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As a seller how do YOU protect yourself?

As a seller how do YOU protect yourself?I mean how do you know if your broker is doing everything they can do to get your property sold. How do you ensure that a potential buyer does not slip thru the cracks? Does your broker gather all the information from you upfront and has it easily available to other brokers? And do they gather relevant information that you the seller may not have? Do they market the property accordingly?

I cannot tell you how frustrating it is when I have a buyer for a property that another broker has listed and there is no information available. Even more frustrating is when you try to contact the listing broker and they do not return calls, say they will get that information to you (but never do in a timely manner), and/or just give you lip service! I know that there is nothing more frustrating then to tell a qualified buyer, sorry I don't know, I am still waiting for the listing broker to get back to me, sorry but I am not allowed to call the seller myself. Even worse YOU the seller has no idea that you possibly just lost a sale because their broker is not doing their job.
Yes, I know you are saying well too bad for the seller, the buyer will find something else; and in most cases this is true! BUT what about those rare properties, the ones that only come along occasionally or the commercial properties! That is when it becomes even more frustrating!
Sellers here are a few things that YOU can ask your broker to make sure he/she is doing everything they can to market your property:As a seller how do YOU protect yourself?
  • Ask for a copy of the MLS data sheet
  • Ask for a list to all the links that your property is listed online
  • Ask for copies of all print marketing (fliers, ads, publications, direct mails , etc.)
  • Ask to be cc'd on marketing emails that go out in regards to your property
  • Ask for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly status updates from your broker
  • "Google" your property address to see where your property is listed

Sellers there are also a few things that YOU can do to help your broker:

  • Complete all documents that the broker gives you in a timely manner
  • Provide all and any information you have about the property to your broker
  • Listen to your broker about necessary repairs and/or staging tips and get them done
  • Have the property in show condition at all times
  • Let the property be shown when someone wants to see it

Sellers you have the right to work with brokers that work for YOU! When interviewing a listing broker it is your responsibility to make sure that the listing broker will meet your needs, that you trust the broker, and that you feel there will be a good working relationship. And most importantly find out what the listing broker is going to do to market YOUR property! Have them show you what they have done with other properties! Remember actions speak louder than words!

Posted Saturday Jan 28