Lately it seems like I am interviewing sellers more than they interview me during a Listing Presentation. With more than 54,000 listing in the Greater Phoenix area what makes me want to list your home? I know this sounds rather cocky, but when you think about how much time and money you spend on a new listing, do you want a listing that the sellers aren't serious about selling?

• Does your seller not want a lock box on the house?
• Does your seller think their home is worth more than market value?
• Does your seller keep their home available to show within an hours notice?
• Do your sellers follow your advice?

These are just a few of the items I have run across in the last year that I am a stickler about. It would seem if I am going to be putting effort into selling I expect equal effort from the sellers. Lately, I write conditions in my listing agreements to refund me certain fees if they decide to cancel the contract or they do not follow my explicit directions for showings. I also, in some cases, require retainers to list a home.

The fact comes down to...if they aren't ready to sell their home and don't take the extra measures to market the home in the market we are in, the home won't sell and I won't ever see any referrals from that client. I would rather have greater integrity and refuse the listing and concentrate on bonafide buyers and sellers.