I have gone on many listing appointments lately and I guess some folks are reading the newspapers and seeing that real estate sales are up in the Tampa area and are thinking of selling. What also is found in the same news article is the fact that the median price has dropped nearly $100,000 and homes are selling for so much less than they did in the "boom" years. Why do I assume this...because the last few appointments I have gone on, the seller's want to sell there home well beyond and recent comparable I could find. Now, we all know that somebody will list it for whatever price and then start beating the seller down to lower the price. However, I do not believe in this school of thought.
The number 1 comment I seem to get is "I don't have to sell" which tells me that the seller is not really motivated and may need to hold on the home for a little while longer or at least until the market rebounds or the world ends...whichever comes first! Now, you may think I shouldn't back down and continue to "prove" to the seller that the home should be listed at xyz price and get that listing. I think that is rubbish and I will tell you why.
1. The seller is not really motivated to sell
2. The seller is not realistic about the price which means you will most definitely over price the house.
3. It cost money to list a home..from signs to lock boxes and virtual tours. This is money you have to spend upfront. Whey spend dollars that you may not have to spend on the slim chance of selling the home. A sign in the yard is not worth it....unless you can add a SOLD sign to it!
4. After 4 or 6 months of the home being on the market with very little activity the seller will most likely think you are the worst agent in the world and will talk badly about you. Again, not working for you but against you.
Next time you are at that listing appointment and the seller is really not motivated and "doesn't have to sell" think about how far apart you really are and proceed with caution. Sometimes the sign is just not worth it!
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