In the last few weeks, Marianne Sweet and I have had a couple of quick success stories. I called in Marianne on two new listings and asked her to do her magic.
In one case, the home had been on the market previously with another agent, and had not sold. It was a lovely home, but the seller and his wife were frustrated with the lack of a sale. Marianne came in, made a few changes, and in about a month the house was under contract. Yes, we made a price adjustment too, but a review of the comps and the lack of a sale during the previous listing period told us that some changes needed to be made.
The next home was a condo in Royal Oak. I was the first listing agent and we got that one sold in about 30 days (or less) too. This in a market where the absorption rate is about 2 years for condos. We were up against stiff competition to get the listing in the first place. The seller really did his homework, bringing in 3 agents and stacking up their marketing plans and experience before he made his choice. I always like being competing for a listing. I think we have a lot to offer, and when a seller goes to the effort of bringing in a couple of agents, then they really see the difference.
Any, at closing, the seller gave me the ultimate compliment. He was thrilled with the quick sale, close to asking price and he said,
“You told us exactly what to do, and it worked!“
What had I told him to do?
Marianne is headed out again this week to do her magic on another new listing. I am hoping that we will soon be reporting another quick sale, this time in the Village of Franklin.
People keep whining about how difficult this market is. I don’t deny that it is extremely challenging to be a seller in Southeast Michigan right now. But there are many things a seller can do to get a sale. Get a listing agent who will guide you, take her advice, and you may just find yourself moving much sooner than you ever thought you would.
Written by Maureen Francis
SKBK Sotheby's International Realty, 248.430.4450
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Vancouver realtor 08.25.08 at 11:48 am
Wow. I must comment, in all my time spent browsing on the web, I have rarely seen a simple and effective article the like of this one. Myself a Vancouver realtor, I prize myself on finding such proficient & elastic posts. This one I particularly fancy because it’s motivating.
Do you have any other advice? I’m sure to check out your site more often. Keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Jay
Marianne Sweet 08.26.08 at 7:07 am
Thanks for the vote of confidence Maureen! I just love working with clients that are as motivated and receptive to suggestions as Mr. S. was. Mr. E. was super in that respect too. Staging really does work. Combined with a great Realtor’s advice and expertise, it’s a winning combination!
JimAtJaxtr 08.26.08 at 4:53 pm
Very cool. It seems to me that with any down market, that’s when the people who are good at what they do (and didn’t just run off to get a REALTOR credential to sell houses whenever everyone was buying with no idea about sustaining that business) stand out. Along those business lines, I just thought I’d mentioned that jaxtr.com allows you a way to link your cell phone to your blog. It can be a way to turn clicks into calls for your business. Just thought I’d mention it in case it’s helpful to you.