When I first got into this business I heard another agent in my office say to his client first offer is typically the best offer. They just put their house on the market and got an offer in a couple of days. The problem was they felt it was too early to take it simply because they had a 90 day listing. They said but this is the first person who saw it, let's wait.
Several years later, I had the same situation. As a matter of fact, I had the same situation many times over. I remembered what I had heard and through my own experience know it is usually true. My sellers said the same thing. We just put it on the market what if there is something better. When I said to them, typically the first offer is the best offer, let's get this one worked out. Well the ones who listened got their home sold and were happy. The ones who "stuck to their guns" , lets just say they ran out of bullets. We have to educate our seller clients now more than ever. It is time to get back to the basics. When an offer comes in our sellers need to treat it like a gift. In our market place and most throughout the country an offer is just that, a gift. Some come in low to see what the sellers will do. My advice is, do'nt let the sellers turn it down. Even if it is what they think as insulting, counteroffer them.
Our jobs are clear, we need to get the homes sold. We have to do everything possible to get an offer for our sellers. This includes follow up after each and every showing. Ask the questions. What did they like about the house? What did they not like? How can we change that to make it work for your buyers? What would it take to get them interested enough to make an offer? Is there any information missing they would like? HOA information? Area information? Can I get it to you today, and where can I sent it? Would you like it in .PDF format e-mailed to you and your client?
Do yourself and your client a favor, get proactive, get aggressive and get it sold!
Lynne Rowland Eaker - Broker, GRI, ALHS
Comments(3)