Len Montgomery

I believe it is necessary. But do it in a smart, time and cost effective way. Our company site is networked with certain site, Trulia being one. But my personal site is networked with a few different sites with duplications. Make sure your efforts are getting you listed with the most sites with the fewest repitions of entering the same info. PLUS, not only are you marketing the home on each of these sites, you are marketing yourself. And since when did a REALTOR not want their name and photo on everything??? - Thu Nov 6 2008, 08:07

What planet are we on???

Liz, if this guy cares about you and not just selling you a home, then he would understand why it is in your best interest to ask him to refer you to another agent. If he doesn't accept that, you have your answer as to his true intent. He can still be compensated as a referring agent so he is not out financially, and it will allow you to make a smart decision without being inadvertently steered.

As to the agent, he could cross a line that would have serious ramifications financially, even ending his career in real estate. At the very least, it could damage his personal reputation within the community. - Thu Nov 6 2008, 08:01

First, I will not take a listing that the buer wants to list at an unreasonable price. With that being said, determine for sure that a price reduction is needed. Re-check comps and prepare a CMA to present if it is needed. But the real proof is relative statistics.

Trulia and other sites can provide statistics as to how many views a home is getting on their site. If the home is generating decent numbers and no viewings, that is an indicator that "something" is wrong. Check the photos, check the description, bring in a home stager for a consultation, and yes, check the pricing. Find the reason it is not being shown and attack that. Too often agents do not know any other way to create more traffic but lower the price. This discourages the seller and the agent alike. But finding a way to create a buzz around a home can bring high results!

If everything else looks to be in order but the price, and the seller isn't budging on the price, determine if they can financially afford to budge on the price. Maybe the reason is money.

Finally, if the finances is not the problem, feature the home on a few real estate sites. This will send hits through the roof. (On 1 site, I recently had over 5,000 hits on one property, in one week, that was previously getting 30 hits a week). Trust me, if you have those numbers and few viewings, lowball offers, or no interest at all, it is strong proof the owner is asking too much! If that doesn't change their opinion, I'd drop them or simply not persue renewing the listing at expiration. Jay was correct in a stating our efforts, and resources, can be better utilized with properties that have a higher likelihood of selling, yielding a better return for us! Hope this helps! - Thu Nov 6 2008, 07:53

I certainly can't give legal advice as I am not an attorney. With that said, it is my understanding that once a lease ends and you move to a month to month, the 6 month lease is now obsolete and has no bearing. Consult an attorney if you feel you need to. I would definitely document all moves going forward (i.e. conversations, video or photograph your walk through, etc...). - Tue Nov 4 2008, 21:17

Technically Amy, you do not have to have an attorney to prepare a deed and file it. However, the reprecussions of not having legal advice and the benefit of an attorney's experience far outways the few hundred it will cost you. Be safe! - Tue Nov 4 2008, 21:04