Endeavor Group

Don't worry about it. FSBOs generally have no real concept on price. Just offer what it's worth to you. If you don't HAVE to have the house, just wait until it's listed and then offer the same price you offered before. It'll sell for what it's worth not for what the FSBO or Agent think it's worth. - Thu Oct 11 2007, 10:49

Juan,
Let's sell your house... right now... for free.

Make sure your house is in good condition and shows great. Often times you can just rent a public storage to make things look better. Make sure the house is available to show anytime by anyone.

Look at comps. Figure out by seeing CLOSED sales what fair market value is. Then price your house at 10% below market level. If you get a ton of showings and no offers then lower the price after 2-3 weeks by 5%. If you have no interest in the property after 2-3 weeks lower the price by 10%. Before each price reduction write a FULL offer to the buyers who showed any kind of interest on the property for the price you will be lowering to. Do that until the house sells.

Make sure you offer a minimum of 3% to buyers agent. And be sure follow up with everyone who's seen the property and get their feedback.

This is what you need to do to sell in this market. Find an agent that has the courage to tell you what you need to do. Any agent relying on Open Houses or Newspaper ads you should stay away from. No amount of advertising works if you are overpriced.

Hope that helps. - Thu Sep 27 2007, 23:07

It's sounds like you are overpriced. Unless it's in bad shape, or you're never available, it's going to be price. - Thu Sep 27 2007, 18:27

Mike,

What comes to mind if I say: "For Sale By Owner" "ShortSale" "Foreclosure" "Auction" "Bank Owned" Do you picture a perfect home... in turn-key condition selling for the highest possible price? Or do you picture getting a deal? How about "Help-u-Sell?" How about "wal-mart?"

Is it really absurd to compare the two? Just as absurd as it is to judge an entire franchise for the actions of a subpar agent.. yet people do it everyday. Don't get me wrong. Compared with the average agent, I would rather go with a discounter. However, a powerful professional is worth their weight in gold. Ask any serious investor or business person.

As far as numbers go, I have no problem posting mine. I really don't. I don't think discounters are a threat... they've always been around. And, at least for me, they make it easier to get the higher commissions.

BTW, how is this getting "incestuous"??? ;-) - Thu Sep 27 2007, 17:48

Rhonda,

First I'm under the impression that Duffy is a discounter... if not then I retract my comment. If you are then I stand by my statement.

Just because you sell more, doesn't mean the seller gets the best representation. Wal-Mart sells more than any other retailer... you don't get the best quality there either.

Let's be realistic... if an agent could really get the most, and be the best negotiator, then wouldn't it make sense that they would begin by negotiating for themselves? - Thu Sep 27 2007, 16:32

You're right, if the house is priced right then you should be okay... in theory. What happens is that discounters are looked upon sort of like Walmart. What do you expect when you think of Walmart? High prices or low prices. Do you get the best negotiating through an agent that discounts or one that can actually demand the best price for him/herself? Is an agent taking a small commission going to keep his mouth shut when he's supposed to or are they going to be worried about getting paid? The choice is so obvious to me, but that's because I do this everyday. Go with a regular agent, but be very careful. Most agents aren't going to be much better than Duffy. Ask for production numbers and make sure they know how to sell. Being a 'consultant' isn't going to get your home sold. - Wed Sep 26 2007, 22:52

If your agent refuses to submit an offer I would get another agent. He can disagree, but it's not the agent's place to decide what you're willing to pay for a home and he's too "embarrased" to place the offer then he needs to grow up. - Wed Sep 26 2007, 22:56