Carol Culkin

I can answer this, as I am an agent who has been considering listing my house while I have had my next door neighbor's home on the market for over a year (they are like best friends). SO, before listing their home, one of the first things we discussed was trying to get their home sold FIRST while I would be working on getting mine market ready. With so many more amenities in their house, I am realistic to see how their home will sell at a greater price than mine and smart enough to know that eventually the paper comparison will help my value later on. In this case, my goal is to get their home sold first and they know it would be less beneficial for them if I sold first. Yes, I disclosed my plans to them, as an agent should. That was over a year ago. I may or may not be able to put my plans on hold any longer? Can we compete? You bet! Well, I feel my neighbor has been prepared all along, and totally understands my position. And, although I am still a few months away from making the decision to market my home, we have discussed how it could be "friendly competition" as my price range would be lower. For buyers who balk at the price of my neighbor’s home or the lack of amenities in mine, the point every Realtor should be making is that "you get what you pay for”. No two homes are identical and adjustments in price are always required depending on the features and amenities. Two listings in one neighborhood always drives more traffic. And, sometimes it’s good for buyers to be able to see two homes side by side in the same neighborhood (especially if there is a price difference) to be able to visually understand value. I wouldn’t fret over it – I guess it helps that my own neighbors are not so desperate or emotional about the process of selling their home. You could make it easier for your agent if by not taking this so personally. Trust that anybody living in your own neighborhood has your best interest in mind as well as her own when it comes to value. You probably have the best advocate a seller could ask for. - Wed Nov 25 2009, 08:35