Straight Talk on Tuesday Morning

Tough love with a bite of reality for Sellers in New London County serious about getting their home sold.

It happened again this week. An agent listed a home in Ledyard and gave it a Mystic price. I hate when that happens but unfortunately it happens quite often when agents from higher priced areas like Mystic or East Lyme don't make the price adjustment necessary when evaluating Ledyard properties.

Over the years, I've lost listings to agents who swoop into Ledyard with little knowledge of the area and list homes at grandiose prices that have little chance of selling. I'm not sure what bugs me more, agents who pull this stunt or sellers who list with the highest bidder.

Here's the typical scenario in 2009: Experienced Ledyard agent suggests a listing price of $275,000. An agent who needs map quest to find the listing, suggests a price of $300,000 and obtains the listing from the seller, who is thrilled at the potential selling price.

And the winner is... no one. Experienced Ledyard agent loses the listing. Map quest agent never sells the overpriced listing. And worst of all, duped seller doesn't sell their home that has now fallen in value to $260,000.

Sellers Beware! Be sure to consider the experience of the agents you interview. List your home with an agent that knows your neighborhood.

Here comes the straight talk: You might not like the price I give you, but I'd rather disappoint you now than let you down later.

Straight Talk on Tuesday Morning is an ongoing series for sellers in New London County who are willing to listen, roll up their sleeves, and do what they need to do to get their home sold. If your aren't serious about selling your home, then move along. There is nothing to see here.

Linda Davis has been selling real estate in Ledyard CT for 32 years. You'll find Linda's profile on her Online Business Card.