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Dear Seller about that expired listing...

By
Real Estate Agent with EXIT Realty Advantage Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Sometimes, a potential client can be stubborn. Sometimes they can be too anxious. Whatever their situation, Ill be forthright.

 

Dear Seller,

 

About your expired listing:

Here in these parts, generally, if you purchased a home half way through ’06 through 2009 and are in need of selling now, chances are you will not get all of your investment back.

I’m sorry to be the one to tell you that, but I am not going to Sugar Coat it. If I have insulted you, I'm sorry again, but you have really high expectations, in this market.

I know your previous Agent promised you the Moon, but what he probably really meant was that he was going to Moon you.

Unless you were fortunate enough to purchase this home as a Foreclosure, Short Sale or at a Tax Sale, the value is not what your previous Agent said it was. On average, the value currently is about 70% of what homes were 5 years ago, (Across the board).

Due Diligence is essential when looking at an investment. If you buy high and sell low, you’re screwed. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. You need an Agent that doesn't blow smoke, this isn't a magic show. This is serious.

When you are in the position or have the need to sell your home, don’t get just one Agent’s opinion. I recommend to every person that wants to list their property with me, to speak with a MINIMUM of 3 different agents from 3 separate agencies. Five would be preferable.

Having reliable and consistent information in front of you, Mr. Seller, is what will help you understand the difference between an Aqualung and a Triton Bass Boat.

This Town is a Tourist Destination and Retirement Community. If you do not want to lose money, get into a Shortsale or don't want it to go into Foreclosure, this is what I suggest. Rent or Lease your home until the Market comes back. If you can,I say, Do it. Having someone else help pay the Mortgage may be the best way to go.

If you have no alternative, but to sell, do yourself a favor: Don’t list with the first person you speak with. Talk to 3-5 agents and not only meet them, but get the information on homes that are comparable, to your own. Make sure that information is current. Having all of that information will generally give you an idea of who’s blowing smoke, who’s mooning you and who really does have YOUR Best interests in mind.

After you talk to ALL of them, lets sit down and have a chat. Let’s see if we are a fit for each other and let’s see if we are in the same Ballpark, when it comes to pricing your home.

Sincerely,

Jon @ Pagosa Brokers

Being upfront, honest and having a truly sincere interest in your potential Clients needs, may just get you a listing. If Mr Seller decides to rent, at least he'll remember you for being there. (It's already happened once to me)   :)

Comments(23)

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Jon Eliason
EXIT Realty Advantage Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - Pagosa Springs, CO

Sharon ~ The first time I actually did this to a Home Seller, I was nervous as all get out! After chatting with both the Husband and Wife, I realized they "NEEDED" to hear this! If I were to sugar coat it, like the previous agents, it would have looked sweet but it would be just another overpriced home on the market. My folks deserve better. Thanks for stopping in. Have a great week!

Apr 02, 2012 11:22 PM
Pamela Smith
Award Realty - Sun City West, AZ
Sun City West, Corte Bella, Sun City Grand

If the clients really think about it . . . you were the only that was probably honest with them.  Don't be surprised if you see them in the near future.

Apr 03, 2012 02:16 AM
Reba Haas
Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com - Bellevue, WA
Team Reba, CDPE

I have discussions with clients that I like to call "brutal honesty" if I get the feeling that they aren't hearing what the reality is of their situation. Once I am able to explain details that others can't, they're usually either signed on, or we have given them a plan of attack for what to do next - even if it means not selling. AND, you're right, they do appreciate up front honesty more than anything in the end and I get referrals because of it.

Apr 03, 2012 02:51 AM
John Cameron
VITUS Realty, LLC - Seattle, WA
Real Estate Investing Seattle Tacoma

Love it!  You forgot the part about when they say we'll try and rent it, that it will take somewhere around 10 years for them to recoup the value to break even.

Apr 03, 2012 03:07 AM
Jon Eliason
EXIT Realty Advantage Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - Pagosa Springs, CO

Pamela ~ I think that even if the Sellers didn't initially like what they heard and were shown the real picture and not a caricature, they will at least know there are many of us out here to help them. Thanks.

Reba ~ Being brutally honest is what it takes, sometimes. And like you, if I lose a sale, I'll know that I gave them the information to allow them to make an informed decision. Thanks for stopping by.

 

Apr 03, 2012 03:14 AM
Jon Eliason
EXIT Realty Advantage Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - Pagosa Springs, CO

John ~ Or maybe longer... I've had a couple gals that were initially not interested in renting out their place because they were worried about what the "Renter" may do to their place. They said they would just pay the mortgage and wait for the market to return. A couple of months after our conversation, I saw that they had it in an FRBO situation. They heard... Thanks for commenting.

Apr 03, 2012 03:22 AM
AJ Heidmann ~ CRS
McEnearney Associates, Inc. - Alexandria, VA
YOUR Alexandria & Arlington, VA Real Estate Expert

Jon - We as agents have to be honest with sellers for the market as it stands today... not like the seller would like it to be.  After you sit down with the sellers and they don't see why your price is right, better for you to walk away and not have a listing that just lingers on the market.

Apr 03, 2012 03:25 AM
Charita Cadenhead
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

I'm a firm believer in the call it like I see method.  Nobody benefits from a smoke screen.

Apr 03, 2012 03:35 AM
Margo Otey
REMAX EXECUTIVE REALTY - Westborough, MA

Just picked up a listing that expired with the overpricing agent.  Since I made the initial presentation and they chose someone else, I am happy that person wasted their time and not me, BUT... somehow they have still failed to get the message and refuse to further lower the price.  Hmmm... Sure wish I could talk to them as directly as this!

Apr 03, 2012 04:14 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Well said, Jon.  This is not a market where you want to get an agent who will tell you anything to get the listing.  Get one that will tell you the truth.  It's that simple.  

Apr 03, 2012 05:27 AM
Margie Kopp Sorrell
Coldwell Banker Lake Oconee Realty and Lake Country - Greensboro, GA
Lake Oconee Real Estate

I had to have the "you're not going to get the return on your investment" with a client today. Surprisingly, he took it well. I think most of them know that, they just don't want to believe it. Kudos to you for telling them how it is regardless!

Apr 03, 2012 06:03 AM
Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

Jon, I've seen so many agents that will tell a seller any price just to get the listing and then start beating them down to reduce the price. I agree with you, you really need to go in with a price that fits today's market. Period. 

Apr 03, 2012 06:31 AM
Jon Eliason
EXIT Realty Advantage Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - Pagosa Springs, CO

AJ ~ Thank you. If a potential Client and myself cannot see eye to eye, there is no point in furthering a relationship that has the potential for disappointment, on either side.

Charita ~ The illusion that things will be, like the Seller believes it to be, has to be quashed. This is why it's imperative for the Seller to converse with the various agents/agencies. Thanks for the comments.

Margo ~ I think if you sat down with them and showed them the SOLD comps in their neighborhood, that will at least plant the seed. If it sits and sit, the Seller may in fact start contemplating the figures you have shown him. Thanks.

Mike ~ We all know that "One" Agent that will do just about anything to get the listing. Having to repeatedly lower the price doesn't do anything more than having the Seller lose faith in their Agent. That really doesn't look good on a Resumé. Thanks for stopping in.

Margie ~ We all have to Cowboy Up every once in a while. More often than not, when we do, it actually turns out to be in favor of the Realtor®. That, I can live with. Thanks for visiting my blog.   :)

 

Apr 03, 2012 06:39 AM
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX

Sometimes honesty doesn't get the commission check, but neither does overpricing a listing and ticking off the seller.

Apr 03, 2012 06:44 AM
Jon Eliason
EXIT Realty Advantage Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - Pagosa Springs, CO

Adrian ~ You are so right. I don't like the "List and Lower" strategy used by some of our local Agents. It isn't productive and it only puts a blemish on us all, IMO. Thanks.

Jeanne ~ I agree. I have lost listings for being up front. Funny thing is, I've also had that same Seller call me 6 months later and ask about the "Upswing in the market". I had to tell him that the upswing was volume in houses sold and not volume in dollars per square foot. He's still with his 3rd Agent. He is also close to 30% over what the market will bring. Thanks for stopping by.

Apr 03, 2012 06:46 AM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Jon - The market and clients would be less frustrated if more people would be this up front.

Apr 03, 2012 04:41 PM
Phil Leng
Retired - Kirkland, WA
Phil Leng - Retired

Hi JOn,

I hear ALL you say. But I still want to list it for 30% over market value...

Phil

Apr 03, 2012 09:09 PM
Jon Eliason
EXIT Realty Advantage Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - Pagosa Springs, CO

Erica ~ Thank you. It is absolutely essential to help the Seller that needs to sell their home. I believe, providing up to date information is critical to do just that. Old information, especially information that is irrelevant to the Sellers home, can only hurt their chances of selling in a timely manner. Thanks for visiting.

Christine ~ I totally agree. I know we all need to put food on the table for our families, but if a Listing Agent overprices a home, how is that going to get the home sold any quicker?

Phil ~ LOL... So, you're telling me that you want me to list 30% over market? How long did you want to market this property? 3 months or 3 years??? If it is the latter, call me in 30 months...   :)   Thanks.

 

Apr 03, 2012 09:43 PM
Jack O'Neal
HomeSmart Elite Group - Gilbert, AZ

Some Buyers and agents have no clue, they just waste our time.

Apr 05, 2012 09:20 AM
Jon Eliason
EXIT Realty Advantage Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - Pagosa Springs, CO

Jack  ~ Indeed they do. That's what it boils down to. Thanks for commenting.   :)

Apr 05, 2012 09:44 AM