Ginger R.

Hi Amanda - Nice looking website. RE: your inquiry as to what needs improvement: You have numerous Seller testimonials. Under Buyer testamonials, there are 3 of which 2 are clearly Sellers, not Buyers. I would correct that. - Wed Jun 4 2008, 05:36

Hi Mary - It sounds like your agent is not doing everything that you expect of him. However, it may be tough to meet your expectations if he doesn't know what they are. Before moving on, try having a frank conversation and let him know what your information needs are. Sometimes it is just a style difference, but if you let him know, he may step up to the plate.
It is possible to be effective without being adversarial. At the end of the day, the negotiation power is in your hands, not the agents. Especially if you yourself have an aggressive style, the nice guy may be a better front man.
I'm just saying give him the courtesy of some direct talk first, and then if you are still dissatisfied, move on. - Thu May 1 2008, 10:57

One Seller's perspective: I have deliberately let my listing expire and I am using the time to talk with agents, rethink my pricing and marketing plan. I am on the do not call list, and other than agents who know me personally and know that their calls are welcome, not one has called me. So kudos to my local agents. However, this is unfortunate for me in that I really am looking to talk with agents. I have received some solicitations by mail which I don't mind at all. I will be phoning some agents with whom I want to discuss the listing. However, if an agent had the initiative to knock on my door, I would invite them in and be more than happy to discuss the house. They move up a bit in ranking because I already know that they work hard and take the initiative. I am an early riser but would still strongly prefer no doorbell ringing before 9 AM. And the approach counts: If an agent asks me if this is a good time to talk, I am much more likely to make an appt for another time if it is if fact a bad time.
One sugestion that I have is to make any marketing material specific, not generic. One agent wrote me a letter that was personal and specific and I plan to phone them. Another agent mailed me a generic glossy brochure on why houses don't sell but it came off as know it all and so did he. Many Sellers are pretty savvy and 'Selling your House for Dummies" brochures have a negative effect.
I think the agents advice to knock on doors is good advice. IMHO. - Thu Apr 3 2008, 06:55

Hi Cynthia - We had the same issue with private roads.
--We asked for the police to come out more and they started doing so. The presence slowed people down.
--10 MPH is tough. It might actually help to raise the speed limit to one that they are more likely to abide by eg 15.
--We added stop signs. They couldn't pick up too much speed unless they plowed through the stop sign. Like speed bumps, this is not always popular. - Wed Mar 5 2008, 11:47

If your objective is to get "the lowest possible price" or you perception of the best deal, your tactics may work. It will, however, limit the pool of houses available to you. Not all Sellers are desperate. Some Sellers will cut you loose the first time you je rk them around. I know I would.
It sounds like you were negotiating directly with a "For Sale By Owner (FSBO)". You are a posting advertisement against FSBO. You did not present a written offer with earnest money. You just jerked the guy around.
FSBO is a very limited pool of available homes. And if you work with an agent, after a few rounds of this, most agents will cut you loose, too. So your tactics may not succeed. I would say that I'm glad that you are targeting a different area than mine, but I don't really think you are serious, anyway. It sounds like a game. So have fun with your gallows humour.
Now, when karma comes around to hit you, well, chill, chill. ;) - Wed Mar 5 2008, 11:35