By Bruce Ueno
Listings are valuable to any real estate agent, and homeowners
know dozens of eager Realtors are vying to pick up new clients. In spite of
this, there are a multitude of reasons a Realtor might find it necessary to
decline a listing. If you want to be in a position to have access to agents of
your choice, then it's wise to be aware of a few pitfalls. The list below will
help you avoid being the type of seller Realtors avoid.
Dangerously Neglected Property
Most agents have no problem listing fixer uppers. However, there
is a big difference between "needs TLC" and "enter at your own
risk". If an agent discovers your home is in such disrepair that it is
unsafe to allow potential buyers on the premises, then don't be surprised if
they decide it's not in their best interest to represent you. Make sure
important repairs are done before you try to list.
Unrealistic Price Expectations
It’s your realtor’s job to sell your house under your terms
right? Not quite. Although realtors are expected to use their
best efforts to sell your property, no amount of salesmanship can sell a home
that is far in excess of what the market will bear, and no realtor wants to
spend valuable time, energy and money marketing a hopelessly overpriced property
that will ultimately languish.
Wily Tenants
Wily cartoon coyotes are amusing. Ornery or disrespectful tenants
are unbearable. Buyers and Realtors are usually tolerant of the tenant
lifestyle in a rental house, but neither will tolerate horrible behavior in
order to view a property. Realtors will stay away from listings in which
tenants are likely to sabotage buyer's agent showings. Know your rights as a
landlord, and make it clear to tenants what the consequences will be if they
don't cooperate with your attempts to sell the property. It may be best to wait
to list your house after the tenants are gone.
Excluded Buyers
Some homeowners want to hire a Realtor after they have
unsuccessfully tried the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) approach. Occasionally,
sellers don't like the thought of paying a Realtor commission for a buyer which
may have viewed the house while FSBO . Do not expect Realtors to take listings
with a list of buyers for whom they will not get a commission. This also goes
for trying to exclude your grandma, your sister, your neighbors, and all your
friends.
You Want to Race Your Realtor
If you are savvy about the real estate market and a go-getter,
then it might make you cringe to think you could possibly end up paying
commission for a buyer whom you met and dazzled with your real estate
brilliance. It's not unheard of for this type of seller to want a listing
agreement to state if the owner brings a client, then the Realtor will get no
commission. Few agents will want a listing where they are competing with their
own seller.
You Are Litigious
If you are already discussing a willingness to sue over
circumstances which haven't even transpired yet, then be prepared for agents to
run the other way. Sellers' agents are ethically and legally required to uphold
their client’s best interests within the scope of the law, and a homeowner has
every right to seek justice if they feel it's necessary. However, the last
thing any good Realtor wants is to end up in court against fellow agents,
buyers, or even their own seller.
To a Realtor, each new seller and home always presents unique and
sometimes unpredictable circumstances. Real estate agents prepare for this and
some even thrive on it! Nonetheless, some listings "just aren't worth
it" when a Realtor feels they may bring about wholly unbeneficial
outcomes. If you feel your property may include come of the issues mentioned above,
then make efforts to correct them before you begin scouting agents. You deserve
to be represented by the best Realtors of your choice.
For a free home evaluation contact me today! 951-310-0397
For a free home evaluation contact me today! 951-310-0397
