how much is your home I might be interested in buying the home.

Hi Irene.. I'd like to give your imput on your situation; however, I only use my license for personal reasons and have had substancial experience in the financial industry, along with the credit arena. The best thing you can do for yourself to sell is get your home ready..meaning: clearing clutter & spring cleaning as you go, box it up so your ready to move of course. Market your home for sale while keeping confidence that the finanicial markets etc.; according the the charts( I readily learned through my 7 year experience, along with my series 7) that, there is a slow, but more sure, upside to the line's climb. Hang tough with your contract and then . find someone more on your personal level and ready to sell your home asap. I found this website where my own home is for sale very helpful to see the trends and do comparisons. Just exploring the sight may help you find some info that would assist you on your own. (ie. listing it by you the owner & your agent of the moment until you make a decision. Some people sell on their own or some assistance or little.. or some with lawyers. Please keep this all in mind and contracts need only be as long as you feel comfortable. I will be assisted by my broker of record and my own contract will last 3 months. I hope it all works out. Good luck.

Thanks DP for your input . . . much appreciated as more often than not I am bashed by fellow Realtors for my candor . . . yet this will not deter me from doing the type of business that made me sucessful . . . w/"Honest, Integrity, Results!" . . . . Your input to me as an "Other/Just Looking" (which I strongly recommend to posters) is more often than not quite valuable and often challenges me as a Realtor to remain open and honest.


To Debbie,

You go girl . . . congrats on figuring out how to give us that link . . . and how true your blog is! I often print these types of blogs and present them to sellers so that they understand that I am not feeding them a bunch of malarkey!

Love and Peace,
Francesca

Let me be blunt!

Regardless of what some ambulance chasing realtors may tell you....

You went through 3 realtors, obviously its not the realtors!

Either the house is over priced or it shows poorly ( meaning, the house looks bad)

and after having gone through 3 different agents, I am sure that you know why your house has not sold

Look like you need to change, and not to a new realtor

Dp2 - here it is (the link)

I feel victorious! I figured it out all by myself! yeaaa me!

http://www.trulia.com/blog/debbie_rose/2009/08/seller_s_famo…

Dp Thanks for your vote (s) of confidence!

When I figure out how to create a link to my blog, I will be happy to do so. In the meantime, if you click on my Trulia web page, it is the most recent blog, and will pop right up.

I have to hone my "linking" skills! I am deficient in that category - there - I admitted it!
Debbie

Debbie,

If I could give you 50 thumbs up, then I would.

BTW, please post the link for that blog entry.. I'm thinking of referring some seller to this post (and that link) in the future.

Hello again Irene

I responded to your queston earlier on, where I mentioned I had a number of questions. I still do. You have gotten a number of excellent asnwers here from a variety of sources.

The bottom line is, and what I would have discussed had you taken me up on my offer, very often the realtor becomes the scapegoat when a home doesn't sell. When I am called in to list a house, as the 2nd agent, the first question I ask is why the seller was displeased with the first agent.

Truth is - oten they are just frustrated with the fact that their home didn't sell, and need to point a finger in some direction, Often they didn't price it right, or follow advice given by the first agent. The realtor is the easiest place to point the finger towards. Now, perhaps you have some legitimate gripes, I don't know, but after goiing through 3 agents, I would tend to think you need to look elsewhere for the source of the problem.


The one place that generally jumps out is price..like it or not...price is the great equalizer. Perhaps you can't deal with the reality of where your home should sell based on your particular financial situation. If so, I am sorry for that, but it still doesn't change the picture.

If you don't NEED or truly WANT to sell, then perhaps you should just take it off the market for now. If you have been through 3 agents, I'd assume you have been on the market for well over a year now. That usually indicates a seller who isn't highly motivated, and isn't following their agent's advice.

If you MUST sell because of financial reasons, or must move due to other reasons, then you will need to ask yourself some hard questions. If you can't sell at a realistic price due to being upside down on the mortgage or have little leeway in what you price you need in order not to be upside sown, than you still have to deal with reality, and see what your options are. Switching agents won't help that situation.

I find it difficult to believe that all 3 agents were that incompetent. I am not trying to be rude, really, I'm not, but sometimes sellers need a dose of "tough love" . I did a blog that's here on trulia which deals with "seller's famous last words". The first line in the blog deals with.... "I'm not going to give my house away"...other lines are "Let them make me an offer"...or "You didn;t do enough open houses"....well, you get the point. I address each of those issues.

I don't work in your area, so I am NOT looking for your business.
The best advice I can give you is to sit down and have an HONEST talk with an agent - one who is willing to tell you even what you don't want to hear. Review the past, and come up with a new plan that is aggressive and realistic. Or, if you can, take your home off the market, and wait for better times (who knows when that will be).

Location and condition are certainly 2 important aspects of selling a home, but when all else fails, price trumps everything.

If your numbers are too tight, then maybe you also need to speak with your lender to see what can be worked out.
Again - we all have too little information to really give you specific advice, so we are guessing as to what might be your problem. I honestly doubt all 3 agents are the cause of your home still being on the market.

I wish you well, and hope you can resolve this in the near future. I do wish you good luck.
Best wishes
Debbie Rose
Prudential NJ Properties

Darin,

Thanks, and I hope you don't mind me stealing part of that pitch. =)

Francesca,

You know I'm a fan. :)

I loved the following line for multiple reasons: "I once thought cha ching! . . . I am so much better than that agent , but soon thereafter realized that eduating sellers appropriately as to the individual market AND adequate internet coverage made a world of a difference." First, it shows some humility. Second, it shows that you spent time trying to educate the seller--similarly to how I (as a consultant) would educate a client before taking on an IT project.

However, I believe that the Obama administration policies have less to do with this situation than the fact that so many sellers stubbornly refuse to accept the reality of the current market conditions. Unfortunately, the longer the delusional ones continue to hold out, then the longer they'll continue to drag one another down together. And don't even get me started on how the shadow inventory plays into this mess. . . .

Irene,

You have several opinions from several agents, at least 2 investors (Darin and I), and others. I hope that you'll see that there's at least a consensus that you probably should revisit your price and terms. If you don't need to sell now, then it's probably better for you to wait (as Darin mentioned earlier).

I realize you're frustrated, and you're certainly not alone. Recently, I tried to buy a property from a seller making an offer similar to the one Darin described (an all cash offer, and 3 other offers with terms). The seller's dilemma was that she and her husband bought it at the height of the seller's market, and now it's nearly 100K upside-down. She didn't want to sell via a short-sale; she only wanted cash; and she--just as most buyers--wasn't willing to eat that loss (the negative equity). Thus, she ran out of options, and she got to keep her property.

Instead of selling, have you considered renting your place, and moving to the new place anyway (assuming you've already found another place to live)?

Irene,

In my experience, when I hear of sellers being dismayed by previous agents efforts it is rarely (with few exceptions) as a result of the agents efforts, but rather price . . . I once thought cha ching! . . . I am so much better than that agent , but soon thereafter realized that eduating sellers appropriately as to the individual market AND adequate internet coverage made a world of a difference.

Think about it, why would an agent take your listing and work tirelessly soliciting feedback, hollding open houses and remaining in constance communication with you if they didn't hope to be paid in the long term?

Honestly, your frustration (as with many sellers) may be better directed to Mr. Obama and today's continuously decling market conditions than individual agents.

Uggghhh, I know this what not what u wanted to hear, but "it is what is is,."

Love and Peace,
Francesca, Realtor, ePro, SRES
732.606.2931 (24/7)

Nicely put Dp2!

Gave you the thumbs up as well. The only thing I can add would be to put it this way:

Do you NEED to sell or would you LIKE to sell? Only YOU can make that decision. If you NEED to sell then do some research on your own for alternative ways to sell your house. Dp2 mentioned some of them. There are tons of ways to sell your house! It's all based on your motivation.

If I was to buy your house, I would make you a cash offer. This offer is probably going to be lower than your asking price. If you say no (because "that price is too low and we can't take less then $ X amount")... then I say no problem. I'll give you your full asking price if you leave the existing financing in place and then I'll lease the property or take over your payments until we can close at a later date.

I just made you a cash offer at slightly lower than your asking price AND I just made you a FULL PRICE offer with some terms attached. If you're not interested in either of those, chances may be that you're not really NEEDING to sell...you'd just LIKE to sell. And for all those people who have a negative equity position and may need a short sale...there are people out there who are buying those types of houses as well.

Think about this quote. It's very simple.

"If you keep doing what you've always done then your results will be what you've always gotten."

Hopefully I've given you some more food for thought.

Darin
Lease-to-Own Professional and Independent Consultant

some very good agents in your area from ERA and Remax, why you could not sell, overprice?, can not show, needs repair, what ? I sold homes in manalapan and one of the better builder that I know lives in manalapan, there has to be an issue with your house. let me know we will help you.

Thumbers up Dp2! But again, if it's an ugly property, then the price must go down. Irene, we aren't calling your home ugly, we don't know. It is theoretical. :)

Good Luck Heather! I hope your meeting with Irene is productive and you find the right solutions for her!

I agreed with--and gave thumbs up for--several of the previous comments. Also, I'll share with you 2 lessons I learned awhile ago from one of my REI mentors. First, there are 2 reasons for why a property doesn't sell: 1) ugly property, or 2) ugly price/terms. You need to decide which of the 2 (or possibly both) is repelling the buyers. Second, "buyers speak with their feet and wallets." Have you compared your list price with the current comps? If so, and if your list price is considerably higher than the current comps, then you'll have part of your answer.

While a higher price might be a deterrent for some buyers--especially ones with cash or great credit--it doesn't have to be a game stopper provided your terms are flexible. Stated another way, the firmer you are on your price, then the more flexible you'll need to be on your terms. Similarly, the firmer you are on your terms, then the more flexible you'll need to be on your price. You need to realize that this is a buyers market. Sellers dictated what buyers would pay during the previous seller's market, and now buyers are dictating what they'll pay during this market.

If you're trying to hold out for 2004-2006 prices for your property, then you're simply not going to sell in this market--at least not for cash. Think about if for a moment . . . would you pay $1000 for a burger at McDonald's (especially when everyone else is paying far less)? On the other hand, if you were to offer seller financing possibly with a 5- to 10-year balloon, then it might be worth paying your asking price.

Hi Irene,
I'm sorry to hear about your experience. To answer your question, YES. I am a full-time agent with Weichert Realtors and we can help sell your home. I would be happy to sit down with you, preview your home and discuss why your home has not sold. It could be price, it could be staging or it could be ineffective marketing.

I believe in pricing my listings properly from day one, this way marketing them will be effective. If you price too high you are limiting the potential buyers and wind up sitting on the market. You never want to be "chasing" the market. That happens when you price too high and then reduce and reduce and reduce.

If you would like to discuss this further please feel free to contact me at 732-580-5309.

Thanks,
Heather Daccurso
Weichert Realtors
Email: heather@heatherdaccurso.com

Irene, I'm truly sorry to hear of your loss of confidence and poor experience. We haven't heard how long your home was on the market, and I have no clue about pricing in your market. But there are some basic truths, no matter what market you're in.

1. If you are getting no showings, it's price.
2. If you are getting showings but no offers, it's price.
3. It's price.

The three Realtors you dealt with may or may not have told you that fact. There are some factors that often keep people from wanting or being in a position to lower price. Sometimes they are in need of funds to make the next move or even in this economy, upside down in their mortgage. Some people bought at the peak of the market when values were the highest and in the glorious days of "Zero Down" and Interest Only Loans. I say glorious as a tongue in cheek. It hurt many, many people. Now, in the midst of job loss, and the need to move for adequate employment, most areas are on the downside of the market. Many of us have heard about buying and selling stocks...you win when you buy low and sell high. You lose out when you buy high and sell low. This may not describe you directly. But it has genuinely affected your ability to sell at a price you had hoped.

This has been a tough season for home sales across the country. But it will improve. It ALWAYS does!
People are always buying homes in every market. There aren't always as many at times as others, but people are buying nonetheless. It is a simple supply and demand equation. You can sell your home for no more than buyers are willing to pay.

My best advice would be to regroup. Back up and catch your breath. Develop your own plan, before you get an agent to develop one for you. You decide your steps and take them. I would include in those steps, an interview with multiple agents. Top producers are good, but I don't always agree they are the "best" to sell your home. Not all top producers manage their time well, or take on too much for as little time in the day exists. You deserve time, attention and the mutual cooperation of an attentive agent. Find someone you connect well with, and who communicates well with you.

In order to successfully sell your home, it takes teamwork. First between you and your agent, and then again between you, your agent, your buyer and buyer's agent. You have a part to play in successfully selling your home. Are you making it more difficult to view your home? For instance, I have had many sellers insist on viewings "By Appointment ONLY". That's hard to make happen for many agents. Some clients drop into an office and want to go look at properties immediately. Be sure to make your home as readily available as possible to buyer agents. If the next agent makes suggestions on placement of furnishings, or repainting a single accent wall, at least consider their suggestions. We not only list homes to sell but we also take buyers through homes as well. We tend to develop somewhat of a natural eye for what may look stuffy or cluttered to a buyer. Certain arrangements that you may just find homey or comfortable are not necessarily so in the eyes of a buyer. In a competitive market, it takes more than simply placing your home on the Multiple Listing Service and putting a sign in the yard.

I wish you much success and a healthy, happy home selling experience!

HI Irene

Ahhh....I have so many questions, and so little time!

I would love nothing better than to sit down,and find out why you were so displeased with the 3 previous agents. . I am not going to take up space here asking you a bunch of questions, but if you'd like, please feel free to reach out to me. I do not handle your area, so in no way am I solliciting your business - just offering an impartial opinion on what the issues might be that have hampered your sale.
My contact information is below.
Best wishes, and I hope your next experience with an agent will be a more positive one!
Debbie Rose
Prudential NJ Properties
email: Debbie.Rose@PrudentialNewJersey.com

Irene,

While I no longer like to comment on Trulia's policies, I feel it's safe to say they are not available to directly help any sellers other than provide a forum such as this and a blog section where sellers can possibly post an ad. They also have a sales dept you might call for info for other ads. That number is 888-568-6487. Seriously though, the previous info was just to cover all bases, and probably in your case not very helpful.

Maybe the links below might be of some help. The first one is on interviewing agents and the second one is on doing a FSBO. Going FSBO is not necessarily a recommendation, however whether you're represented by an agent or not, the blog may be of some interest to you. While it's directed to FSBOs, even if you are represented, there are some ideas in it that you could possibly use to supplement your agent's marketing plan. Please if represented, always keep your agent abreast of anything you do on your own, and use him/her for the contact person. Good luck.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2008/12/i_ve_got_my_fin…

http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2008/08/thinking_about_…

Hi Irene,

I agree with the comments from the previous agents except for one general misconception. Sometimes the top producers are not always the best things for you personally. I am a very strong producer and one of the top producers for my company but I know my limitations. Most agents don't know how much they can handle and can't efficiently handle ALL of their listings. I do not allow myself to go over a certain amount of listings so I can give each listing the service they need and deserve.

I know how to effectively market a home and sell a home, a combination that some agents can't seem to understand. Some agents don't realize that you need to put money into a listing, it sound like they did not offer you everything they should of. It also sounds like they were afraid to tell you what the home should be listed at. I only work with people that want to hear the truth about the home and the realistic value of the home. If you are serious about getting your home sold, I will be more than happy to meet with you and discuss this further. Thank you and good luck.

William F. Troy
Realtor Associate SRES, e-PRO, CDPE, Luxury Home Team
Veltri & Associates Realtors
1012 Cox Cro Rd.
Toms River, NJ 08755
Direct Dial (732)281-3067
Cell- (732)600-1570
Home- (732)961-0079
Fax- (732)557-6425
Home Fax- (732)961-0089
wtroy@veltrirealtors.com http://www.veltrirealtors.com
"When only the very best will do!"

Irene, I am sorry that you were not happy with your realtors. Is your home priced correctly for this market?
You need a realtor who is going to tell you the truth about what to expect. Homes that are priced correctly are selling.
I'd be happy to come by and give you an honest opinion.
Gail Szeluga
Weichert Realtors
Manalapan, NJ
732-580-7893

Hi Irene, darn, darn, double darn - how I wish you were in my area of expertise so that I could help you personally. I would be very happy to connect you with an agent from a local Weichert office - if you'd like to discuss, send me an email.

In any case - good luck to you!
Jeannie Feenick
"Unwavering Commitment to Service"
Search the MLS at http://www.feenick.com

Hi Irene, sorry to hear that I never want to hear that a home owner is so unhappy. How long has your house been on the market? What is the asking price? How many bedrooms etc.

This is important information please get in touch with me Weidel is a large agency and work in your area.

For immediate attention e-mail me Krytex@aol.com I have over 29 years experience sometimes it take a lot of experience to market of house. I know I can restore your confidence

I look forward to hearing back from you Irene,

Don't wait we have an envelope of of about 3 good months now to connect with the home buyers.

Regards,
Joyce Begg

Hi Irene,

Sorry to hear about your lack of confidence. Please keep in mind that all agents are not alike, as all companies are not alike.

You will not get help directly from Trulia by posting your question. They do not recommend Realtors. This is a website where you will be able to reach many agents at a time, each wanting to help you list your home.

If you do not have a friend to ask for a recommendation, this is a good place to start looking for your next agent. You can reach out to the agents who answer your question. You might want to review some of the answers they have given by clicking on their profile. That will give you a good idea of their expertise as well as their experience. Look for someone who's opinions you respect and hopefully you will mesh with that agent. It's always best to interview a few and pick the one you like best, though.

Good luck, and hang in there! The market has been tough, especially high end in Manalapan. But, things are starting to look up all over NJ and the country, as well. Sales are up for the 7th consecutive month and prices rose the most last month since the same month 2006. Hopefully, this will continue into the Fall market and next year!

All the best!

Likely the agents told you what you wanted to hear, not what you needed to know. Feel free to email me to discuss. Reluctantly I have and do take listings outside of Princeton when the fit is right.
Kenneth "Ken" Verbeyst CRS GRI ABR SRES GREEN
Broker Associate
Prudential Fox&Roach
Princeton
Prudential Chairman 03,04,07 (Platinum)
Prudential Presidents Circle 01,02,05,06,08
Circle of excellence 01-08 silver 00 Bronze

Please email me at Karen.Lampiasi@cbmoves.com. I'm the Branch Vice President at Coldwell Banker and I will connect you with a top agent in your area and will personally make sure that you are assigned to someone who will not disappoint you and will "quarterback" the process for you to make sure your needs are being met.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Karen

I'm sorry to hear that you have been through so many realtors. My advice would be to look for a top producer who you like and who you mesh well with as it is a relationship that requires alot of communication. Best of luck to you. If I can assist you further my contact information is below.

Karen Loiacono
RE/MAX PLATINUM
Oh by the way I'm never too busy for your referrals!
732.599.1938 Cell
732.656.3131 Off
732.909.2859 Fax
Please visit my website: http://www.njhomesbykaren.com
Making my clients happy! One sale at a time.
NOBODY SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN REMAX!
NJAR CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE SALES AWARD
2006, 2007, & 2008 -BRONZE
Remax 100% club 2007 & 2008
The highest compliment I can receive is the referral of friends and family! Thanks for your trust.