Monday, 6th of August 2012 at 05:45:39 PMSometime ago I shared a story about Joe, a prospective seller that decided to use another agent to sell his home, mostly because the agent said he can get more money for his home and the agent even discounted his commission to “earn the business”. Well, Joe called again:
Me: This is Craig.
Joe: Hi Craig, it’s Joe.
Me: Hi Joe, how’s it going?
Joe: Not so great, I still haven’t sold my house, can you help me?
Me: I’m sure I can, but I’ll have to take another look at your neighborhood market to determine what we can do. Did you cancel the listing with the other agent?
Joe: No, he won’t return my calls.
Me: Well, before I can help you, you have to cancel the listing, you can try calling the broker in charge of your agent to get some help. Also, I need to let you know that once you list with me, your Days on Market will continue, meaning it won’t start over.
Joe: Why not, I need to get this home sold.
Me: The rules are, the property has to be off the market for at least 90 days for the Days on Market to reset. Unfortunately we won’t be able to get a new first impression on your home, we will have to reflect that in your listing price now.
Joe: So now I won’t be able to get the price you said?
Me: Maybe, I’ll have to take a look at current neighborhood conditions to know for sure, you won’t be able to get full market value since the Days on Market will be a distraction. When you get a chance, send me the Marketing Plan for your home so when I put one together, I’m complimenting it and not conflicting what has already been done.
Joe: I didn’t get a Marketing Plan, at least I don’t think I did.
Me: Can you tell me what your agent has done to market your property?
Joe: Put a sign out front and put it on the MLS, oh and gave me some staging tips.
Me: Okay, well that leaves a lot of options for us to market your home, let me put something together. In the meantime, work on cancelling your listing if you are ready to work with me, once you signed a cancelled listing notice, please keep a copy and send it to me so that I make sure we’re doing the new listing properly.
Joe continues to be frustrated with his situation and was easily distracted by what I’ve dubbed the Used Car Salesman approach. Real Estate agents are only considered slightly above used car salesmen in the public eye instead of a partner and professional in trying to get your home sold or purchased. This is really too bad that more agents can’t be honest and professional with their clients.
