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Seller Tips- Don't take suggestions personally!

By
Real Estate Agent with Remax Universal Realty

No matter if you're buying or selling a home, there's a good bet that it's an emotional process for you and your family. From experience, I think the two most emotional parties are sellers and first time home buyers. 

First time buyers are probably making the largest purchase that they're made so far in their life. To many, this is the start of adulthood or a new life as a couple. Many FTHB's are starting a family. Because of this, emotions are touchy and we as real estate agents need to work extra hard to make sure we're showing our customers what they truly want, and what they truly need. 

But far and above FTHB's, are Sellers. My selling clients so far have lived in their home anywhere from 1yr to 45 yrs, and for most it was a long hard decision to move. They are emotionally invested in the home, since their children may have been raised there and they take pride in what they have built.....as they should. 

As an agent, I find that when I meet with my clients to list their home, it's usually not truly ready for sale. I try to give my clients tips on how to properly stage their home, and make it marketable to buyers that will be coming through shortly. In their highly emotional state, some sellers take this as a personal attack that I don't like their home, or their style.

Nothing could be further from the case! I am simply doing my job, that you've hired me to do. Marketing your home doesn't stop with a yard sign and an ad in the paper. Great agents follow through with the physical home itself. This could be as simple as changing a few decorations, to re-arranging a whole room for a better layout.

So in closure, please let your agent do their job...to the fullest. Take all suggestions to heart and realize that they are making suggestions for your benefit,

 

Happy Selling!

 

 

Monica Rainey
First National Realty - Olive Branch, MS
I agree 100% .. I smooth it over by saying to my sellers that their home is perfect to live in.. however to sell faster for more money we must freshen it up and stage. I haven't had any of my clients get upset. I was in a class today that touched on this subject and someone suggested that it would be nice to offer the first 2 hours of a cleaning service and stager to all their sellers as a way to set them apart and get the job done faster.
Sep 26, 2007 04:58 PM
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -
Your tip would also be good advice for fellow Rainers.  There are a few here on AR who seem to take offense immediately when a constructive suggestion is made.
Sep 26, 2007 05:09 PM
Daniel Sundberg
Crystal Springs Real Estate - Kentwood, MI

Absolutely right Matt.  It takes a 3rd party to see what needs to be seen sometimes.  All suggestions come from professional experience and not so much from personal taste.

Kudos to Eric too, some people just don't like it when you disagree with them, as I found out yesterday. 

 

Sep 26, 2007 05:52 PM