This morning I had a call from a gentleman whose condo listing is about to expire - he was referred to my be a friend up north who has a friend who's a realtor (how's that for a chain?). His property was about an hour from our office so I decline the listing, but told him I'd take a look at the MLS and see if I had any suggestions. Just from the MLS information I suggested that he drop his price (the one comparable that sold near his listing price did not have an over 55 age restriction, and another unit like his, also without an over 55 age restriction and with more updates was listed $10,000 less than his. I also suggested he raise the co-op commission, and that he remove that it was a Waterfront unit, since he did not even have a waterview from his unit, though the complex itself is on a small lake. Suggester a visual tour, etc.
He felt comfortable with me and asked a few more questions: Could he ask agents he was interviewing what their marketing plan was? Was he expecting to much to ask for feedback after showings? It's easy for us to forget that it may have been many years since an owner has sold a home.
As part of our pre-list package we give out a List of Questions to Ask Agents, one filled out with our answers, and another one blank for them to fill in or duplicate. It's up to us to educate the public that there IS a difference between agents.
My team also has a list of interview questions. Some of them are:
For all of our listings, we have a licensed admin staff member who follows up on all showings to get feedback. Our sellers get a call every week to go over that feedback, market conditions, and to decide if we need to make any changes to marketing or pricing.
During a listing presentation it's up to me to clarify and understand their expectations, and then show them how our team and marketing plan will meet those goals. Once the contract is signed, honest and consistent communication is crucial to delivering a great experience for the seller.