My home has been on the market for almost a year. Forgoing the housing slump, I asked my realtor to lower the price on two different occassions in the first 6 months. My request feel on deaf ears both times. I don't pretend to be a realtor or know the inner workings of the industry, but I do know that pricing and location go hand in hand. I think the failure to lower the price contributed to my home being still on the market along with the economic downturn. So my question is, should I continue with my soon due to expire contract or should I consider For Sale By owner?
If he/she didn't do as you requested don't you have grounds for firing them? Or at least talk to their supervisor..
Speaking as an in-active agent for the moment, you need a new agent! I don't know the whole story, but can't imagine why they didn't honor your request. After all, agents don't get paid UNLESS your house sells. :?
That's what I thought too. I tried to rationalize her decision by convincing myself that she left it there to leave room for bargaining. That's why I agreed to the extended 6 months. I would not have paid the listing price if I was looking but anyways, I have 2 months to investigate all the particulars of self-listing or a new agent.
You have someone responding as a Member of Forum to you who seems to understand a lot about this and seems pretty honest. My opinion would be to contact that Member and take it off line. Just my opinion, Sherry
I actually can't be much help at the moment other than impartial advice. I'm taking a break from real estate for a while. 8)
I would definitely be looking for another agent. Dave Ramsey has two agents in this area that he recommends. You can get their info. via his site. They are suppose to be top notch in what they do and get results. I cannot give first hand expereince but do expect if Dave has them on his list they must be good at what they do and provide good customer service. http://www.daveramsey.com/sa/realestate/ It would not hurt for you to at least interview a few agents to see what they would list your home for and suggestions they have. Look for an agent with experience...not someone doing it for a PT hobby. Ask how many homes they have sold in the last year. We sold two homes and bought three FSBO. It can be done. If you do so I would highly recommend contacting the folks at FSBO magazine and getting your house listed through them, which will include the mls. That will give you a lot more traffic than just putting a sign in the yard or advertising with the local paper. They also have an option to assist you with paper work, which is worth the $ IMHO. You can even opt to work with real estate agents who want to bring clients to your home ... but would need to pay their commission at closing...guessing that would be 2.5%-3.5%.
What I have highlighted is true....................to a point. Personally, I'd rather have an agent who is a bit "hungry" than one who has tons of listings and lacks the personal touch. But that's just my .02. I've participated in probably a couple hundred transactions over the years between being a real estate assistant, working for a builder and going through a ton of sorry agents and then becoming an agent myself. Some of the higher volume ones.......................eh................not so much. 8) You must find one you "click" with. I have a couple I can recommend that I have high regards for from different companies, based on personal experience with them over the years. Please feel free to PM if interested. If not............no skin off my nose. 8)
What was the agents response to the request to decrease the asking price. I can understand your frustration and many home values have changed throughout the year. I typically comp my properties every 3 months to ensure they are still priced right. Feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions. Good Luck!
