Sellers’ Series: Expired Listing? Let’s Get You Sold!

       

What happens if, despite our hot real estate market, your listing simply doesn't sell and expires on the MLS? Fear not – local Realtor Alyssa Dotson has a plan.

Ready, set, go … The countdown to that SOLD sign has begun. A realtor has been chosen, the listing documents signed and the For Sale sign on the front lawn is screaming “BUY ME!”

But then the unimaginable happens as, week after week, month after month, showing after showing, there’s no buyer and the listing expires on the Multiple Listing Service. You are disappointed, deflated and dissatisfied with the end result.

What went wrong? Why didn't your home sell? It's time to investigate. The following three steps will help you find your answers. Reassess, regroup and redo.

Step 1: Reassess

Most sellers begin this phase by questioning their agent’s ability some time before their listing expires on the MLS. Did my agent do their job? Was there a detailed marketing sales plan in place? Did I receive showing feedback? Was  a lockbox placed on the property for easy access? Did I receive market updates? Was my agent easy to get in contact with?

These are all imperative questions and the answers will help you determine the course of action in step 2.

In addition to your agent’s responsibilities, take a moment to look at your accountabilities. Ask yourself: Did I insist on overpricing my home, despite my agents’ cautions? Did I dismiss my agent’s suggestions regarding minor repairs before/during the listing term? Did I follow the Positive Showing Checklist-Home Staging Tips? Did I reject a reasonable offer in hopes of getting a better one? Did I give my agent enough time to sell my home? Did I do my job?

If you recognize ways that you can improve moving forward, implement those improvements into the final step.  

Step 2: Regroup

Who do you want on your team? Is your listing agent owed your loyalty? That depends. If your agent diligently      carried forth their business plan to sell your home, fulfilled their marketing goals and met your expectations with the exception of a sale, then yes, they may be owed your loyalty.  If you respect and trust your agent you should ask them to provide you with a current market evaluation in order to determine if the market and pricing negated a sale and   consider relisting with that agent. A price adjustment may be necessary along with a new revamped marketing plan.

On the other hand, if your current listing agent over promised and under delivered, it may be time to interview other agents. Certain homes sell very quickly while other homes take more time to sell. Choose an agent who is prepared to continually work for you. Market updates, showing feedback and suggestions from your realtor are necessary in order to get your home sold. Ensure that there is an open and direct line of communication. A seller that is chasing their agent has chosen the wrong agent. If you are unable to reach your agent directly a potential buyer is unable to as well. The best marketing plan in the world cannot compensate for a lack of accessibility.

Step 3: Redo

Here is your second chance to make a first impression. Once the challenges of the previous attempt have been identified and addressed, implement a new strategy. Be confident moving forward and rest assured that your home will sell – every home does.