Jack Jentzen

Hi Jd. I saw your post regarding open houses, and how you didn't like that your agent said they wouldn't do them. And that led me to your profile where I found this question. I've perused some of the replies here and can't wholly endorse or disagree with any of what's been said. Here are my thoughts. Regarding to the answer to this question, I first have to tell you you're not alone. Millions of homeowners think their agents aren't doing enough to sell their homes right now. The simple fact is, home sales stink right now. And there may be nothing more your agent could to that would help sell your home. Even right priced homes are having a hard time selling right now. The news media with all their bad news about the housing market and the economy in general has buyers scared out of their minds right now. People who have jobs and money to make a purchase are often fearful that they'll be next to lose either one. As an agent, I would love to sit open houses for my sellers if I thought it would do any good. But it doesn't. I don't even get buyers from it like I did as recently as two years ago. And frankly, I've got better things to do with my time than do it to appease my seller. I'd rather they go somewhere else. Here's what I tell my sellers. You want an open house every weekend, fine. I'll promote it on 175 web sites. I'll advertise it in the paper. You sit there and make sure people fill out the sign in sheet - or don't have them fill out the sign in sheet. I don't really care because I haven't gotten a qualified lead in two years from them. As for firing your agent, being released from contract. I can't speak for the laws in Ohio. But in Illinois, you can fire your broker. Some notice is required, but you're not locked to them for an unreasonable period of time. I would encourage you though, to have a heart to heart with your agent/broker. They probably aren't just blowing smoke up your butt. Your agent wants to sell your home as badly as you do. They don't make money if it doesn't sell. Well, unless you gave them a nonrefundable deposit, they don't. But frankly, it's not worth listening to a crabby seller complain just to have a sign in the yard. The sign in the yard doesn't guarantee us leads any more than an open house these days. Agents do not want non-productive listings. They're just not worth it. Good luck to you. I hope your home sells soon, and for a price that doesn't make you wretch. - Fri Sep 4 2009, 09:48