Compared to most writers on Active Rain, (for writing skills), I rate at the bottom of the rain barrel.
That doesn't mean my message is not a good one. I grew up in the food business and that is where I learned about customer service. The customer may not always be right, but it is my job to serve them in the best way I can. I love to make people happy. However, telling people that it is ok to put an unrealistic price on house is something I will not do.
Last week I was cutting a radio commercial and I started jawing with the DJ. (Woofy on 99 Rock). He had seen my car- the “Über Mobile” (which is another story) at our kids’ school. He told me that he had just taken his house off the market after a year. I saw him tense up a bit- not wanting to get get a sales pitch from me. So I just asked- did you need to sell it? His reply was no. I said great, keep it off the market for now. He went on to tell me about the short sales and foreclosures in his neighborhood.
In a declining market, Days on Market means "Dead On Active", (my new saying). What does “Dead-On-Active” mean? Like dead-on-arrival, it means you have no chance of selling it. Your idea of what your home is worth and what someone is willing to pay for it are two different things. To me it means you are not reasonable and are not going to make a reasonable effort to sell your home at the market price. You are a lottery player. Holding out for that one chance that someone will love it so much that they have to have it- and will be willing to pay whatever price to own it. (Experts say the Lottery is a tax on the stupid). I believe most of those buyers are already gone. I also told Woofy that I only want 90-day listings. Why? when the average Day On Market is close to 180? Because- I want to sell the home not just stick it in the MLS. I put time into my listings; I build my own signs, (if they want a 5', I'll do it), make my own flyers, stage the home (my wife helps), and check on my inventory at least once a week. When I sell a home I meet everyone there. I meet with the home inspector, the appraiser, the pest inspector, etc. I'm always looking at who is doing what- and if they need help- I'm happy to jump in and do it.
What does this all mean? If I sign up to help someone who is unrealistic on price, it takes my time away from someone I could actually help to sell their home. If after I show you the facts- and you still want to play the lottery- I can give you names of lots of guys who would gladly simply list your property. I'll call them for you.
Facts:
1. If you need to sell your home- do it. Don't “play like circus”.
2. Price it correctly- buyers know a lot more than you think they do.
3. If you do not need to sell- take it off the market.
4. Make sure it is in the best condition possible.
As I was writing this, I got a call from Bill Gates (not your Bill, mine), a customer if mine who wants to list his home. So now you can say you know Bill Gates' Realtor.
I as a Chef friend of mine you would say- gotta go- kitchen's on fire.
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