Seller's Agents Don't seem to want to list my house?

Profile picture for k4532
I was trying not to use our buyer's agent to sell our current home (not a great experience) but I've interviewed two other agents without a lot of success.  The first agent came out walked around pointing our all our house faults.  He kept pointing out how small it is (2/1 1000 sq. ft).  Then said the only positive is that we own it outright. He told me to call him in a couple of weeks to come to is office to go over listing it.  The second agent was excited on the phone until I told him the size and he said "oh...it's really small".  He said he would call me back the next day and never did.
I know that I am biased about my house and am trying to stay neutral.  The house is not trashed, it is not ugly, it is just small.  It is a starter home.  Is it more difficult to sell?  Is this why the lack of enthusiasm? 
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July 13 2011 - US
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Answers (34)

Profile picture for tjplace
You should find an agent who DOES wanting to sell your home.  Maybe in your area, 2 bedroom homes are very difficult to sell?  We sell 2 bedroom homes all the time, but they are less desirable to the general buying public and often take longer to sell, but they do sell!  Some have even been just 600-700 sqft!
Everything sells if it is priced for What it is and Where it is!
Don't chase an agent!  Ask around for referrals of good, local agents from friends and family (get an experienced, full timer!)  

Is it just the house or are YOU wanting to sell for too a high a price/too low a commission/not allowing access to show the house?
If these aren't the issues, then you just got unlucky with the wrong agents!

 
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February 06
Profile picture for NicholasRibeiro
Dont get discouraged... yet anyway.. I assure you it is not you or your condo. It is the agents. My mortgage broker and I did a test 6 months ago where he called 10 agents at their office line (they never are there so your assured to get the machine) and left a message along the lines of, Hey! I have a pre qualified buyer looking to buy this house in the next week give me a call ASAP. After a month 2 agents had called him back.

I love my job but hate my industry.
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February 04
Profile picture for CapeCod Z.i.l.l.o.w
2/1 1000 sq ft can be a difficult sell. However, it should not deter any reputable agent from listing, as there is a person for every home. Go to your Professionals tab on Zillow and contact as many agents as you see fit. If you are interested in selling your home, there is an agent interested in selling it.
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February 04
Do you know any good seller agents? Have you asked anyone who has sold other homes in your neighborhood? If you'd like to briefly talk over the phone or online, I'm happy to give you some suggestions.

There is always a buyer for every home-some are just more challenging than others. Where are you located by the way? I am connected to a great network of quality ethical agents and would gladly help you find a good person to work with.
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February 01
Profile picture for Caveat Emptor
agents outlay fixed amounts for advertising, MLS listiings, etc, have to split a listing with their broker, and have to spend more time selling a "niche" home.

not saying its right, but if an agent is looking ata small commission, they will react just like that. next time you might have to negotiate a "flat fee" that they can live with.

also note that most REAs are jerks so it could have just been bad luck.
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January 31
Profile picture for Candace Deshe
Gotta win the beauty contest and the price war. If you overprice for the condition and the size, you won't sell.  The experienced agents don't want to spend a lot of time and money on listings that won't sell.

You need to find someone who has high sales stats who is willing to be honest and direct.

The lowest price homes actually sell the best in the market - IF they are priced appropriately and prepared nicely for sale.
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January 30
Profile picture for dpbarr2000
The only time I will not list a property is if the seller is seeking an unrealistic price using Zillow data.
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December 27 2011
Profile picture for nealadler
If a seller contacted me and wanted to sell, the seller was realistic about the price, 'reasonable' to deal with, and it was in my area, I see no reason not to list it.  A sale is a sale big or small they all add up.  Besides, one never knows what it would lead to; buyer(s), referrals, who knows.  I've sold condos from $150,000 to homes to $1.1 million and everything inbetween.  A 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home would most likely be a starter home.  In my area, that's the most vigorous part of the market.  Properly priced it might sell fairly quickly.
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December 26 2011
Profile picture for Pasadenan
"Google my name I can get the job done" -

WOW!  Is Jackie licensed in all 50 states plus the U.S. Territories????

She will personally "get the job done" without having ANY idea where the house is located?

Why "Google" in the first place when you can just click on her user name or avatar???

So, since it only took her 5½ months to answer a simple question, how many years will it take her to "get the job done"?  35?

I certainly would have "lack of enthusiasm" too if it took 5½ months to get any response from an agent.
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December 26 2011
Profile picture for sryan1980
That's a shocking story to hear. I would never act like that toward a seller. There is a saying, "there is an a-s for every seat" and there is a buyer for every home. Doesnt matter if the home is small. If your willing to list the property for the appropriate price, then any good local realtor should be willing to work with you. Forget the two realtors you have been in touch with and contact someone else.
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December 26 2011
Profile picture for Sherri Bloom
Hi. I'm sorry you are having such a disappointing experience. It is perfectly OK to interview several agents and choose one that best suits your needs. Please don't take it personally when an agent "points out all your house faults", but try and use that information to make improvements. These details can make a difference to a buyer and can make your home sell faster. It sounds like your home is in pretty good shape but always make sure all the clutter is removed and that broken items are fixed so that when you do have a buyer looking, there is nothing to deter them from choosing your home. Good luck!
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December 26 2011
I would recommend that you keep interviewing agents.  If you price your home right for the market and market it to first time homebuyers or investors, there is no reason it shouldn't sell.  It sounds like you ran into an agent who is only in the business for themselves and not to help people.  Our business is about people and relationships and doing right by our clients.  Hang in there and you will find the right person to represent you and help you sell your home. 

Good luck and remember, we work for you!
Leslie Stirewalt
Coldwell Banker
Zillow Premier Agent
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December 25 2011
Profile picture for JackieDo
and those are probably the same agents complaining about the market.  Not all agents are lazy. Zillow does not allow personal contact info in our responses but if you Google my name I can get the job done.
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December 25 2011
Profile picture for BobBrandtRealtor
The owner probably figured out what to since it was over 5 months ago.
No point answering old questions....
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December 25 2011
Profile picture for CulverCityRealtor
Dear K4532,
My goodness, you do need a listings agent who is in your corner and can see the value of your home to potential buyers.
A starter home is great, for first time homebuyers who are just getting into the market.
As long as the home is clean, in good condition and priced correctly for the market, there's no reason why you should have trouble selling. I would recommend a Pre-Listing inspection. Do that first and correct any faults with the house before going on the market, then put it on in the Spring, when sales are brisk. Use a good agent, with experience in your area.
Best!
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December 25 2011
Profile picture for Frank Rosati
Find an agent that is in this business to help people. The size of the home should not matter if it is priced right and marketed properly. I would market this to 1st time buyers and buyers looking to down size and accentuate the positive attributes of the house such as low maintenance, low uitility bills, one level living....whatever could be a trigger for a potential buyer.
There are great agents out there who will be happy to help you. It sounds like you need to keep interviewing until you find someone that you are confident in.
Good luck,
Frank
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September 12 2011
Profile picture for remaxagent33
2 bed/1 bath is hard to sell but they DO sell!  As long as a home is priced well and is move-in ready and clean - a buyer will come! You might want to call a few more agents as you might have gotten a "high-end" agent that doesn't want to work with smaller homes. Def try a local agent and maybe ask some neighbors if they recommend anyone.
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August 08 2011
Profile picture for angie boggeman
It sounds like you may have just had bad luck with the 2 people you interviewed.  There are many good agents out there that would be happy and excited to list your home.  Call the local agencies and ask for their motivated excited agents to call you.  A newly licensed agent might be a interesting way to go.
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August 08 2011
As many have stated there is a buyer for every house.
And a good listing agent for every seller.  Keep interviewing and compare agents and approach.  Trust your instincts on which agent has your best interest at heart.

The best agents will only tell you the truth - even if it is information you may not want to hear.  

Good luck!
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August 05 2011
It is unfortunate that you're experience interviewing the two agents has not been a good one, however, don't let that discourage you.  Yes, it's true, many agents only want to represent properties that meet a certain criteria - but there are far more agents that are thrilled to have any and all listings - these are the agents you want to interview.  My suggestion:  call the 3 real estate offices that are geographically located the closest to your house, ask to speak to the Managing Broker of each office, and ask the Broker to recommend an agent that they feel would be a good match for your home.  Brokers know their agents and their respective specialties - so this is your best bet.  Then, prior to your interviews - have a list of questions ready to ask each agent - this will ensure you hire the best person for the job.  Best regards,
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August 05 2011
Profile picture for CulverCityRealtor

Dear K,
I suppose it might be that the agents you met dont' feel it will be easy to sell your home?The best size for resale is normally larger because it will accomodate the most potential buyers.
Nevertheless, small homes can and do sell, obviously since you bought one, there are others who will be interested.
It only needs to be priced correctly and marketed well.

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July 30 2011

Sorry you are having such a bad time with agents. I hope maybe I can assist you.  First thing is that you need a better agent and I will be happy to send one to you.  Next is that I will need your address and info to give the agent. You can email me at [Email removed by Zillow moderator.]
As for the size of your home, as a ASP (Accredite Professional Stager) I know from countless expierence that you can sell any size home, you just need to make sure you are selling the space in your home and not your furnishings. So limit your furniture in your home. Big bulky pieces have to go. If your living room is small, just have a smaller sofa or love seat.  You're moving anyway, so start packing up now. [Promotional content removed by Zillow moderator. Please see our Good Neighbor Policy for more information.]

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July 24 2011
Profile picture for Michael Helton
$10 to the person who can show me the origin of the "There is a buyer for every home." talking point. ;-)
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July 24 2011

There is a buyer for every home.  Is the price you are thinking of realistic for your home's size in your area? 

I suggest that you contact a real estate office in your area and ask to speak to the manager of the office.  The manager will be able to find an agent suitable for assisting you in the sale of your home.

Good luck!

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July 24 2011
Profile picture for TerrieLeighton

If your goal is to sell your home I think you should keep trying to find the right agent. I have no idea why the first two agents you spoke with did not seem as interested as you hoped but don't give up. Locate a real estate company close to your home, ask for a referral who the next agent is not interested. Best of luck!!!

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July 24 2011
Profile picture for realtortto
I dont think the size of your home should be a problem for you! You should be able to find a Realtor that is very excited and motivated to help you sell your home.  I recommend asking your family and friends to recommend an agent that they have personally had a good experience with and give them a call!  Also ask your neighbors (who may have similar size homes as you) to recommend a neighborhood expert to help you!  Good luck to you!!
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July 24 2011
Profile picture for COREXRE
Keep looking for a 'willing and motivated' agent.  Ask friends, relatives and workmates who they have used in the past.  Would they recommend them?  Call several agents and discuss your situation over the phone.  Invite them to your property at a time that is convenient to them.  Fianlly, call a larger, well known RE office and ask them if they have any new and 'highly motivated' agents willing to take on a somewhat difficult listing?  Explain the size of the home with the vs. the quality of the home.  Make them curious and want to come and see your home!!

Best success ...............
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July 24 2011
Profile picture for NicholasRibeiro
2 bedrooms are really tough in my market but there is a buyer for every home! If you are unhappy with the agents you interviewed then interview more till you find the agent you believe has the best shot at selling your home!
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July 22 2011
Profile picture for kmelendez
There is a buyer for every property....the only thing i could think of would be maybe you want more than the market will bring and the agents may feel it is a waste of time....other than that I can't think of any reason an agent would not want to list your property.
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July 21 2011

There's a buyer for every property! 

No idea what the cause for the lack of enthusiasm was.

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July 15 2011

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