Tuckerton's Discussions

Even after reading this blog thread to this point, I am willing to state my opinon. Why? I really don't know. I can see why there is such great love for my career choice from those who are doing it on their own. I can also see why the other agents seem to have their feathers ruffled. Anyway, here is my two cents. First, I don't understand why a home owner would think I should show their house. I mean there are plenty of homes to show to propective buyers without showing your home. Second, I have a fiduciary duty to try and sell a home that has been placed for sale with my company. Directly after those homes in my company inventory are those that are in the multiple listing service which I am a member (I belong to 4 and none are free). I mean, if you list your home with me, don't you want me to try and sell it before all other homes? Can you sell it on your own? Sure! A home owner down the street from my office did just that. I looked at it and thought it could go on the market for about $219,900. The owner's asking price was $229,900. He sold it in 60 days for $190,000. That's great! He saved the commission on a house I "think" I could have sold for about $210,000. You do the math. Maybe, I would have sold it for more and maybe not - but, the buyers that I took out never saw the home. Why? Because I have plenty in my inventory and when a customer asked about the FSBO, I told them the truth about the asking price (I even had a copy of the flyer the home owner made). I didn't even need to talk bad about the FSBO home, I just showed the buyers other - better priced homes that are in inventory. Is that unfair to the FSBO? I don't think so - but, they do keep sending me back to ethics training.So, I have a contract with home owners who want to sell their home. I have no contract with the FSBO. I have no contract with the buyer who finds me on the internet (that's advertising and it's paid for by me). So, why do you think I am obligated to show your home?

Looks like a nice house. I am not in you state never mind area, so I really don't have any recommendations for you. But, a 100 hits is nothing. My web site gets over 6000 hits every month. Buyers may look at your house 100 times every day for a month before they contact you. Sometimes, a buyer will see your home and not even ask to walk thru it for 4 months. Try not to "over" watch the kettle. If it is priced right it will sell.

I am not familiar with the Phoenix real estate market. However, I would be very careful on rent. Will a renter pay the mortgage, taxes and insurance with extra for the wear and tear? Maybe you could rent it out long enough to make it an investment property so you can write it off on your taxes? Check with an accountant. I will tell you my Dad tried to rent a house next door to us. He purchased, fixed and rented it out. He lost his shirt and more on that deal. So, be careful. He lived right next door and couldn't control it. I sell and rent out houses all the time in this business and have never had a problem with a tenant that I put into a property. Skill or luck? I'll go with luck. Anyway,I would sell it and take the loss if it were going to stop me from my future plans. Good luck to you!

Well, I feel bad for you. But, you don't get rid of the type of transportation because of a few bad rides. Maybe, you switch to public transportation. But then you don't expect door to door service. Or, you walk and don't expect to arrive there any time soon. You could get a new car with a warranty. Maybe we all just need to step back and re-evaluate our goals and expectations. It is my experience, that some of us relie on the wrong vehicle to get us where we want to go. Not every agent is a lair. Good Luck and Best wishes.

"All these real estate agents must be very threatened by the new online market." I'm not threatened! I pay for a few web sites and they are a great source for buyers. Maybe, as much as advertising in a "free" home magazine. If you can do it on your own - good. I am here for those who can't or won't do it on their own. It is a people business and all real estate is local. Don't spend so much time worrying about my career. I'll be fine, thank you.

I have no problem with the appraisal. Someone paid too much, they paid too much. The stock market goes up and down - so does real estate value.

If the home is listed in the correct MLS and is being properly advertised, then it is your asking price, not the real estate agent. Why did you put in new floors in a house you want to sell? Just because you need "your equity" does not mean you have that "equity" to use for your next home. Where did you get the numbers you are using for the value of the home? And, to Mr. Moore, I don't "give" a release and the home owner does not "give" me a commission. It is a signed contract where I work for a sale by spending my money on advertising, affiliate membership and licensing to obtain a buyer. No one gives anything is life or real estate.

"At what point should we consider foreclosure?", NEVER! People are buying houses every day. Put it on the market for the correct price, not less than everyone else, unless that is the correct price because of the condition. Maybe the company that is offering the new job has a program to buy your house if it doesn't sell when you use their agency. Sometimes you must lose a battle to win a war. If you have got to take a hit now for better tomorrow, then do it.

"We are thinking of doing a few things.1) Lower the prices of our house2) Put it up for leasing"Why not ask your realtor for other comparables? What else can a buyer get for the $725 that your asking for your house? You may need to lower it more than that, but everyone here is just guessing. TALK to your agent. Thirty days on the market is not long by anyone's standards. Lease with option to buy can be used as an incentive for some buyers.And, for Mr. Lowrates, I think all agents are very aware of the programs you offer. However, a builder can and does write off a loss on previous years gains to offset his current losses. It is an accounting trick not available to the home owner. The home owner is only allowed to enter gains on his income tax return. Good sales pitch though.

I have found Broker Open House events to be very expensive and non productive. I started a joint caravan in my area. I use a neutral territory to meet (Title Company) that pays for a continenial breakfast, other vendors (lawyers, home inspectors, magazine reps, pest control) give a gift from a drawing. I started it by "begging" twevle agents from other companies to put a home on the caravan list and bring a friend to the first meeting. Now we meet once a month and have a drawing to see who gets to show their listing for the next time. This way we have at least twevle agents see each others listings and give feed back to the home owner. On most caravans we have over twenty agents in tow. It is fun and it is rewarding to all who particapate. Please tell you agent about it - open house events cost us a whole lot of time and money.It sounds like your home is getting plenty of activity and your agent is working hard. Good Luck!