All Listing Agents Aren't Created Equal

I happens to all Realtors. A seller has their house listed with Realtor, but continually lets you know how important it is that you push the sale of their house. I typically respond with something along the lines of "If I have a buyer in that price range we will consider everything available, but I am not going to push any house more than the next."

I've gotten two messages from people lately via Facebook suggesting I sell their house. Now these are listings I don't expect to have. The one seller has a very close family relationship with their Realtor, and the other is very good friends with theirs. In fact I don't even personally know the one person who suggested I sell his house, but he found me via AR/Facebook I'm guessing.

So that being said, the guy I don't know said "It doesn't matter who the listing agent is, anyone can list, we need someone who can sell" after I suggested he notify me when the listing expires. I am familiar with the house and believe I know what could get it sold, but I can't step on the current agents toes.

This struck me as odd. This suggests that all listing agents are created equal, and I respectfully disagree.

Gettysburg, PA Listing agents need to do a few things to be successful listing agents, because we are not all created equal.

1.) Pricing - While our pricing may be against the opinions of our sellers, getting it right is the MOST important factor. We don't want to miss the excitement period of a new listing or become stale on the market.

2.) Marketing - Gettysburg Listing Agents need to market the homes properly by highlighting the local benefits and location. They also need to take advantage of technology and the web. Most listings IDX to all real estate websites but what else is the agent doing to get the home "out there."

3.) Be Available - If you're listing agent isn't available they are likely missing a lot of leads coming from the sign or their marketing efforts. Some agents never answer their phones, and don't call back in a timely fashion. Answering the phone is very basic, but it's overlooked very often. I actually know a Realtor who doesn't answer numbers he doesn't know. I love numbers I don't know - LEADS.

4.) Knowledge - If you're a bank and listing foreclosures or a seller and listing your SHORT SALE you need an agent ready to go the extra mile to make this property available to settle. Anyone can list a short sale, but listing a short sale that can settle in a reasonable time frame is the key. There is no value to the seller or the buyer if it's going to take 6-8 months to get to settlement.

If you're listing your Gettysburg, PA give me a call I promise to provide all of the above and maybe a bit more.