Real Estate Forums

06-09-2007, 12:01 AM

good deals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CedarCity · 06-12-2007, 06:22 AM

I was recently dealing with this same issue on a listing that I took. Here is how I handled it and while my people werent exactly happy with me they did finally clean there home to "decent" levels.

I took the listing at $200,000 dollars, like you I stressed the importance of a clean home to show the home in the best possible light. Well like you when I came to take pictures it was a mess. So I took pictures as best as I could and asked them if I could come back when the house was clean. While not happy they agreed. When I came back it was slightly better. I took the pictures then scheduled the house for our office tour. I then made a survey on the house and handed it out to each agent in our office. Surprise Surprise everyone said it was Dirty, Smelly, ect. I then went over these surveys with the seller. They basically didn't care because they were lazy slobs so I took some more drastic messures. I asked for a 30,000 dollar price reduction. They were appauled but I just explained that my 200,000 dollar price was based on a clean, well kept house that showed well. There house was dirty, smelly and didn't show well so we would have to lower the price. This did the trick as 30,000 grand to clean and keep you house clean is pretty good money. So basically the moral of the story is. If they wont clean there house show them what it is costing them.

Nickie · 06-12-2007, 08:03 PM

Good advice CedarCity.

Tell it like it is. Sometimes that's what it comes down to get your client to understand the value of what you are trying to achieve for them. It isn't always easy to get a client to understand that their home needs help.

upstartagent · 07-04-2008, 11:12 AM

Make them watch a few episodes of that HGTV show "Designed to Sell"...

I would also maybe try taking them to the competition listings and say we have to make your house look better than these in order for it to sell.

mrbrian · 08-08-2008, 09:34 AM

I have even been to some places that smelled so bad I could not go inside. I have a hard time telling the seller about it but it must be done! And I am always honest on feedback, it may help the other agent get the owner to realize the problems.