I am certain that everyone reading this post has heard of musical chairs. This time of year in the market we are in- I feel like we are playing musical listings. I know how frustrated sellers must feel in the current market, and that they are willing to try anything to get a buyer for their home. But in the "08" market this may not be the agent holding up a sale... but the market.
I have been in close communication with my clients, and I am happy when they re-list their home with me.I have had others that have elected to try "a new chair" in hopes that their home will sell. I wish them all of the luck in the world, and I would love to bring a buyer, but in reality it is a buyers market, and that means the buyer is the one deciding from the homes being offered- which ones they are willing to make an offer on. In my opinion you need to have the best house, at the best price ,in the best condition to sell. If Sellers are not willing to look at comps, or reconsider their asking price they may have a long road ahead of them.
It is time to quit playing musical listings, get realistic, and get an offer on your home. Once we can all get on the same page we will see this market turn around, and we will see homes sell.
Are any of you playing the musical listing game, and are you winning?
6 Comments on Musical Listings
Dinah - we say what goes around, comes around. For each listing that goes to another agent, you will get one that someone else had previously listed.
However, you can maximize your business and get a return on your investment. If you get the feeling that your sellers are going to "try a different chair", then "beat them to the seat" ... offer to give them the names of three professional agents in your area - and have a referral agreement with these agents. You can recommend these agents to your sellers as the next listing agent.
You will be (1) providing a service beyond the expectation of your client, and (2) if the listing sells, you will have a referral fee.
We hope that helps!
You are so correct with that statement. So many people have an unrealistic value or perception of value of their home. I know that sounds harsh, But that is the honest truth. Its based on their emotional most of the time, followed up by what they WANT to get out of it. In a Sellers Market that was fine but it is not a sellers market. Yes some areas are Hotter then others and Yes some homes will be sought after more because of location or neighborhoods. But the REALITY of it all is , The buyers are deciding the prices. If nobody buys, home prices to down to sell. Not rocket science for most. Lenders appraise the property for values and if the area is selling less, Home values go down. If people are not buying a home, its because of PRICE, CONDITION, AREA, Lets on forget MARGET and MONEY. Loans are harder to get. People that get them want the biggest bang for their BUCK.
As a Buyers Agent comes along and does Comparables with the area, a fine tooth comb is brought out. How long has it been on the Market? Any Price changes? Why the Price Difference from the other comparables? What makes this Different. It does not take long before an agent can figure out that the price of the home is OFF and that they more then likely are out of range or trying to highball to get the price they want. I do not even know why Sellers will go this route when everything is explained to them during a listing appointment.
I Honestly try to be as honest with my clients and explain both sides of transaction. What I will be doing and What the other agents will be looking for.
Great Post sorry I rambled.
I have always told agents that if they think they are losing a listing, refer them to another agent.
You are right. Homes now have to be priced right and show like a model. I will not take an overpriced listing in this market, it just is not worth it. It is better to get them the second time around.
You are correct they have to be the best in all areas and it is difficult in this market especially if they are competing with any foreclosures or short sales - buyers are pretty savvy and do their research with their agent. I too usually try to beat the seller to the chair offering up referalls of agents that they may want to look into. Usually if I do this - and I explain this is a business decision on my part as well as to whether or not I can or want to carry the listing , they actually start paying better attention and will usually adjust to where it needs to be. Good post Dinah.
You all have great points. I love the idea of refering to another agent or three.I wished I had thought about that one before-Dinah Lee