If it did... this year you are not alone. Record numbers of homes in the past 6 to 8 months, that were 
listed, expired unsold as the housing market experience a melt down across the country. In some cases the Sellers of these unsold homes, still preferred to blame their agent for the home not selling. In truth some agents may be at fault for having poor marketing skills. However more often than not, the real reason was pricing, as sellers had to struggle and come to terms with the reality that home prices were dropping and fast. There are some agents out there that will tell you what you want to hear to get the listing, which that is called "Buying a Listing". Careful selection of an agent is more critical now than ever before. Today homes are in tougher competition and they need to be in tip top condition, you need an agent who specialized in the area your home is in and one who is a skilled marketer that can correctly price your property. If a home is overpriced it will languish unsold on the market and become stale in the buyer's eye.
Not too long ago I lost out on a listing due to price. I also suggested a few cosmetic fixes which also were never done by that seller. I was totally surprised when another agent took that particular listing for over $80,000 more than what I thought was ever possible. Turned out they were not area specialist, had less marketing experience than I have and also had a very limited marketing budget to get the job done. As it happened the home eventually expired unsold. Even thought that seller decided initially to go with another agent they ended up calling me back after their listing period expired. So if you are interested in a straightforward opinion on price and understand that the market is the market; it is not last years market anymore, here are a few suggestions for you... the seller.
Get your home in excellent condition by making sure it is sparkling clean inside and out, neutrally decorated and in good repair. No matter how much marketing and advertising we do, if the home is not priced right and in good condition the Realtor will only be advertising that they have an overpriced Listing. The buyers of today's market will pass it by for that better buy down the block. So carefully listen and try to recognize how your home stacks up to the competing homes that are also for sale. Your home will be judged by buyers who will form their own opinion. No matter how much you might think it is the best home, as it turns out, those buyers who are looking may just pass it by.
Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin
call Mary Strang therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599
We have a listing in our area that is listed by an agent who lives 50 miles away. It's listed for about $115 per sq. ft., about $15 more per sq. than it will ever bring. Plus it is poorly finished inside. We'll see what happens with it.
The very easiest thing to do is blame the agent....it's easier than putting the price in line with the market, removing the shag carpet, repairing the drywall and emptying the basement....oh yeah, the "best things in life..." are free....like changing agents !
Barbara We know what most likely will happen, no sale.
Sally: The Blame Game is being played was played a lot in 2008. In 2009 agent will hove to more be proactive with their clients as there might be less inventory and still unmotivated buyers too. Which will be a completely different market of what that will be called I don't know...
Hey Mary, Happy New Year! I hope that you are doing well. Agreed... so many expired listings this year... this year in our area PRICING is truly the number one reason homes did not sell. Thanks for the post!
Hello Sandy, seems to be the consensus for 2008. Hope that it will improve for next year.
The seller blame game is happening all over this year. I hope the New Year brings some improvements for us all!
Hello Brenda, Yes I do hope that too, it took thick skin to be in Real Estate this past year.