Choosing Your Realtor Based on List Price

I just recently went on a listing presentation. I really wanted to get this listing because it is in a community that I want to break into. This was an expired listing that I sent my expired listing letter to and also a postcard. I was so excited when I got the call to sit down with them and go over with them what I can do for them to get their home sold. When I got there I found out that I am the 4th Realtor that they are interviewing for the job of selling their home. I am glad to hear that sellers are doing there homework and making sure that they are hiring the right person.

The sellers have a great home on a huge creek with a beautiful pool and lots of amenities in a gated golf course community. Their listing expired at $435,000 and was listed previously for 6 months. The sellers informed me that they had about 30 to 40 showings and one 2nd showing but no offers. The sellers agreed that their home did not sell because it was overpriced (I feel by at least $50,000). This is good news to hear because this is a hurdle that is usually difficult for sellers to get over.

The sellers were going to let me know who will be the one they hire in a few days. When I got the call I was told that they choose another Realtor. I asked them why they choose him over the others and they were honest with me which I appreciated. The choose him because of price and they felt my price suggestion was choose for a quick sale and not in their best interest.

This is disappointing to me because they knew their house did not sell the first time it was listed because it was overpriced. I don't know what kind of marketing plan the other Realtors presented but I think it is a little dangerous to choose a Realtor largely based on list price. I explained to them that I could tell them any price just to get the listing but my price is reflective of the current market value and I would be doing a disservice to them if I did otherwise.

It is tempting to set list price higher just to get the listing and then go for price reductions during the term of the listing. When you get no showings and are going for price reductions monthly or you get tons of showings and no offers the confidence the sellers have in your abilities to sell the home are shattered and it is hard to explain why you choose the high list price in the first place.

I wish them the best of luck and thanked them for their honesty with me. Most people would not have told me the truth and I really did appreciate that. I also wished them the best of luck in selling their home and if anything changes please to remember me. I hope they do sell their home but I have a feeling I will be sending them another expired listing letter in a few months time.

Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your home, answer questions or to help you in your search for homes for sale in Venice Florida. I currently serve customers in Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, South Venice, Laurel, Osprey and North Port Florida communities. As a private landowner, I also have Tennessee properties available in the Chattanooga area. Call or email me to receive a list of Tennessee properties available for sale.

Contact me by email at Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. Copyright©2009. By Kari A. Battaglia. All Rights Reserved.

Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com

www.DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com - view my listings, find valuable community info, links and much more.