That is a tough situation to be in Debbie Reynolds.

I would have a come to jesus discussion with the seller. If they are not willing to uphold then end then how can you uphold your end.  

     I might keep the listing, leave the sign in the yard, and keep it active in MLS, but I wouldn't invest any more time or money in it. 

If I didn't have to do anything myself to keep marketing or maintaining the property I'd probably just leave for the listing period. But I would have think long and hard if I would relist.

I would let seller know condition will impact price and timeline...and then leave it in MLS.

Time for sit down with seller. Explain that having front yard a mess reduces value, time for deep price cut. "Perhaps price should reduce $10000?" "Or would you rather hire a gardener and cleaning service for $300 a month?" Putting it into numbers might help Seller see the problem

Debbie,

Trust your judgment.  I am certain that you want to do you very best for each client.  A listing requires team work.  Your client is not holding up his end of the team...Personally, we would let it go, mental health and happiness is a priority for us, and things like that take away from our lives.  You could be listing and selling something else instead of having this colossal headache.  A

I think what is most important is that you go with your gut, if you feel it is time to move on it probably is. 

Definitely a difficult situation. For me, I'm with Fred Griffin, perhaps keep the listing but allocate less of your time and resources to it. I'm sure you don't like feeling like you are not giving your all to each of your clients and that is a worthy concern. But they are not holding up their end of the deal, so from an ethical perspective that may ease you mind. 

I use Gary L. Waters, Broker Owner, Waters Realty of Brevard, LLC 's approach. Keep it looking good or lose thousands on selling price, that is a message that usually motivates them.

Gary L. Waters, Broker Owner, Waters Realty of Brevard, LLC  - said it! 

I would have a frank discussion with the seller to let them know about the impact curb appeal and overall condition have on the ability to sell. And I would be sure to share any feedback I was getting.Depending on pricing and market reactions I might keep it but I would not spend more money or time on it.

There would be no attempt to obtain it if the condition is poor and I don't want that to reflect on my abilities. Yards being kept up, pools sparkling and spotless interiors are what sells. Such a small price to pay for a much better return. I'd have to walk if they refused to address the deteriorating property.

I'd tell the seller if they want to sell it quickly and for top dollar, it has to be maintained.  If they don't like your vendors, have them pick someone from Google or yelp or get recommendations from NextDoor.  If they don't do their part, I certainly wouldn't waste time & money on actively marketing the house.  Keep it in the MLS and don't fire the client though.  Eventually they'll come around or someone will low ball them based on the condition, which may wake them up.

Does not sound very motivated.  Might be time to part ways.

I usually ask them if they are willing to lower the price since the house is now in disrepair - that usually lights a fire under their bum!

If not, I tell them I won't be able to market their property any longer

Yes, I would be temped to let them go.  They are not motivated enough to make the place presentable to sell, however, they will let you spend your money.

You could tell the seller you don't like weeds growing up around your sign. See what the seller's reaction is to that statement. 

If they don't care, then I would let them go. 

This negativity can transmit to your brand. Yes, if no changes are made, then it is time to let that puppy go.

Something is wrong!  The grass is knee high and the place is dirty.  Often if you give the sellers the option of fixing it or a big price reduction, they will get reasonable.

Debbie Reynolds Yes, life is too short.

I'd first remind them of their lack of maintenance then I would hang up & call the village & report them. The added pressure & fines will make them remember to mow the place.

Debbie Reynolds Most of us have had similar problem.  My answer parallels Ron and Alexandra Seigel and Caroline Gerardo ++ price cures all.  

The home should be listed right for the condition.  It should sell if priced right.  I wouldn't cancel or walk away if it is going to sell.

Debbie, I'm with a lot of the other responses. We'd have to have a real heart to heart about how it impacts the price and how it could create liability for the seller, and then I'd offer to hire people who would maintain it until closing. They could be paid from the proceeds.

I have a guy that I tell to go do things I want done and he does. Tree trims, trash removal, touch-up, lawns etc. Gets paid out of escrow. Who pays is a good subject but after the fact is fine. Stuff has to get done period

Yes with a two strike policy.

If I am not spending marketing dollars on it, I would keep it until it expired...

The conversation I have had with sellers is that they can either maintain the property better or drop the price by X dollars. When they promise to maintain the property better (they always choose that option), I follow up. 

I would keep marketing it. Inside of a vacant house shouldn't be that hard to keep clean. Grass should grow slower in heat, so I would find a way to mow it one more time. Maybe see if any agents in office want to hold it open? I would also montior comps and let seller know when similar properties have gone under contract.

I'm so with Ron and Alexandra Seigel comment! Life is too short to deal with jerks when so many good people out there that appreciate what your do!

I would have that talk with them one more time.

I'd extend that contract to a year, and I'd have an agreement that states my expenses would be reimbursed at closing..... I'd hire and the property would sparkle...I've done that in the past....

Does the seller have the funds to keep the landscaping maintained? If not, I might reach an agreement to have the lawn mowed and they can reimburse me at the close of escrow. I would keep the listing (if priced well for the market), there may be a buyer that will overlook the condition and realize the potential.

If they won't reduce the price to reflect the reduced value of the property, it may just be time to let them go.

Just remind them, the longer it is on the market and the more neglected it looks, the less money they will cash out at the end. Do they agree to these consequences? 

dear seller... the property doesnt show well with dirty floors and long yard. people think they can steal it also... what if YOU mister seller saw a house in this state? well thats what others thinkk . if want to sell.. at a fair price..lets get someone in to do it.and no i dont do lawns

I would do an analysis and implement any recommendations before making a decision.

Debbie Reynolds - All practical wisdom says - don't take it. I believe, just take it - and clarify the seller that it may take 'too long' to sell the home based on certain limitations - to market the home right way...

Depending on the saleability of the home, I may pick up the cost of the mowing if I thought I could get it sold quickly.

I'd give it back if they weren't willing to keep the property in sellable condition

This needs to be a discussion about the importance of being a team.   Proper presentation is a big part of the real estate equation.  So is communication -- if there is a breakdown in either/both -- there may need to be a parting.  

If they dont or cant, i tell them i can for x amount. Most say yes please. 

Clean and maintained sends one message, while dirty and unkept another. You can save time and money doing it right! Mr. Seller, figure it out!

There are times when I send my guys over to keep the outside looking nice to close the deal. We do what we got to do.

They commit to keeping the property in showing condition in the listing agreement.  Haven't had that problem so far...

Investors love these opportunities to make low offers.

Not unless the seller called me regularly to ask why it is not selling.

Had a vacant lot like that. It ended up selling for way less than they wanted, but sell it did. You can only point out what the end result might be if they don't keep it up. After that, just make sure your yard sign doesn't get blocked by weeds!!

I would have a heart to heart Debbie Reynolds 

Suggest they either mow the lawn or reduce the price enough so that it will sell before the city comes out and mows it.

They will probably spend the time or money to get it done.