marketing.  For one thing, if the listing enterprise is only matching sellers to buyers, they may not be listing to the broader market available on the MLS.  That limits exposure, which may contain buyers who provide the best offers.  And, if the home is not really made market ready, valuation may not be as great.

Apr 12, 2018 06:04 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Scott.

I've seen this happen a few times around my area.  Not common practice, but it happens

Apr 13, 2018 03:07 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Avoidance of the MLS tends to be pitched by agents who want a crack at double-ending the deal.  At least that's the way in my market.

Apr 15, 2018 02:52 PM