While leave the office, I got a phone call. Elderly voice was asking for an appointment; she sold her previous home with HomeLife 21 years ago, and now was time to sell again, so she called us. She told me that she was interviewing several Realtors and would like me to come in as well.
I did my research, took pictures, surveyed the neighbourhood, delivered my Home Sellers Tools CD, and was ready to talk to the owner the next day.
Nice, elderly couple welcomed me into their home. From the street, small looking home surprised me with the light and spacious interior. Tidy and fresh with non of the unnecessary clutter, the home was ready to be listed, the owners ready to hear what I had to say about it.
Going over the recent sold and currently listed properties, I could see that they were following with ease and that we were on the same page. After all, this was their first time talking to the Realtor in over 20 years.
The Couple have planed to move to the Retirement Community in Wasaga Beach, you could see the excitement in their eyes. They told me how much money they would need to make the move
We proceeded to the pricing part... Based on the recent activity (not as recent as I would like it to be) and the Market trends in our area we came up with the number.
My range was $225K to $235K Sale price. One of only three home that sold in that area months earlier, similar to theirs went for only $212,500! But since Spring is just around the corner and I am positive and quite optimistic... Since it is a nice area, the home had a chance to sell even at the top end of that price range.
Problem was that to make the move they needed at least $245K
The 23 year old home has all original features, kitchen, bathrooms, windows, carpets... it is clean and nicely decorated, but it also needs upgrades. I could not find the justification that I needed to listed higher than $239,000 (to have room to fight for that $235,000...) believe me I tried.
But since I was not the only Realtor visiting... the next thing I heard was:
"This other Realtor said that we can GET at least $249K!"
She was holding onto the belief that what she has heard earlier, was true. It was painful to watch them both. Deep inside they understood the reality of the current market.
I felt I connected with the Sellers and we all felt at ease. So I asked them to consider their reasons for the move. Perhaps, this was not the best decision to sell right now. After all, they've been there for over 20 years, why not wait that 2-3 years longer? By then, the Market will be on it's way up again. I gave my Parents that same advice just days earlier in fact.
We said goodbye and I left their home. I walked out of there without a listing, but I felt good. I did a good thing, I was honest.
How did this other Realtor feel when he left? Pulling that $249,000 out of his.... (let's stay civil here). For what? To get that listing? Perhaps he will, in fact I will not be surprised if he does get it. I will see the reduction in a week or two.
Is BUYING his listings in best interest of his Clients? Did he listened to their plans, has he seen the excitement in their eyes when they spoke about those plans? Talk about the Thick Skin and ME personality!
I still don't know what to say when I come across situations like this. It's shameful, and it hurts the entire industry, but to change it... we all need to step out to the plate and weed out those who would not know the Code of Ethics if it hit them on the head...
Wishing you a wonderful Spring beginnings!
Joanna Gerber
Sales Representative
HomeLife
Kempenfelt-Kelly
Realty Ltd. Brokerage*
284 Dunlop St. W.
Barrie, Ontario
L4N 1B9
(705)794-6482
O:705-722-8191
F:705-725-8232
TF: 1-877-722-8191
*Independently Owned and Operated
www.Selling-Barrie-Homes.com
joanna@selling-barrie-homes.com
MOWIE PO POLSKU
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