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Inna Ivchenko, Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA (Barcode Properties)

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Rainmaker
1,056,432
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Pro advice:
"Do exactly as I say." 😉

Seriously, one of the things that I think first time sellers need to have made very clear is what costs will be involved, when, and how much. Going in. They're going to have to spend money to make money, just like with any investment.
Also, we love our homes, and we're comfortable in them. A buyer will not look at our home the same way we do. We have to look at it through their eyes.
Just do exactly as I say. It will all be fine. LOL

Dec 12, 2017 03:22 AM
Rainmaker
5,113,121
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

As with any seller, pricing the home right, selecting the right agent, staging the home.

Dec 12, 2017 03:49 AM
Rainer
252,600
Macy Babb ... North Georgia Realtor
Re/Max Around Atlanta Realtor - 404-234-6166 - Cartersville, GA
Realtor, SFR, HUD/REO Certified

Not stepping back and taking a "good look" at their home's condition and all the imperfections they have been overlooking and gotten used to

Dec 12, 2017 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,776
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Taking emotions out of decisions.

Dec 12, 2017 05:18 AM
Rainmaker
759,485
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

In general, Greeness... like a 1st Time Buyer, they'll need an Agent who can show them the ropes, explain the "why" & give them a play by play as it unfolds. 

Dec 12, 2017 05:18 AM
Rainer
370,200
Jay McHugh
SendOutCards-Appreciation Marketing Expert - Acton, MA
YOUR SendOutCard Mentor

Leave the emotion out of the selling....let the Pros handle it and stop listening to outside forces including Google and Zillow etc....

Dec 12, 2017 04:42 AM
Rainmaker
902,038
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Ignorance and emotions.

Dec 12, 2017 04:24 AM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

I think biggest issue is pricing and net to seller after expenses-especially if the bought just a few years ago. It makes their eyes glass over.

Dec 12, 2017 03:45 AM
Rainer
16,880
Tyra Hatcher Mitchell
Alliance Realty - Portland, ME
Southern Maine Realtor

Biggest challenge is accepting change- the market has changed, buyers expectations have changed, the industry has changed,  cost of next home or rent has changed,  and grappling with the emotions of the change

Dec 12, 2017 06:19 AM
Ambassador
2,163,073
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I would say realistic pricing and dealing with emotions and the moving of things that have been collected and stored away over the years. 

Dec 12, 2017 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
599,734
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

There are a lot of things to cover but I would start with education on the entire process and how i can help them. The hope is for them to see me as an expert and trust my advice.

Dec 12, 2017 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The two issues you mention are directly related to the emotion of the first time seller. My assumption is EMOTION is the subject of the question and the mechanics for which they hire a professional is NOT the subject.

As you suggest, sellers do have a vulnerability that becomes raw when the unexpected occurs.  And it's the unexpected that sends folks off the path and into the ditch.

For me, having a good understanding the real 'WHY' they are selling is important, The 5, 6 and 7, the greater purpose, is the shock absorber when the unexpected occur. Keeping their heart and mind focused on their greater purpose while I take care of the speed bumps keeps everyone on the right path.

Dec 12, 2017 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
4,901,858
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Overvalue their property.

Dec 12, 2017 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

The biggest challenge to a seller is choosing the right agent to help them sell it. Some sellers will want to save money and hire a discount agent that could cost them more than the saved. Other sellers may hire "just any" agent and they do not get any service an the advice can be poor at best. My advice is choose a good listing agent, do not over price your home, get your home ready to show, learn what the selling process will entail. If an offer is not acceptable, counter, never just reject them

Dec 12, 2017 04:57 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,132
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Being realistic about price.

Dec 12, 2017 04:56 AM
Rainmaker
2,245,675
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Biggest challenge is getting the listing priced realistically. If they holler I'm not going to give it away. Explain the valuation and maybe you can not help them if the expectations are not healthy. You set their expectations and give them advice. Fear of "where am I going to live next, I kinda like it here" is part of the feet dragging to not chop chop get into gear in the staging. Seller's remorse can set in. Will they actually sell when it comes right down to signing on the dotted line? Lay out the process, explain the what can go wrong and how we do this, this and this series of steps to get to the real estate closing on time. To make sure nothing goes sideways. Tell them what will keep their house from selling.

Dec 12, 2017 03:45 AM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

Ask them what's more important to them; speed of sale or every dollar of equity. Then price accordingly.

Dec 12, 2017 03:22 AM
Ambassador
6,418,429
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Focus on the wonderful place that is your next address.

Dec 12, 2017 01:55 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,587
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Candice A. Donofrio has my answer. 

Dec 12, 2017 07:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,847,041
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Most 1st time sellers look like they shoe-horned themselves into the space they have now. Obviously, they want more room & it totally shows. But it shouldn't!

I give them advice on making the home sell faster obviously & ask them not to listen to their parents.

Dec 12, 2017 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
2,784,716
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

GREED...is the answer to your first question. to your second question, focus getting out of the transaction effectively and efficiently.  

Dec 12, 2017 06:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Whether it's one year or fifty years of home ownership it's going to require refamiliarizing yourself with the current market. Understanding what is happening in Real Estate NOW is how to best accept your new challenge. There will be hurdles although I'll make them as low as possible.  

Dec 12, 2017 06:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Ditto, many answers before I arrived here to read your question. 

Dec 12, 2017 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
2,221,377
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Understanding pricing. 

Dec 12, 2017 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
5,240,021
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Facing reality! Their ties are deep and hard to break!

Dec 12, 2017 05:37 AM
Rainer
140,560
Richard L. McKinney P.A.
Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise - Port St Lucie, FL
For Results that MOVE you on the Treasure Coast!

Inna Ivchenko 

Choosing the right Realtor.

It's true! Sellers often pick up the phone and either call a local office for an agent or ask a family friend / relative that rarely sells a home.  Perhaps the worst part is that they hire these folks and actually pay them the same price that they would pay someone who has pulse on local home values, has sold dozens of home in the area over the last year and uses professional marketing techniques to bring the best buyers. 

 

 

Dec 12, 2017 04:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,624,853
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

We all know that even the most steely-calm seller can get emotinal and very stubborn when it is time to list their home. They remember how they were buying this home or all their precious family memories and they ignore that modern buyers typically expect a home to be in move in condition. 

For those who lived in the home for a long time and want to downsize, I'd recommend to take time preparing house for sale, declattering first and making necessary repairs before listing the house.

You have only one chance to make the first impression with your loved home, make it ready for the ''date'' with their future owner. 

Dec 12, 2017 05:20 PM
Ambassador
2,684,569
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  Price it right, stage it / present it properly, make it easy to show.  Keep the emotions out of it.  And forget what you saw on HGTV!

Dec 12, 2017 04:18 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,308
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Understanding the costs of selling

Dec 12, 2017 02:53 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,177
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Others have answered

Dec 12, 2017 01:24 PM
Rainer
2,555
John Reedy
J.W. Reedy Realty - Oak Brook, IL
Lombard Residential Real Estate

Getting used to always having their house ready to show.  I always make the point after a couple weeks, it's like that classic Blues Song , "the thrill is gone"

Dec 12, 2017 12:34 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,328
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

when I was actively listing, I always wanted to first clearly understand their reason for selling.... if it was financial, and I could help them refinance, I did and they did not sell...

other than that, their most difficult task is finding another home and coordinating the sell with the buy...

Dec 12, 2017 12:20 PM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

This is applicable to many sellers, they think that their home is the nicest.  

Dec 12, 2017 12:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,506,163
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Being realistic about the value.  Not understanding the process.  Takes a fair amount of hand holding.

Dec 12, 2017 09:33 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Get real...your house is never worth what you think...no one cares about your 10 year old upgrades.

(this is precisely why I choose not to list property)

Eve

Dec 12, 2017 08:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,241,879
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Most are remarkably cooprative. They looked at me as the source for directions. It is those who have done it before those who knows it are difficult .....

Dec 12, 2017 08:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,257
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Inna Ivchenko I think the biggest challenge is the reality that everything has to be sorted out and packed away for the moving company. This can be over whelming especially if the family has lived in the home for several years.

Dec 12, 2017 08:20 AM
Rainmaker
7,864,157
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Decluttering.

Dec 12, 2017 07:32 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Nina Hollander nailed this one!

Dec 13, 2017 03:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Begin to think of your home as an item for sale.

Dec 12, 2017 10:39 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,013
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Understanding that the value is in the eyes of the buyer.

Dec 12, 2017 06:15 PM
Rainmaker
5,877,475
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

My first timers, it has been their down payment, and having enough to move in and do the repairs they would like.

Dec 14, 2017 09:03 AM