Always an Example, but a Good One or a Bad One?

At least in my area of Sussex County, NJ, the real estate market is less robust than it was in years past - and I know this is true in most regions of our county.

Those who want to buy a home are not lining up at my door, taking numbers like we do at the deli counter of our local supermarket. Few home sellers are getting multiple offers the first week their home is listed in the MLS - even in one of our most popular towns, Sparta - Sparta NJ Real Estate Snapshot - Homes for Sale Market data.

My stance is that we real estate agents need to respond by doing more, not less, to help our clients fulfill their real estate goals.

Sounds pretty basic, right? Most of us are going that extra mile and trying everything to get win-win deals for our home buyers and sellers.

Here is an example of something new I tried to increase showings of a home I have listed for sale in Hamburg, NJ: Innovative Marketing - Free Lunch. Wish I could tell you that I had 50 agents bring buyers to see the home that day, that we got 10 offers, and that it is selling well over list price. Alas, we did have a slight increase in appointments during my 3-week publicity blitz, but no offers yet.

1. The Hamburg home sellers are thrilled to have been the "first" in this program.
2. They and I do believe that my flyer distribution, email notifications, online postings, etc., generated more activity.
3. I diligently contact every agent after he or she has shown my listing and get as much feedback as I can.
4. I share that feedback with my sellers just as soon as possible.

Was I a Good Example or Bad Example?

When my husband, Chip, and his dear friend, who I'll call Max, were having lunch, Max mentioned his interest in owning a farm outside Sussex County that met very special requirements. Now, Chip is a real estate agent who specializes in land in the New York, New Jersey region. Chip, who just happens to have an excellent working relationship with a great residential Realtor, proposed we team up to see if there was anything out there for Max.

Good Example or Bad Example?

We located one possibility and Max wanted a peek. The home for sale was vacant and had been on the market over 3 months. The guest house was rented. Chip does not have a lockbox key because parcels of land don't have lockboxes. The day most suited for Max to see the farm I had a closing. Chip phoned both listing agents (who also have an assistant) about arranging access. Close to Easter, both listing agents were going to be away and didn't want to "pay" another agent in their office to meet Chip and Max at the farm. They suggested he make his own arrangements - particularly as his wife's keybox worked in this area outside Sussex County.

Good or Bad?

Chip and Max did tour the property, although access to the guest house wasn't possible. Max had some continued interest but needed to explore different and complicated deal structures. More importantly, Mrs. Max would need to see the farm and weigh in. The listing agents did not contact Chip to find out what his buyer thought. Late last week, they processed an 11% price reduction but did not call Chip to tell him. (I got an alert via the MLS the MOMENT the price dropped!)

Good or Bad?

On Saturday, I spoke with one of the listing agents to make sure I could bring my interested folks the following day. Max, his wife, daughter and friendly dog met Chip and me at the farm on Mother's Day. I waited until the next day (yesterday) to call the listing agents to try to get answers to the questions the Max family had and to explain that nothing more will happen until we can see inside the guest house, which has just been vacated. I do believe the listing agents are now hustling...

Good Example or Bad Example?

Your desire to buy a home or to sell a home in Sussex County (anywhere!) is serious business. We're talking about a HUGE financial investment. I'd be delighted to work with you, hopefully show you the extras that the right real estate agent can offer and be

A Very Good Example!