How to determine if your agent is doing a good job
Ask Phyllis: a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions. Email us here
Dear Phyllis,
We have had our home listed for a couple of months with only one low ball offer. I read in your column that it’s a seller’s market but not for my house. It seems that every home but mine has a sold sign! I am now beginning to think my Realtor®is not doing a good job. He didn’t mention to me anything to do before we listed my home and now he is giving me supposed feedback from showings –the landscape is not up to par, the condition of the pool is a problem and buyers are complaining about the kitchen counter tops. How do I tell if my Realtor is doing a good job? What things should I check?
Frustrated
Dear Frustrated,
It’s not that hard to determine if your Realtor is doing a good job. Your first showing is on the Internet; check your listing in Realtor.com. Are there high quality pictures? Is the ad copy compelling? Is your agent providing you with weekly feedback on showings and where your home is advertised?
Without knowing all of the details, I can only guess as to what the problem might be. My initial “guess” is that the landscape and pool comprise large visuals. It typically doesn’t cost that much to have a good gardener or landscaper clean up your front yard. Neatly trim shrubs, add a pop of color, etc. What is the issue with the pool? You might consider taking care of it now, a sparkling pool (especially as we approach summer) is a great selling feature.
Next you need to have a meeting with your agent. You both need to regroup. Ask him if you should take your home off the market for a short period so that you can properly prepare it for sale. Ask your Realtor® to update you on what is currently listed for sale (your competition) what has just entered escrow and the prices of homes recently sold – how does your home compare?
It is your real estate agents job to recommend a list price, and to prepare a marketing plan to get your home sold. If you don’t believe he is doing a good job, set up a meeting with his manager or broker. Remember your real estate agent and his brokerage are working for you.
