showings: Why Won't the Agents Showing my House Say Something?
- 07/31/11 04:28 PM
As Yogi Berra says, you can see an awful lot by watching. And as a broker who oversees 20+ agents, 50+ listings and who still works in the field with select buyers, I do see both sides of an issue that sellers often bring up in the discussion of listing and selling their house. Many of the people who list their home for sale with me already experienced failure with a prior broker. They often tell me in our preliminary interview that they were frustrated with the lack of "selling" they witnessed with the agents who showed their home when they … (71 comments)
showings: Funny What Happens When You Take my Advice
- 05/21/11 03:45 PM
I got a call this morning from a seller client who had two showings scheduled for the day. She was concerned she might have to postpone the appointments. It seemed that she discovered an ant colony outside a window of her condo, and was concerned that the development might repel the prospective buyers. "NO!" I insisted, "let them in! They might be turned off by the ants, but if they get canceled there is a 100% chance they won't make an offer today!" I explained to my client that the best thing to do is call the superintendent, post a note … (90 comments)
showings: Do I Stink?
- 08/31/10 09:35 AM
Imagine a buyer looking online for a home. They examine the inventory, veto the ones they dislike, dutifully check off their favorites, and compile a list of homes they'd like to see. It has taken over an hour, but final choices are made and one of my listings made the cut. They like the photos, the property description is enticing, and the house looks like a winner. The buyer want to see my listing! Next, they call their buyer agent and request to schedule a showing. I have succeeded, right? I am bringing another set of eyeballs to my listing thanks in … (15 comments)
showings: Reasonable Showing Times
- 08/31/09 04:25 PM
Here in the New York area, it is not uncommon for people who live in the suburbs and work in New York City to request showings on weeknights after 7pm. If you leave work at 5 or 5:30 and it takes an hour to get home and settled, 5:30 showings are a logistical impossibility. I have one such buyer, and this afternoon I got a phone call from a listing office denying our request to see their listing tomorrow at 7pm. I don't believe that 7pm is unreasonably late for a weeknight showing, but I have 4 children and know better … (5 comments)
showings: Information Overload Kills Sales
- 12/21/08 10:51 PM
With rare exception, buying decisions are made for emotional reasons. Overwhelming a prospective buyer with lots of data in a showing will typically talk them out of, rather than into, making an offer. Understandably, many sellers have put years of effort and money into keeping their home in good condition. They have upgraded, added on, improved and enhanced. They are justifiably proud. And that 47-point checklist of improvements and updates is valuable... at the right time. When is the right time? I'll tell you when the wrong time is: 30 seconds after the buyers walk in. Given the slower market, many … (8 comments)
Phil Faranda is broker and owner of J. Philip Real Estate LLC in Briarcliff Manor, NY. Since founding the firm as a sole practitioner in late 2005, the team has grown to over 80 agents & closed 1000+ transactions valued at over $1 billion. He was 2014 President of the HGMLS and a 2017 Inman Influencer. This blog commentary is geared toward consumers and industry colleagues alike. You can reach him at (914) 723-8900. Warning: *Sarcasm and irony advisory at all times.*
Testimonials
113201
There is no doubt in my mind that the house would still be on the market if it wasn't for Phil's proactive efforts.
5.0/5.0
by drmoi
109285
Phil was very responsive to our requests; he was very professional and respectful; he always gave us his honest opinion on the questions we asked. ... more
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by junglegirlnyc
106920
Phil is a very honorable and respectful realtor. He has gone way above and beyond the call of duty for me not only once, but twice. He helped sell ... more
As Yogi Berra says, you can see an awful lot by watching. And as a broker who oversees 20+ agents, 50+ listings and who still works in the field with select buyers, I do see both sides of an issue that sellers often bring up in the discussion of listing and selling their house. 
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