Tips for Getting a Tough Listing Off the Market

We’ve either encountered one or heard the horror stories about it. The dreaded tough listing…

Even the most experienced agents have issues with these, so that’s where we want to help so let’s dig in!

It’s happened the property you listed weeks ago is still on the market, it’s had its peak of showings with no signs of budging. First thing you need to do is mentally re-list the property. Go through a checklist of things that you can do to help your sellers realize they need to either make some updates to the home or lower the price.

With that being said it is important to tread lightly. To start it’s a good idea to avoid using certain language. Avoid using “highest price,” and instead use the term “fair market value.” You can also use phrasing like, “This is the initial list price,” and, “We have an ambitious list price.” That way your sellers are mentally prepared to bring the price down, if needed.

 Selling a home can be stressful and in turn sellers can be on edge especially when their home has no signs of moving off the market. If your sellers want to keep their home at a certain price point, then they need to entertain the idea of making improvements to the home. If they want to keep their home as-is without making any updates, then they need to understand that they may have to lower the price after 30 days on market. It’s not a pleasant topic but one that necessary to discuss.

The key to navigating this whole process is “don’t give up.” Once you’ve reached the point with your sellers that they have decided to either make upgrades or change the list price, you then just need to change your marketing plan from a 30 day to 60, and that’s ok! Know that you can manage the process for your seller to get their home sold successfully and get them to where they want to be.