This series is about mediocrity, unfortunately (and possibly even failure). I say that because you would hope you would not have to confront it. But, the reality is that it may be there. However, you don't need to stand for it.
So, sellers, what mediocrity are YOU putting up with?
I suggest the following possibilities (as an agent I see this with listings I visit all the time, and it drives me nuts):
- Missing or inaccurate information in your listing
- Lousy photos, which do nothing to showcase your home, or none at allLack of communication from your agent (who is supposed to be representing you)
- No answers to specific questions that trouble you
- No education on how to deal with showings, potential offers, and similar matters
- Someone who is telling you what you want to hear, rather than what you need to hear (e.g., such as the pricing of your home, or the need to de-clutter or make repairs)
- No advice on how to improve the salability of your home, or how to stage it to appeal to the maximum number of buyers
- Lack of exposure to the buyer pool (for example, limited Internet and print advertising)
- Poor attitude or an air of "not caring" about you and the sale of your home
- No evidence of problem solving or offering alternative solutions to problems
Does this sound like your situation? Hopefully not, but if it is...well, don't put up with it. Yes, you are now into the contract, but that does not mean you cannot attempt to resolve this mediocrity. YOU are the client, right?
And for those of you yet to hire a listing agent - be aware of these potential problems and do your research carefully before you hire an agent. Do a thorough interview of several real estate professionals and ask some good, hard questions about what THEY will do for YOU.
It is likely your agent will want to know that you are dissatisfied, and will wish to make amends (after all, if you aren't happy you are not going to refer him or her, are you?). At least, assume that is the case. Arrange a time right away to sit down and carefully go through your questions and concerns (make a list, with dates and/or examples), and ask for your agent's input on how they are to be resolved; both parties should agree on what is to be done and when. Make sure you are willing to listen to what your agent has to say as well - perhaps it was suggested you do certain clean-up or repairs, and you did not; or your agent advised you on the pricing, and you refused to listen. It happens all the time. This is a team effort, or should be, and your agent has a responsibility to manage the contractual relationship with you and the sale of your home.
There are, I hate to admit, agents who behave as if they do not care (perhaps they don't), don't know any better, or are just plain incompetent. So don't suffer through these situations. If, after making a sincere effort to resolve these issues without success, you have the option of discussing your concerns with the broker, who is in charge of the office and with whom the agency relationship actually exists. The broker will very likely want to resolve any issues since a dissatisfied client reflects badly on the business. And since everyone has invested time and energy into the relationship, fixing the problems should be the first step. However, if all else fails, depending on what your written agreement says, you may be able to cancel the contract with the brokerage.
Don't put up with mediocrity. You don't have to just accept it as part of your contract, nor should you!
Buyers, stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow.
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