Top 7 reasons people don't list with me
I often get asked why more people don't list their homes with me. "You have such a good service and value...why doesn't everyone list with you?" That's a good question, and like many things in life, there's never just one answer to a question. I talk with home sellers all the time and below I've compiled the top 7 reasons why people choose to not list their home with me.
1. They have a family friend or relative
This is definitely the most common one I hear from home seller's. "If I were to use anyone other than my cousin James, well, there's just no way around it." Or, "I would burn a friendship of 15 years if I used anyone other than Ashley. I just can't do that, so if I can't sell it For Sale By Owner, then I'll use her."
The common theme I have noticed is many home seller's list with people out of obligation. Real estate is a relationship business, but it's also a results business. If both pieces don't mix well, things can get messy -- which is why it's sometimes a good idea to list with a non-relative to begin with.
2. We need a Realtor that will market our home everywhere
I write a good deal about this. The perception that a Realtor should also have an arsenal of marketing tools is widespread. There are companies that tout they market their homes in different parts of the world, provide X amount of dollars advertising, but why? It's well-known that home buyers are finding homes on major real estate portals such as Zillow.com, Estately.com, and others. My philosophy on marketing is really no different than any other agent -- I just tell you how the system works, how marketing a home is not that expensive, and pass the savings onto you.
3. They want an agent that lives in their neighborhood
A frequent comment I hear is, "We need someone that lives close to our house -- an agent that really knows the neighborhood, understands the market, and can market our home." I think if you were to dig deeper that having an agent live in your neighborhood is irrelevant in today's marketplace, but nonetheless, having an agent right down the street provides a level of comfort to some people. This applies to anyone in the United States: I encourage you to take a look at the agent's track record and references as opposed to where they live.
4. We need a full-service brokerage, not a discount firm
Some people think because my fees are very low compared to industry standards, I am not full-service Realtor. That couldn't be further from the truth! I am a licensed Realtor in Hampton Roads, just like any other agent, I just happen to offer what I consider to be more bang for your buck, so to speak.
5. We've heard bad things about "flat fee"
There are a lot of misconceptions about real estate agents in general. And when it comes to what I do, there are some people that instill FUD--Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt. It's no surprise that my business model is competitive and provides a new, valuable option for consumers and as such, there are some people that provoke fear into using a "flat fee" service. Many of us are afraid of what we don't know; however, I try to give as much information as possible to inform and educate you about how I help homeowners get top dollar and make a lot more money when they sell with me. The only difference between what I do and what most other agents do is I make you more money, and I provide better marketing than most agents.
6. Homeowners want a "big name" company
I'm not the only agent who could easily dispute the fallacy of this, but as a homeowner before being an agent, I can relate. There is so much confusion when it comes to real estate; the process, the terminology, the inspections, etc. It's all very confusing, not to mention emotionally charged. Having a "big name" company, though, does not provide any additional advantages to selling your home. Every agent lists their home on the same MLS; and in most cases, every agent is responsible for photos and marketing homes -- so even within a certain firm you will find differences on how each agent promotes your home!
7. They need help with the closing
This again is sort of a mis-guided statement, but many people think that a real estate agent has a major role in preparing the legal documents for closing. That's not true! A real estate wears many hats, but in a very quick and basic sense we are project managers -- guiding you from the beginning when we list your home, to negotiating the deal, and then managing the process to closing day. When it comes to the actual day you sign the papers to sell the house, you will have a real estate attorney (which we can provide recommendations to) or a title company represent you. Truthfully on signing day (commonly known as closing day), real estate agents don't sign anything!
1. They have a family friend or relative
This is definitely the most common one I hear from home seller's. "If I were to use anyone other than my cousin James, well, there's just no way around it." Or, "I would burn a friendship of 15 years if I used anyone other than Ashley. I just can't do that, so if I can't sell it For Sale By Owner, then I'll use her."
The common theme I have noticed is many home seller's list with people out of obligation. Real estate is a relationship business, but it's also a results business. If both pieces don't mix well, things can get messy -- which is why it's sometimes a good idea to list with a non-relative to begin with.
2. We need a Realtor that will market our home everywhere
I write a good deal about this. The perception that a Realtor should also have an arsenal of marketing tools is widespread. There are companies that tout they market their homes in different parts of the world, provide X amount of dollars advertising, but why? It's well-known that home buyers are finding homes on major real estate portals such as Zillow.com, Estately.com, and others. My philosophy on marketing is really no different than any other agent -- I just tell you how the system works, how marketing a home is not that expensive, and pass the savings onto you.
3. They want an agent that lives in their neighborhood
A frequent comment I hear is, "We need someone that lives close to our house -- an agent that really knows the neighborhood, understands the market, and can market our home." I think if you were to dig deeper that having an agent live in your neighborhood is irrelevant in today's marketplace, but nonetheless, having an agent right down the street provides a level of comfort to some people. This applies to anyone in the United States: I encourage you to take a look at the agent's track record and references as opposed to where they live.
4. We need a full-service brokerage, not a discount firm
Some people think because my fees are very low compared to industry standards, I am not full-service Realtor. That couldn't be further from the truth! I am a licensed Realtor in Hampton Roads, just like any other agent, I just happen to offer what I consider to be more bang for your buck, so to speak.
5. We've heard bad things about "flat fee"
There are a lot of misconceptions about real estate agents in general. And when it comes to what I do, there are some people that instill FUD--Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt. It's no surprise that my business model is competitive and provides a new, valuable option for consumers and as such, there are some people that provoke fear into using a "flat fee" service. Many of us are afraid of what we don't know; however, I try to give as much information as possible to inform and educate you about how I help homeowners get top dollar and make a lot more money when they sell with me. The only difference between what I do and what most other agents do is I make you more money, and I provide better marketing than most agents.
6. Homeowners want a "big name" company
I'm not the only agent who could easily dispute the fallacy of this, but as a homeowner before being an agent, I can relate. There is so much confusion when it comes to real estate; the process, the terminology, the inspections, etc. It's all very confusing, not to mention emotionally charged. Having a "big name" company, though, does not provide any additional advantages to selling your home. Every agent lists their home on the same MLS; and in most cases, every agent is responsible for photos and marketing homes -- so even within a certain firm you will find differences on how each agent promotes your home!
7. They need help with the closing
This again is sort of a mis-guided statement, but many people think that a real estate agent has a major role in preparing the legal documents for closing. That's not true! A real estate wears many hats, but in a very quick and basic sense we are project managers -- guiding you from the beginning when we list your home, to negotiating the deal, and then managing the process to closing day. When it comes to the actual day you sign the papers to sell the house, you will have a real estate attorney (which we can provide recommendations to) or a title company represent you. Truthfully on signing day (commonly known as closing day), real estate agents don't sign anything!