LISTING AGENTS, DO YOU OFFER CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM TO SELLERS?

A few years ago I listed a home that had been through at least three Realtors. The sellers were really wanting to sell and were getting discouraged. They asked me why their home had not sold. I explained to them that the paint color on their shutters and front door was extremely dated and needed to be changed.

Also, the entry and up the staircase needed a more neutral paint color. It was painted a mauve color. and looked like the 80's. I told them if they wanted to sell their home, they would have to make these adjustments. They did and it SOLD! It is amazing what paint can do!

Last year a very sweet couple called and wanted me to list their nearly new home. The home was immaculate and had a great floor plan. But, it was painted a light pink and some rooms were purple. It was really pretty the way she had it decorated. I explained that it would be a hard sell with the paint color. They wanted to go ahead and list it and see what happened. I said yes, with the understanding that we would repaint if needed.

We got a low offer, with the stipulation that we would give a $3500.00 paint allowance. The offer was rejected but it made the seller more aware of the power of paint! They finally decided to paint the main area of the home a neutral beige. It looked great and the house SOLD!

Do you offer constructive criticism to sellers?

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