Sellers DO NOT believe that silence is golden!

When trying to sell a home, silence isn't always golden - especially when you're expecting your real estate agent to call. In fact, it's one of the leading complaints among sellers in the real estate market. Sometimes you will find an agent who is more than willing to take on your listing, but once the relationship is made, you should be getting a call at least once a week, and this might not happen.

A seller should establish with the agent up front the expectation that regular communication will occur. Even if it's just to check-in, the seller will be more satisfied being kept 'in the loop'. If the seller is not communicating regularly, a seller can begin to wonder if the agent is keeping him apprised of any and all offers, and on what marketing efforts are being taken on his behalf. Also, your agent should be able to provide valuable tips on why prospective buyers weren't interested in your property. For instance: 'this room's too dark' or 'the kitchen has a funny smell' or ‘that wallpaper reminds me of 1980.' This allows the agent to give the seller constructive feedback and offer important tips on how to make the home more attractive to future prospective buyers.

If you're a seller and are not hearing from your listing agent, be sure to keep calling them until they get the message that you expect a regular update. If the agent doesn't return your calls, leave a message for your agent's office manager. The manager will see to it that your agent becomes more attentive to your listing. When you agent does inform you of some negative comments or make suggestions on changes you should make to your home, please do not take them personally. It is not a reflection on you or on your taste, but is simply a tip on how to sell your home more quickly and at the best price. It is important to appeal to the widest audience possible, so that the odds of finding your buyer are in your favor.

Selling a home can be a lot of work and sometimes is quite stressful. It is incumbent upon an agent to satisfy the seller's expectations of routine updates. As a seller you must demand frequent and regular communication exchange between you and your agent. Sometimes your conflicting schedules will not permit frequent telephone conversations. If that is the case, you can instruct your agent to send you regular texts or emails. The important thing is that you be in communication. If both parties work in a cooperative effort, the selling experience will be more successful and enjoyable for both the agent and the seller involved. A good agent will often end up as a good friend of the seller for many years thereafter.