As I sit here writing this blog, I realize I'm writing this as a HOME SELLER who is lucky enough to have this venue to get some real advice, collective wisdom, and who knows, perhaps your words will help others too. So thanks in advance for your time.
Here is the scoop. True Story as it unfolded today:
By husband and I took over my Mother-in-law's mortgage about 10 years ago, after she was widowed. She lived in the Central Valley of California, in Visalia. She recently passed away, and we will be selling the house in this gosh awful market.
So first step: we're on the hunt for an agent in Visalia. My husband calls two, gives them the scoop, and asks for comps and any information we could use, but mainly what type of marketing plan they offer that will give the home the extra push it needs.
We assure Agent #1 that we are being realistic about the market, the first step is correctly pricing the home, and luckily we have equity to play with, and nothing but time as our mortgage payment is already in the family budget.
My husband reports that Agent#1 "doesn't really have a marketing plan, because really its all about the price of the home" "We'll get your sign up, my wife will make up some flyers, perhaps we'll have an Open House or two"
My husband calls me after the meeting with Agent#1 and tells me this. I ask my husband, " Does he do Craigslist? Staging? What? he doesn't have a marketing plan...?"
Translation: I'm thinking this guy doesn't want to put out money for the marketing in this market, in case it doesn't sell before we get fed up and change agents when our contract expires. I'm turned off by the agent.
He may be willing to drop his commission a bit, he may look good and smell good, and drive a really nice truck. BUT, he doesn't have a marketing plan!
Times are tough in CA, especially in the Central Valley, but am I crazy not to expect some sort of a marketing plan? Is it too much to ask for a small investment on his part? OK, I'm in the biz, I'll make the flyers, I'll stage (the best I can...Stage-it Forward Crew, I may be calling you,) I'll post it everywhere in the nation if I have to, but that's the point...DO I have to do it?
So, do we move on from here, try for Agent #2 & #3 or do the marketing, staging, etc ourselves? Do I start watching Designed to Sell re-runs for a happy start to the home-selling process?
I'd love your advice. I see your lovely AR faces in my head and wonder....what would you say..?
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