when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

would you go with a different REA or stay with the same one? why or why not?

Re: when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

The house across the street from me has been on the market since Thanksgiving. After 6 mos they changed REAs, I'm guessing b/c they were looking for the house to be promoted more, there was only 1 open house in that time. The new REA has had a bunch of open houses, but it's not selling b/c the house is overpriced and needs to be completely updated.

Re: when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

I think it has to be more than just having the house for sale for 6 months, to question the realtor.

Every situation is different and there could be a lot of reasons it's not selling. Jump starting the sale by lowering the price into a different price range (like going from 459 to 449) is something that will get more looks.

But if it's not worth the money, needs major work, is not in a good area / school district, etc. then the house sale could be doomed.

Re: when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

As long as you are in the MLS I don't think the REA matters too much(as long as they haven't been negligent like not returning phone calls or doing showings) I think your price is probably too high. I would also advertise on Craigslist. Can you stage the home? Set up candles, set a dining room table, put some pretty guest towels in the bathroom, new bedding, etc,

Re: when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

My parents house is just sitting! They renovated, put a new roof on, new boiler, new kitchen, new paint, everything! It's in one of the best school districts on a fantastic family block and it's just sitting.

It's behind the mall.. Everyone says that with a frown. Their REA does NOTHING to sway the opinion. She looks dismayed and says "Yeah, that's the only downfall" when infact, it's an advantage.

It's no help that the market sucks right now big time..

Re: when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

Posted by Bluepixie

My parents house is just sitting! They renovated, put a new roof on, new boiler, new kitchen, new paint, everything! It's in one of the best school districts on a fantastic family block and it's just sitting.

It's behind the mall.. Everyone says that with a frown. Their REA does NOTHING to sway the opinion. She looks dismayed and says "Yeah, that's the only downfall" when infact, it's an advantage.

It's no help that the market sucks right now big time..

Re: when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

Posted by SweetTooth

Posted by Bluepixie

My parents house is just sitting! They renovated, put a new roof on, new boiler, new kitchen, new paint, everything! It's in one of the best school districts on a fantastic family block and it's just sitting.

It's behind the mall.. Everyone says that with a frown. Their REA does NOTHING to sway the opinion. She looks dismayed and says "Yeah, that's the only downfall" when infact, it's an advantage.

It's no help that the market sucks right now big time..

I don't know about the OP situation, but in your parents situation, unfortunately, it is a buyer's market, and there is a lot of selection out there. If buyers are turned away by the location, then the asking price is going to have to reflect that. If your parents aren't getting any offers, they are going to have to lower the price.
I would say the situation is probably the same for the OP. If no one is making offers, and then the price is probably too high.

Re: when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

To Krista and Bluepixie...have you guys had brokers open houses? I think your REA need to come up with key selling points to your home and you should offer some kind of incentive to the selling agent (like an extra $1000 at closing to the agent who gets it sold)...that usually creates more activity. then announce these key selling points at the BOH.

bluepixie...your agent shouldnt be showing your house and saying that the mall is a "bad thing". a good agent knows how to find the positive in all situations. if someone says "oh buts its by the mall", her reaction should be "yes but thats great for you! you never have to fight for parking during the crazy holiday season and you can be the first one to all the sales!". it may be cheesy but there are positives to all negatives. good luck!

Message edited 8/23/2007 8:11:48 PM.

Re: when selling a home, if you didn't sell within 6 months...

thanks for all your thoughts, ladies. we've only been on the market 3 months and haven't had any problems with the REA, i'm just curious as to people's thoughts/opinions on it.
to respond to some people's suggestions... our place is not overpriced at all. we went on the market at 245 at the end of may and recently lowered it to 239 (beginning of august). we are not lowering it again... as of right now, we are about to lose money on the place. but again, it isn't overpriced... it's a 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath co-op. when we put it up, we weren't selling for the highest, or lowest price in the complex. now, we only have one competition and we are listing at the same price.
the unit is in great shape; it was renovated before we moved in 2 years ago (new appliances, tile, hardwood floors etc) and since then we have built slate garden beds in the front and back, re-tiled the kitchen floor, redid the bathtub and painted. we also had a washer and dryer and 2 air conditioning units installed that are only 1 1/2 years old.
like i said, it's a co-op so there's not much we can do as far as staging. and as far as brokers... our REA did a luncheon/open house for brokers when we first went on the market, in june. we have had i think, 4 open houses.
i guess we just have to wait and see