Sara Homan

Have you been given a copy of the listing contract? If not I would contact the local board of Realtors and find out how you can report this agent and be released from the contract.

You can also contact the broker but usually agents reflect their leadership. You will ultimately have to deal with the broker but by making contact with the board of realtors first you have some leverage.

At the very least you may end up continuing the contract with a different agent. - Tue Apr 1 2008, 23:17

New or newer is great. I don't think it will make a financial difference if you get SS or not. The thing people want to know is are they quality working machines. - Tue Apr 1 2008, 23:06

I've rented and I've owned. I just bought my home last year. I was paying $1000 in rent, now I am paying $950 for mortgage. I can re-coup some investment when I sell as long as I sell at the right time, try that with renting. Do your research, offer lower prices but don't offend the seller. Bargains are out there to be had, find a good realtor and work with them. - Tue Apr 1 2008, 18:48

If you don't expect to re-coup that money then no, if yes then yes. If your market is much like the rest of the country then it is likely that you will not get the same amount of money that you paid. The improvements will probably make your house more desirable but not more highly priced. - Tue Apr 1 2008, 18:41

Numbers would be very helpful. List Price, Offer, days house is on the market. I will give you a little scenario, see if this helps you.
Example 1
House priced at $100,000 Offer is $80,000 Days on market = 20 Counter offer should be $90k-$95k.

Example 2

House Priced $100,000 Offer $80,000 Days on market 120. Take the money and run!

In this market you should expect a 5-10% lower offer. If you have been on the market for a long while then the market is telling you the price is too high. With a 5-10% reduction in price you should expect offers 5-10% below new price.
Here in Ocala Florida we have houses that have been on the market for long periods of time. They are simply overpriced. Houses that are priced right are still selling. Ask your realtor for an serious and honest estimate of where they think your house will sell, then go with that number. - Tue Apr 1 2008, 18:33