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I asked the other agents in my company if their buyers are sitting on the fence

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties DC AB15253

The last few months have been difficult for all of  us, but sometimes it is hard to believe that everyone else is going through the same thing that you are - or that your suffering is mirrored by lots of other agents. I was starting to feel more than frustrated with my buyers who are all waiting for the DEAL - and passing up very good houses at very good prices that they would be happy in for many years.  The only problem was that they weren't  DEALS OF THE CENTURY! The ones that would give them bragging rights for months at the sports club water cooler.

I started feeling that I was doing something wrong - that I didn't have control of my buyers. That I was at fault because I couldn't communicate to my buyers that this is a great time to buy.

So, I did what any ActiveRain agent does - I wrote a blog to the other agents in my company, asking for their experiences.

Guess what - they are all having the same frustrations - and some good suggestions of how to deal with the reluctant buyer - useful dialogues and information to share. I actually was able to use some of the suggestions to convince a buyer who was going to lowball the next offer instead to offer more than asking price and include an escalation clause. We got the property and now we just have to hope that the bank will approve the contract rather than pursue foreclosure!

I feel much better now - I may have a very nice sale, and I know that I am not alone, even if the buyers are still slow to make a decision! Talking about it always helps!

Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

Hey, Lisa. You're not alone. I personally think things are improving because sales have been up here for six consecutive months now. There are people selling, and there are people buying. One just has to know where to go to find them. They might not be where one has traditionally found them.

Feb 06, 2009 01:07 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Lise:  I've found the investors are the most difficult to deal with right now.  The are completely unreasonable in their thoughts on offering prices.  First-time homebuyers want those bragging rights too, but get more realistic when they have lost a couple of homes to coming in too low on price.

Feb 06, 2009 02:16 AM
Sandy Shores FL Realtor®, Melbourne Real Estate
M & M Realty of Brevard Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Brevard County Real Estate, Florida's Space Coast

Hi Lisa, Our buyers seemed to be sitting on the fence up until the beginning of the year. Then someone opened the floodgates and they are out in full force and buying again. Hooray!

Feb 11, 2009 05:07 AM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

Lise Howe, Realtor and Attorney Licensed in DC, MD and VA-Its crazy Lisa. Everybody wants to get a house for free now. Like I told some loan officers when that happens please let me know. Great post.

Feb 15, 2009 07:45 AM