I have touched on the topic of feedback before, but wanted to elaborate on why it's important and what happens when not given.  In the Raleigh market, we have a service that schedules showings with home sellers and a few hours after the showing, the showing agent gets an automated email to provide feedback on what their clients/buyers thought.  First off, this system is very easy to use and makes it quite simple to give feedback....especially compared to some markets that don't have a sophisticated system like ours.  Our local MLS has a contract with CSS (Centralized Showing Systems) to take incoming calls from showing agents, confirm with the seller and then give access/permission to show the home.  The listing agent can tweak the system to send a reminder email to provide feedback up to 3 times and they can also change the message or use a default message to the showing agent.  It can't get much easier than that.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of agents out there that whether it be forgetfulness, laziness, the overused "too busy" excuse or just plain "this is not benefiting me so I will not respond" mentality, never respond to these requests for feedback.

CSS reports an average of 61% of showing agents provided feedback over the past few months in the Raleigh market.  That is pathetic and these agents should re-evaluate how they treat other agents.  By that I mean, by providing feedback one helps their agents client/seller understand what is right or wrong with the property, if it smells, if it is priced too high, if the lot is too small and the list goes on.  The showing agent would want feedback on their listings in return.  By providing feedback, it takes a huge burden off of the listing agent in trying to make the seller understand why there are no offers coming in; it also helps the seller in improving the condition of the home which in turn may bring a higher offer, which in turn brings the neighborhood value up, which in turn....you get it...it helps everything.  Another issue is a lot of the feedback given is short, vague and doesn't really help anyone.  An example would be..."buyer just starting to look, thanks."  An example of feedback we are looking for would be "home showed great, loved the hardwood floors, paint was great....buyers will keep in mind"..., or "home smelled like a petting zoo, seller should clean."  Being blunt is what is wanted....feedback should not be cushioned. 

If you are selling your home be sure and talk with your agent about feedback.  You need it and your agent should try to get it for you, but remember you have to have a good agent on the other side to provide it for you.  www.BarnesMcQuade.com .